Crossover coupes are gradually popping up in mainstream market brands, much to the chagrin of the premium manufacturers.
What started as a niche offering established by BMW’s X6 has grown to include models like the Porsche Cayenne S Coupe and the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.
The examples in this market segment adopt what’s been dubbed a “coupe design,” donning a fastback roofline, which has a steeply raked rear window, on an SUV or crossover.
So, while the cargo space is reduced because of this fastback roofline, the look is sportier and supposedly more individualistic. And clients are willing to pay extra for a drink from this alleged automotive fountain of youth.
Change is in the wind
Now, the non-premium brands decided the fancy makes should not get all the fun, and yes, the profits, all to themselves.
Hence the arrival of models for such as the VW Atlas Cross Sport and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, that feature the fastback roofline.
Now, a brand that could definitely benefit from a coupe crossover is Fiat, whose U.S. line-up is made up of just ONE lone model: the aging 500X crossover. However, change may be closer than you think. Fiat just launched in Mexico the new Fastback, a crossover coupe that might create showroom traffic and sales in the Fiat dealers in the U.S.
This model straddles the line between the B and the C segments and is made in Brazil, as are all the Fiat models sold in Mexico, with the exception of the Ducato commercial van imported from Poland. It is the diesel-engined counterpart of the Ram Pro Master van.
Bolstering sales figures
Sales figures for Fiat in Mexico were 5,328 units in 2020, while in 2021 sales reached 7,250 units. This number dropped to 5,633 units in 2022, due to pandemic derived supply problems.
From January to April 2023, Fiat has sold 3,501 units which points to a healthy sales increase. Currently, Fiat has 160 dealers in Mexico.
The Fiat Fastback is powered by a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine that is basically the same used in the Jeep Renegade in America. Its power and torque are almost identical to the one the Jeep Renegade has; it makes 173 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque. The American market version of the Renegade makes 199 lb-ft.
It is only offered in Mexico with a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting mode with paddle shifters and front-wheel drive.
The Fiat Fastback is based on the MLA platform, which it shares with another small crossover and hatchback. Its suspension set up is hardly groundbreaking, but it is expected to enjoy decent handling due to its simple design consisting of a McPherson strut up front and a Torsion beam in the rear.
Ground clearance is 7.63 inches and, in spite of the high riding height, this vehicle does feel sure footed.
Plenty to like
It has ADAS systems like Lane-Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Automatic Braking and Automatic Dimming headlamps.
It has four airbags for the driver and front passenger, but the side ones are large and offer torso and head protection.
The cabin has a 7-inch digital and reconfigurable instrument cluster and its infotainment system features wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. It has USB A and C ports as well as Qi Wireless charging. Upholstery is synthetic leather.
Fiat took care to design the sloping roofline in a way that does not reduce rear seat headroom and the trunk is commendably roomy, with a 21 cubic feet capacity.
The Fiat Fastback sells in Mexico in two versions, both of them powered by the 1.3-liter turbo. The base model is the Audace, priced at 515,000 pesos which considering an exchange rate of 18.37 pesos per U.S. dollar would be about $28,000. The higher trim level is the Impetus, priced at 550,000 pesos or a little under $30,000.
The new Fiat Fastback could increase sales for the Italian brand in the U.S., injecting some life into Fiat showrooms across the country that are looking more and more stale as its only offering, the 500X is getting really old.