New Alfa Romeo and Fiat models set for Australian market

ANYTHING within the Fiat Chrysler Group in right hand drive that presents a compelling case will be considered for Australia.

The sexy Alfa Romeo 4C is set to arrive early next year.

ANYTHING within the Fiat Chrysler Group in right hand drive that presents a compelling case will be considered for Australia.

A raft of product is already earmarked for Australian market.

Most notably is the Fiat Panda city car that's due to arrive in the last quarter this year. Next year a cross-over four-wheel drive version of the Panda will be considered.

We saw the Panda in the metal last week, and it's an amazingly spacious offering.

It also features some quirky internal styling which is sure to appeal to fashion-conscious city car buyers.

One of the most exciting introductions is the four-seat, rear-wheel drive 4C. The sporty model, which resonates Alfa Romeo style, is forecast to arrive early in 2014.

But first cab off the rank this year is the Fiat Freemont sports utility vehicle which has seven-seat capability. The Freemont should be launched in April.

Other offerings planned are:

• Abarth limited editions
• Doblo van, and possibly Fiorino van in 2014
• Fiat Grande Punto, four-door hatch in the second half of this year
• The four-door version of the Fiat 500, next year and then an SUV variant of the pint-sizer in 2015
• Then in 2015 will see the return of the Spider, a car being developed in conjunction with Mazda.

The Fiat Panda has brilliant internal finishes, and management are promising sharp pricing.