BA readers know Premier India, is all-set to launch a new Premier Rio version in January 2012. Now once again the Premier Rio facelifted was spotted on the Pune roads during the trail-run, its just another confirmation of the same. The heavily camouflaged test mule doesn’t offer many details on the revamped version. But, the speculations are rife that the new version is not much different from the outgoing model.
Premier Rio is the only entry-level SUV and passenger vehicle offered by the auto major in the country. To many the car was a not so good option as an SUV while other praised it for its pricing. One of the major setbacks for the company was the inability to launch Rio in 13 major cities because of the fact that it featured a BS III engine. Currently, the SUV is offered in both the petrol and diesel engine trims with just the basic essential features of what is expected of an SUV.
One of the major setbacks for the company was the inability to launch Rio in 13 major cities because of the fact that it featured a BS III engine. Now the company was in talks with Fiat so that the latter could supply its popular 1.3-liter Multijet diesel engine for the upgraded Rio. The Anti-Lock Braking system (ABS) was apparently present in the spotted version. However, the top-end Rio SUV also carries this feature, so we cannot say much about on this if this is a new addition or it is the high-end variant which is being tested.
The steering wheel definitely carries a pronounced change with lot of chrome inserts making it look more upmarket. The new facelifted Rio gets bigger wrapped around headlights which look similar to the Fiesta classic, new taillights, re-designed front and rear bumper, rear spoiler, front grille and a set of new alloy wheels.
Talking about the launch, the company is not going to showcase any products at 2012 Auto Expo, so we can expect the Rio facelift to be launched anytime in January 2012. The Multijet powered Rio too should go on sale at the same time, price is expected to fall close to Rs. 6 lakhs.
Also see – Spied – Premier Rio facelifted
Premier Rio gets Fiat’s 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine
See more spied pictures of Premier Rio facelifted –
Image Credit – Motorbeam
