Replacing the Punto-based Linea and expected to rival the recently launched Volkswagen Virtus and segment leading Chevrolet Prisma, the Cronos will be build at Fiat's Cordoba Plant in Argentina, and not only incorporates styling from the Argo but also the Tipo.
Due to go on sale in the first quarter of next year with pricing from R $50 000 (R213 046), the Cronos' interior will more than likely mirror that of the Argo, with notable items being a seven-inch UConnect touchscreen display, a 3.5-or seven-inch TFT instrument cluster and a number of Mopar accessories.
Underneath the bonnet, the Cronos will initially be offered with a choice of two engines both carried over from the Argo; the 1.3-litre Firefly producing 80 kW and 139 Nm when running on ethanol, and the new 1.8-litre E.torQ Evo that punches out 104 kW and 189 Nm.
A five-speed manual or five-speed automated manual gearbox, the latter dubbed Gear Smart Ride, will be available on the 1.3, while the 1.8 will feature a six-speed automatic as the sole option. Bar the sporting HGT, trim levels for the Cronos will likely consist of the entry-level Drive and top spec Precision.
At present, neither the Argo or Cronos are scheduled to touch down in South Africa due to possible overlapping with the Tipo, although reports have claimed that the former could reach India next year, meaning availability in right-hand-drive.
