Fiat Avventura is a rugged contemporary urban vehicle (CUV) that is being sold in three trim levels, which are Active, Dynamic and Emotion in both petrol and diesel engines. It has a 1.4-litre FIRE power plant, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1368cc. It has the ability of churning out a maximum of 88.7bhp in combination with a peak torque output of 115Nm. The 1.3-litre multijet mill is capable of producing 91.7bhp and a torque of 209Nm. Both these are mated with a five speed manual transmission gearbox. This CUV is offered with a rough road kit, which gives it a masculine stance. The exteriors have quite a few striking features, which gives it a captivating look. The list includes reindeer headlamps, a stylish radiator grille with chrome surround, sporty bumpers along with fenders, roof rails and protective claddings including gun-metal grey guard. This model series is bestowed with a set of 16-inch alloy wheels as standard, which further distinguishes its sporty appeal. It is not just stylish from outside, but also from insides. Its internal section is designed with an attractive color scheme with red illumination. It has an AC unit, in-car entertainment system, advanced instrumental cluster with several functions and many more. Furthermore, the car maker has offered high terrain gauges including compass and inclinometer, which are mounted on top of the center console. There are a lot of crucial safety attributes like ABS with EBD, door open indicator, 3-point seat belts and so on. There is also a smart driver airbag that deploys based on severity of collision. While the co-passenger side also has an airbag, which can be deactivated in case of collision. This CUV is competing against the likes of Toyota Etios Cross and Volkswagen Cross Polo in the Indian automobile market. The manufacturer is selling it with an attractive warranty period for three years or 100000 Kilometers (whichever is earlier). In addition to this, it is also available with 24x7 roadside emergency assistance for a period of 50 months, which is rather good.
Exteriors
To start with the front profile, it is fitted with reindeer headlight cluster that has projector style headlamps along with turn indicators. The radiator grille has a black perforated mesh and has a thick chrome surround as well. It is also fitted with a horizontally positioned strip, while the popular insignia is placed on the hood. The main highlight is the rugged bumper that is fitted with a black cladding featuring a protective guard with metallic finish. It is flanked by a pair of fog lamps that adds to the visibility. The large windscreen is made of green tinted glass and is accompanied by a set of intermittent wipers. Coming to its side profile, its wheel arches and doors are fitted with black colored protective moldings that add to its dynamic stance. The base variant has black colored door handles and ORVM caps. Others in the lineup have these in body color, wherein the B pillars are treated in high gloss black. The neatly carved wheel arches have been fitted with a set of alloy wheels, which makes it more competitive in the segment. These rims are covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres that give a superior grip on all road conditions. Its rear profile is quite attractive with an elegant taillight cluster featuring LED brake light and turn indicators. Its tailgate is large and fitted with a full size spare wheel. The windscreen is accompanied by a wiper along with a defogger. The rear bumper too is fitted with a cladding along with a metallic guard, which gives it a dynamic stance.
Exterior Measurements:
It is designed with an overall length of 3989mm and an impressive width of 1706mm (excluding wing mirrors). The decent height of 1542mm provides ample head room. It has a decent ground clearance of 205mm, which is quite good for off-roading. It has a large wheelbase of 2510mm that adds to the leg space inside.
Interiors
The internal section of this model series has been done up with a dual tone color scheme. The top end version also has ambient lighting scheme on its dashboard, which emphasizes the elegance of interiors. It is bestowed with an instrument cluster along with a compass and an inclinometer, a large glove box, a three spoke steering wheel with multi functional switches and AC vents. Its instrument panel has four round shaped meters that displays speed, tachometer, fuel level and provides several warning notifications for keeping the driver updated. The leather wrapped steering wheel is mounted with several multi-functional switches for additional comfort. Its center fascia has a high-gloss black finish and is integrated with a proficient AC unit along with a lot of storage spaces. The ergonomically designed seats are wide, well cushioned and have integrated head rests. The rear bench seat has folding facility, which helps in increasing the boot volume. Its driver's seat has height adjustment function and comes with proper lumbar support. All the seats are covered with good quality fabric upholstery that further adds to its plush appeal. There are also elements like sun visors, drink holders, map pockets, and vanity mirror.
Interior Comfort:
It gets a manually operated air conditioning system including a heater that keeps the entire cabin pleasant. The top end version gets automatic climate control unit, which also has rear AC vents. It is equipped with a foldable rear seat, desmodronic folding key with boot release and steering with tilt adjustment. In addition to these, it has intermittent wipers, electric boot release, compass and an inclinometer. Furthermore, its advanced instrument cluster has a few functions like a digital clock, odometer, multi-tripmeter, distance to empty indicator, programmable speed limit buzzer, service reminder and a digital tachometer. Its mid range Dynamic option has electrically adjustable outside mirrors, external temperature display, tilt adjustable steering wheel and height adjustable driver's seat. Its top end Emotion option has 60:40 split folding rear seat, leather cover for steering wheel including gearshift lever, rear window defogger with wiper and washer. Furthermore, it also has ambient lighting system on dashboard that adds to its elegance.
