Fiat is developing a new SUV based on a shortened variant of the platform that underpins the Fiat Viaggio/Dodge Dart. The new SUV will be manufactured in China and in the Unites States. The new SUV will be smaller than the Jeep Cherokee, which is also base don the Viaggio/Dart. In the U.S. the platform will be called CUSW, standing for ‘Compact U.S. Wide’.

In China the new SUV will be aimed straight at the successful Volkswagen Tiguan, Skoda Yeti, and Ford Kuga (Escape). Power will come from a 1.4 turbo T-Jet engine in two different tunes: 120hp or 150hp, both mated to a 5-speed manual or a DCT. The new SUV will be manufactured by the Guangzhou-Fiat joint venture that also makes the Fiat Viaggio and will soon start making the Jeep Cherokee.

Price for the new SUV will start around 175.000 yuan and end around 225.000 yuan.