There is also the added possibility of importing a 1.9 litre diesel engine for the Siena to complement its 1.7 litre version. However, this seems unlikely as the company believes that the Siena's present engine capacity and horse power are more than adequate for Indian conditions.

The Siena and Uno are manufactured at Fiat Ind Auto's plant in Kurla whichhas a capacity of 60,000 vehicles. Plans are on to introduce the Palio Weekend by the first half of next year. It was Ford India (then Mahindra Ford) which first felt the need for a larger petrol engine when consumers virtually gave the cold shoulder to the 1.3 litre Escort and opted for the diesel version instead. The rejection was attributed to the "smallness" of the petrol engine which prompted Ford to introduce the larger 1.6 litre Zetec version.

This could be the reason why Fiat is also considering such an option though there is no dire need yet. The Italian automaker is currently in the process of introducing a CNG (compressed natural gas) version of the Siena which should hit the roads by the first quarter of next year. A similar exercise is being attempted for the Uno though there have been some teething problems fitting the CNG cylinder in the boot.

Ford and Fiat, it may be recalled, are conducting a feasibility exercise on the prospects of manufacturing engines in either of their plants in Kurlaor Chennai. The objective of this alliance is to kick off a localisation programme on engine development. Fiat officials said the tie-up could even result in the formation of a separate joint venture with equity participation from both companies. The results of the study will be made public towards the end of December.