Interior Measurements:
There is ample leg and shoulder space available inside owing to its long wheelbase and decent width. It has a decent 280 litre boot compartment, which can be increased further by folding rear bench seat. It is also bestowed with a huge 45 litre fuel tank is reasonably good and helps in planning longer trips.
Acceleration & Pick-Up
With the help of a five speed manual transmission gear box, the diesel motor can attain a top speed of approximately 165 Kmph. At the same time, it takes only about 13.6 seconds to reach a 100 Kmph speed mark. The petrol drive train is mated with the same sophisticated 5-speed manual transmission gearbox. It allows to accelerate from 0 to 100 Kmph speed mark in just 10.9 seconds and helps it to reach a maximum speed of 178 Kmph.
Engine and Performance
As said above, this CUV is available in both petrol and diesel engine options for the buyers to choose from. All the petrol variants are equipped with a naturally aspirated 1.4-litre, FIRE engine that displaces 1368cc. It is integrated with 4-cylinders and 16-valves based on DOHC valve configuration. It is further incorporated with a multi-point fuel injection system that allow it to produce 88.7bhp at 6000rpm in combination with a peak torque output of 115Nm at 4500rpm, which is rather decent for Indian road conditions. On the other hand, its diesel trim are fitted with a 1.3-litre Multijet engine, which also has turbocharger. This 4-cylinder based power plant is also based on double overhead camshaft valve configuration and it can displace 1248cc. This motor is incorporated with a common rail fuel injection system, which enables the vehicle to deliver a decent fuel economy. It can belt out a maximum power of output of 91.7bhp at 4000rpm that results in 209Nm of commanding torque output at 2000rpm. The car maker has skilfully mated both these engines with a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox that sends the torque output to the front wheels.
Mileage
The oil burner comes with a common rail based fuel injection technology that enhances its fuel economy. This motor has the ability to return around 17 Kmpl approximately within the city limits, while this figure goes up to 20.3 Kmpl on the bigger roads. While the FIRE mill has a multi point fuel injection system. It can generate a minimum of 12 Kmpl on city roads and this figure goes up to a maximum of 14.4 Kmpl on highways.
Power of Fiat Avventura
The turbocharged 1.3-litre mill has the ability of churning out a maximum of 91.7bhp at 4000rpm in combination with a peak torque of 209Nm at just 2000rpm. Meanwhile, the other motor belts out 88.7bhp at 6000rpm and generates a commanding torque output of 115Nm at 4500rpm, which is rather good for Indian road conditions.
Braking & Handling
The company has bestowed it with a proficient braking as well as reliable suspension mechanism, which keeps it stable in every condition. Its front wheels are fitted with a set of ventilated disc brakes, while the rear ones are equipped with high performance drum brakes. There is also anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution system, which reinforces the braking mechanism. For maintaining good stability, there is an independent wheel assembled on its front axle, while the rear one gets a torsion beam type of mechanism. Both these axles are further loaded with helical coil springs along with double acting telescopic dampers and stabilizer bars that enables it to deal with all jerks caused on roads. It has a hydraulic power assisted steering system, which provides precise response and reduces the efforts required by driver.
Safety & Security
It comes with crucial safety aspects, which provides good protection to the vehicle and for its passengers as well. It has automatic door lock, central locking system, door open indicator and fire prevention system. The advanced immobilizer with rolling code that safeguards it from theft and any unauthorized entry. Meanwhile, its top end variant has some additional features like height adjustable front headrests and anti lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution, 3-point ELR seat belts with pre-tensioner and load limiter. In addition to these, it also has front air bags with early crash sensor and passenger airbag deactivation function, central locking system, automatic door locking system and several other aspects.
Wheels
The flared up wheel arches are fitted with a classy set of 16-inch alloy wheels, which enhances the look of its side profile. These rims are further covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres of size 205/55 R16, which provides excellent grip on any road condition.
Pros
1. Ground clearance of 205mm is a big plus point.
2. Initial cost of ownership is quite reasonable.
3. FIRE engine performance is quite impressive.
4. Plush interior design with excellent cabin space.
5. Sporty body kit adds to its advantage.
Cons
1. Minimum turning radius is quite high.
2. After sales service network needs to improve.
3. ABS with EBD can be given as standard for all variants.
4. Fuel economy can be made better.
5. Lack of reverse parking sensors and camera is a disadvantage
Looking forward to book Avventura,! This is my dream SUV waiting for years.