The FIAT brand has been on a roll with its recent product launches and it doesn’t look like its about to stop. Recently, FIAT Brazil has been releasing a series of teasers surrounding its newest vehicle, internally called Project 363. Project 363 is one of the most anticipated SUV launches in Brazil this year, so we thought we would dig a bit deeper into what all the hype is about thanks to our friends at Auto Segredos (Auto Secrets).
The new yet-to-be-named Project 363 will be based on the MP1 platform, sharing much of its components with the successful Fiat Argo B-Segment hatchback. According to sources, it will share much of Argo’s styling including its doors. As for the interior, it too should be a carryover from the Argo. The new FIAT SUV will be exclusive to Mexico, Latin America, and South America regions, or the same areas that sell the Argo.
Project 363, is only one part of the FIAT brand’s move to more of a crossover type offerings, as it has shown with the recent unveiling of the 2021 Fiat Tipo Cross in the EMEA region. The 363 will be taller, offer larger tires, and get more of a crossover-like suspension upgrade, which should beneficial across the harsh backroads of Latin and Central America. We are even told to expect a more aggressive look to the vehicle to go with its more crossover-like personality.
Power will come from a 1.3-liter Firefly inline-four-cylinder or a 1.0-liter turbocharged Firefly inline-three-cylinder from Stellantis’ Global Small Engine (GSE) family. The 1.3-liter should produce around 100 horsepower and 99 lb.-ft. of torque on gasoline or 108 horsepower and 104 lb.-ft. of torque on ethanol. The smaller turbocharged 1.0-liter currently is rated at 118 horsepower and 140 lb.-ft. of torque on gasoline, but some are saying it could get a 130 horsepower variant. Both should engines should be mated to automatic transmissions, but expect that a manual transmission will be offered as standard equipment with the base engine.
Following in the footsteps of the new Fiat Strada sub-compact pickup, the 363 will have front and side airbags as standard equipment. Other safety features will include traction and stability control, as well as Hill-Start Assist. Another technology that the 363 will feature is 4G internet thanks to a partnership with telephone carrier TIM. The customer will be able to make payments with a VISA card for the service.
The new 363 will make its debut in August and will be one of the prizes won by the winner of the ‘Big Brother Brazil ’21” of (BBB21). The vehicle will be revealed at the end of the program. FIAT Brazil has launched a teaser minisite for the vehicle at www.suv.fiat.com.br showcasing several behind the scenes video of the development of 363.
To learn more about the 2022 Fiat (Project 363), you can visit AutoSegredos.com.br. To discuss the new Project 363, be sure to visit the MoparInsiders.com forums.
