Bravo family is ready to grow

By Chris Thorp

16th February 2007

	The unloved Croma will also get a facelift to bring it into line with the firm's stylish new models

Last week, the firm announ­ced precise launch dates for its new SUV and the load-lugging version of the Bravo, and now we can reveal the shape of the two newcomers.

These images have been produced by Auto Express's contacts from the latest Fiat information. Top of the bill is the C X-Over (crossover).

As the name suggests, the newcomer will be based on the Bravo platform, which is Fiat's compact family model. The C X-Over will come with a four-wheel-drive transmission and is designed to take on Ford's forthcoming Focus 4x4 and the Toyota RAV4. Details are still under wraps, but Fiat has confirmed that the model will go on sale in 2009.

Measuring 4.5 metres in length, the C X-Over is the same size as another more conventional newcomer that's set to join the Italian line-up. A year after the soft-roader is launched, the Bravo family will grow to include a load-lugging estate variant. While it will offer a similar package to the SUV, it will take on Volkswagen's Golf Estate and Ford's load-lugging Focus.

Even though this model is still three years away, Fiat bosses have already confirmed that the estate will be called the Station Wagon and have a cheaper list price than the 4x4 version. However, that's not all from the firm, which has one of the busiest launch programmes of any mainstream maker over the next two years.

Highlights for 2007 include the unveiling of the Fiat 500 city car in September and the introduction of a hot Abarth flagship for the Grande Punto. The unloved Croma will also get a facelift to bring it into line with the firm's stylish new models.

Next year, a new compact MPV will be introduced, codenamed the Mini­cargo Panorama, along with a hot 500 Abarth and updated versions of the Grande Punto and Idea.

As well as the C X-Over, we can expect to see a 500 convertible in 2009, a new supermini-MPV and a facelifted Sedici mini off-roader.