Chennai: Yet another two models of "Palio", claimed to be a "runaway success" passenger car brand from the stable of Fiat India since its launch in September last, are to hit the Indian market next month, a top executive of the company said on April 11.

"The new variants - Palio adventure and Palio weekend – are expected to establish Palio as a front runner in the highly competitive Indian passenger car market," M P Bianchi, Managing Director of Fiat India Pvt Ltd told reporters here.

He said the new models, fitted with 100 bhp 1.6 litre petrol engine, had an array of novel features including impressive ground clearance, double railed roof track, long range lamps, stylish looks and large storage areas.

Palio adventure, a "cross" between a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and Multi Utility Vehicle (MUV) was to create a new segment in the Indian passenger car market he said adding the price range of the two new models would be less than Sienna weekend.

Bianchi said Palio range was expected to further boost the overall sales of the company in the current fiscal. Fiat sales figures for the month of March last have registered a 534 per cent increase over the corresponding period in the previous year and 31 per cent increase over February this year.

PTI