2010 Mg3

[daewoo-chevrolet]

The first spy photos of the Fiat Grande Punto based Roewe 250:

http://photocdn.sohu.com/20090414/Img263374108.jpg


http://photocdn.sohu.com/20090414/Img263373716.jpg


http://photocdn.sohu.com/20090414/Img263373737.jpg

Source: http://auto.sohu.com/20090414/n263373098.shtml

[daewoo-chevrolet]

Fiat Grande Punto:







I thought Fiat had already ended its joint venture with NAC...

[dragin]

Yes, this does come as a surprise,D-C. But then Fiat has been scrambling to maintain her presence everywhere from the USA to Guangzhou,Chongqing, and Wuhu. So maybe it's to be expected that she keeps her fingers in the remnants of NAC overtaken by SAIC.

[Analyst]

Here are some interesting comments:

The reason it looks like a Fiat is because it is a Fiat! Look at the badge insert at the back. It’s made for a Fiat badge…

That isn’t a Rover 25-based car.
It is Fiat Grande Punto with a new front bumper cover.
The rest of the bodywork is unchanged from the Fiat.

If it was on a Rover 25 platform the fuel filler and exhaust would be on the opposite sides.

If you want my guess, it is a mule vehicle testing the powertrain of a new Roewe vehicle (hence the new bumper/grille, to ensure correct airflow to the radiator and intake), within a Punto body because it has similar weight and dimensions to a vehicle that as yet does not exist in the metal. This saves tooling up a full prototype vehicle just to test the powertrain.

I have high hopes that this is the case. SAIC has thus far played by the rules and a copycat car would be a disaster.

@dragin:

Maintain her presence in the USA? FIAT has been out of the US since the 70s.

[Rally Red Lancer GTS]

But Fiat is in negotiations to "merge" with Chrysler, in efforts to save both of their collective hindquarters, literally. Just a matter of time before Chrysler goes bankrupt.

The move would give Fiat access to Chrysler U.S. showrooms, and, Chrysler could offer cars like the small Fiat 500 to Americans who might be looking for such a car.

[frdsmth9]

The Roewe 250 is radically different from the Rover 25, leading itself to more of a Fiat Punto style design, but will of course have that hint of British elegance about it that other mini car producers just fail to invoke in their designs.

[PGMJ]

I found sometime ago in the web some pics (Photoshopped ones certainly) of the Roewe 150, which seems to be the same as the Roewe 250. It's basically a 3rd generation FIAT Punto with Roewe grille and logo. Here are they.

[thomasgilling]

I get the impression that the 150 is going to be the car for people who just want the badge? And the 250 is more for people serious about Roewe, but need a everyday car.

[KiwiGuy]

From China Car Times- This one's been out a while

The Roewe 150, or possibly 250, will be Roewe’s first small car, an actual launch date has yet to be announced, but it could be unveiled at an end of year auto show, possibly Beijing or Guangzhou. The 150 is probably not going to be based off the Rover 25 platform, as it is a little bit too long in the tooth for modern day application.
It has to be stressed that the above mock ups are an artists impression of what might come from Roewe, but if this is what’s coming, then we certainly think it’s lacking in character, and style.

[chai029]

The Roewe sure lacks in style and character but it sure looks promising to me... I'm alwasy look for the car's engine performance so let's see if the car's performance could pass...