Fiat India bid goodbye to Indian retail sales sometime in 2019 and the company has not re-established a retail presence here since then. However, we recently spotted a Fiat test mule testing in Bengaluru with heavy camouflage. This was a pleasant surprise as it was also seen globally as the F2X SUV.
Now, Fiat has launched the production version of the F2X SUV in both SUV and coupe versions called Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback. Both these SUVs are scheduled to launch in the global markets by the end of 2026 and the million dollar question is whether it will launch in India and kickstart Fiat’s India operations.
Fiat Grizzly global SUV launched
The Fiat Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback are both based on the Grande Panda, but positioned above it in the global lineup. Fiat is positioning the Grizzly as a versatile SUV for family use and is the primary rival to the Renault Bigster, with a length of around 4.5 metres. The platform underpinning the Fiat Grizzly is Stellantis’ smart car architecture.
This architecture underpins the Fiat Grande Panda, (global) Citroën C3, Citroën Aircross and even the Opel Frontera. We can also see some Citroën influence in the design, especially with the rear doors and C pillars. Talking about the design, we can see square wheel arches, fascia and bonnet as well as an illuminated grille, geometric design for the alloy wheels and connected style LED tail lights.
Only the Fiat Grizzly Fastback has a sloping coupe roofline and looks like an evolved Citroën Basalt. The Grizzly Fastback also has its own wheel design. Other notable elements with both are black painted body cladding, faux skid plates, clamshell bonnet, conventional door handles, high ground clearance, conventional antenna and more.
The interior of both the Fiat Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback is yet to be revealed, but a refined interior and segment-leading cargo space are promised. Looking at these SUVs, we want Fiat to make a comeback in India as the market is now mature and growing quite fast. There were rumors of Fiat’s return, but this has not been officially confirmed.
Powertrain, Specifications
The Fiat Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback are powered by a range of powertrains including petrol, petrol mild hybrid and pure EV. The petrol and petrol mild hybrid powertrains of the Stellantis are expected to be based on the 1.2L turbo petrol engine. Even the EV versions may borrow battery packs and drivetrains from other Stellantis offerings.
In Fiat’s global lineup, the Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback are expected to indirectly replace the Fiat Tipo, Pulse and Fastback. Europe, Middle East, Latin America and Africa are some of the expected markets where the Fiat Grizzly and Grizzly fastback SUVs could be launched by the end of 2026.
