Now, thanks to the automaker's sprawling empire of brands, we have a look at two of the vehicles planned for America, albeit in something of a disguise. Fiat has just revealed the first images of its latest SUVs in Europe, but they're significant for the US because they will become the Chrysler Arrow and The Chrysler Arrow Cross.
Chrysler Arrow Will Be The Fiat Grizzly Underneath
At the Stellantis announcement event, the company's chief of design led CarBuzz Senior Writer Tom Murphy and a group of journalists to see some of the 20 new or refreshed vehicles bound for US dealers. The Chrysler Arrows were part of that quick tour, but no photos were allowed.
Chrysler is a brand without a product. Since the 300 went away three years ago, the company's only nameplate has been the Pacifica (or the rebadged cheap version of it). Now it will get a crossover-coupe and a square crossover, and they will be based on the same platform (and sheetmetal) used by the Fiat Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback.
A Closer Look At Grizzly
Both versions of the Grizzly are typical Fiat. They are smallish vehicles (in this case about 15 feet long) that look more fashionable and more expensive than they are. The Grizzly is loaded with character, including its flared fenders, wheels that look like an intersection, and an array of accent lights up front. The Grizzly Fastback is equally chic, though its fastback rear end design looks strangely familiar.
Using Fiat's platform is smart. "This is what they do, right?" Gilles said of the brand, referring to small cars and crossovers. "So we leverage them with very little change, in fact, only the lighting on the grille."
Will This Rebadged Fiat Do Better Than The Hornet?
Fiat says the two models will offer best-in-class cargo space, though since no figures were announced, we can't compare that with US rivals. The upright model will have more total room in the back, but the Fastback will be longer and able to hold longer items that don't need vertical space.
The two will offer gas, hybrid, and fully electric models in Europe. Gas and hybrid versions will make it to the US, but with the current market largely unfriendly to EVs, that one might stay across the pond for a bit. The shared platform should make it easy to adapt and adjust to changing markets fairly quickly, should that be necessary.
Gilles identified a very particular customer for the new Chryslers. "It's that practical customer who has maybe more money, but they don't want to spend it on a car. This is all they need, so we're ready for them."
At least one of the two Arrows is set to start under $30,000 in the US. With only the aging Jeep Compass technically starting under the 30 grand mark (it goes over once destination charges are included), the company's US dealers are clamoring for a model like this to sell.
A compact Italian crossover with a different badge for sale in the US? Sounds a lot like the ill-fated Dodge Hornet. Will a Fiat Chrysler find more love? Chrysler is sure hoping it does.
