Istanbul show: Fiat outs Aegea

FIAT has chosen the Istanbul motor show to tear the sheets off its palindromic small sedan, highlighting the importance of Turkeys passenger vehicle market in the Fiat Chrysler global empire.

For the time being, the Italian car-maker is referring to the new model as the Fiat Aegea Project in recognition of Turkish operations, since the establishment of a local Fiat outfit in 1968.

Turkey will be one of the largest target markets for the new baby sedan and, while the vehicle will be offered in other global regions including wider Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Australia wont be one of them for now.

FCA corporate communications director Lucy McLellan told GoAuto that while the Aegea is not chalked for Australia at this stage, all Fiat products were considered where feasible.

“There’s no immediate plans to introduce the Fiat Aegea into our Australian line-up,” she said. “But of course we never completely rule anything out, and should the Aegea become available in right-hand drive for our market, then it is something we could consider.”

Fiat says the new vehicle was conceived as an all-new concept and not “a hatchback with a boot” but measuring 4500mm long, 1780mm wide and 1480mm tall, the Aegea is likely to share a platform with an FCA cousin such as the similarly sized Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

The new model will go on sale with a choice of either two petrol or two MultiJet diesel engines producing a range of torque and power outputs between 70kW and 90kW, with the most efficient versions returning fuel economy of 4.0 litres per 100km.

Fiat says the Aegea will adhere to the company's styling and quality standards and will bring the “latest technological features” including the FCA Uconnect information and entertainment system and 5.0 inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, voice controls, USB and iPod connectivity.

Satellite navigation, and reversing camera will also be available amongst a range of options. Its boot offers 510 litres of volume and its cabin seats five occupants.

The Aegea was designed in Italy but developed in Turkey, with construction also staying local at the Bursa manufacturing plant.