Italian automaker, Fiat has officially announced the name of the upcoming compact SUV, codenamed Project 363. Called the Fiat Pulse, the name was finalised via a public pole. This baptism competed with the Tuo and Domo options. The new compact SUV will be launched between September and October in Brazil.
This is the brand’s first compact SUV to be sold in Brazil, with production to begin in Betim (MG). The Fiat Pulse is based on the new modular platform called MLA, which is basically the evolved version of Argo’s PM1. The platform has high strength steel and is stronger and stiffer, and is expected to do well in the Latin NCAP crash test.
Fiat claims that 65% voted for the Pulse name, while Domo and Tuo secured 25% and 10% votes respectively. The Fiat Pulse will have a wheelbase of 2,532mm, which is 11mm longer than the one offered with the Argo. It will directly rival the Honda WR-V and the VW Nivus, which come with wheelbase of 2,555mm and 2,566mm respectively. It is expected that the new model could measure around 4 meters in length.
The Fiat Pulse will be positioned below the Jeep Renegade in the FCA’s line-up. The Renegade competes with majority of the models measuring between 4.2 meters to 4.4 meters in length. The new compact SUV features the brand’s new design theme, which we have already seen on the Argo and the Strada. The vehicle gets upright front fascia with wide wraparound headlamps and a wide grille that accommodates a big Fiat logo in the centre. There is an aggressive bumper that houses triangular shaped fog lamps. It sports a prominent chin and a thick black cladding that runs across the width. There is a rugged skid plate that gives it a strong presence.
The SUV gets sculpted hood, chrome bar running above the grille and LED headlamps. There is a strong character line that runs across the width, and a partial cladding is also offered at the bottom. At the back, the Fiat Pulse has wraparound tail-lights, a sculpted tailgate, roof integrated spoiler with brake lights, dual-tone bumper with silver skid plate and a dual exhaust setup.
Fiat has announced that the compact SUV is fitted with features like four airbags, an infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and compatibility with the Fiat Connect Me application. The Connect Me application will allow user to start the car and the lock the doors using a smartphone.
The new Pulse compact SUV will be powered by a new 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that will produce around 120bhp of power and 196Nm of torque. This engine will be paired to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The other engine options will include the 1.3-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine that produces 109bhp of power and 140Nm of torque. This engine will be paired to a CVT-type gearbox. The vehicle is also expected to receive a new 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which also powers the South American-spec Jeep Compass.
