We have posted a couple of news on the most affordable compact SUV yet, the Premier Rio, and not so surprisingly many of our readers have liked the same for its low cost. Last seen at the 2012 Auto Expo, the SUV could not be launched in BS IV cities (metropolitans and other major cities) as the diesel engine was not complying with the norms but then we came to know that Premier is in talks with Fiat for a new 1.3 l MultiJet engine.At the Expo the company promised that the 1.3 Litre Multijet Rio will arrive in April and recently it has reassured us. The compact SUV segment has not been established yet as the launch of Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster is due but Rio is on track to be the first one to enter the segment. Not just a new engine but the company is also working on expanding its dealership and service station network so as to support the new 1.3 Multijet Rio more confidently.
First talking about the engine, it was speculated that Fiat will install the 1.3 L Multijet 90 BHP engine but actually it is in talks for a less powerful 75 BHP version which would easily be sold in metros. Diesel engines are only known for their torque output and we are sure Premier would increase the torque output of the 75 BHP unit before placing it under the hood.
Video- Premier Rio Compact SUV India
As we mentioned above in this post, Premier Automobiles is working on expanding the dealership and service station network to aide the sales of Rio across the nation. At present the current count is 50 and the manufacturer will expand the network to a total of 80 by June 2012. The new dealerships will be located across the nation in all the regions: 2 dealerships in the East Zone, 4 dealerships in the South Zone, 10 dealerships in the North Zone and 9 dealerships in the West Zone.
Premier Authorized Services Station, the official Premier after sales service, is not expanded yet but the company promises to increase the number of such centers to 200 by June. By the end of this year, December 2012, the company is planning to have 100 dealerships and 300 service centers. To provide 24×7 roadside breakdown assistance, Premier has also made a tie up IndiaAssistance. We strongly feel all these efforts will eventually help the company pick up a better sales pace.
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