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New Chrysler Arrow Crossovers Already Look Too Much Like Fiat Models.

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Stellantis just announced 3 new Chrysler models we will be seeing in less than 3 years. We know the first one will be the new Chrysler Airflow Crossover. Burt smaller and cheaper Arrow and Arrow Cross are on their way as well.

And from what we have seen so far, these look a lot like the recently announced new Fiat Grizzly. Available in 2 body styles, just like the Arrow. And as you can see, the 2 Chrysler models under cover look surprisingly very similar to the 2 Grizzly versions. Which means the new cheaper Chryslers could just be Chrysler versions of the Fiat Grizzly. Which, in my opinion, isn’t great news.

Unlike the Airflow which is rumored to be based on the all-new STLA One platform, the Grizzly is based on the new Grande Panda that came out last year. A cool and modern looking car, full of personality. But it is a very inexpensive car. the Grizzly is of course a bit larger and more expensive than the Panda, but still. These will be inexpensive Fiat models. Powered by Stellantis 1.2 Liter engine that has had a pretty bad reputation in Europe. However, this will probably be offered as a Hybrid and possibly an EV as well.

Still, a Chrysler should be a bit better. And from what we see in the images above, it seems the Chrysler and Fiat versions will share many body panels.

Besides the front end that looks a lot like the new Panda, the Grizzly looks very anonymous and very generic. Which is exactly what Chrysler doesn’t need. It needs to stand out to make the brand relevant again. A new cheap and generic car doesn’t seem to be the best idea for a rebirth of an American brand. And actually seems to show a total misunderstanding of the US market and the Chrysler brand in general.

But maybe I’m all wrong and the Arrow could send up looking nothing like its Fiat cousin after all. Who knows…

It’s early and there is still hope. Hope that the new car does look like a proper Chrysler. Whatever that even measn these days…

Conversation 7 comments

  1. Stellantis not understanding product placement in the American market. Who’d have guessed that?

    (Electric Dodge Charger. Jeep Grand Wagoneer. The new Jeep Cherokee. Killing all the Dodge V8s until they have to bring them back. Killing the RAM midsize Dakota until they have to bring them back. Still selling the Fiat500 here)

    And they chose these instead of Peugeots? What a POS company Stellantis is.

  2. Stellantis continues to make it difficult to cheer on the former Chrysler brands. A 1.2-liter is going to compete how?

  4. Everyone is jumping to conclusions that they are Fiat based when Kuniskis said, “They will be on a shared and proven European platform.” The company has several models with those particular shapes across every lineup, so anything could be under those covers and no one who actually got to see the Chrysler twins has confirmed what they actually look like. If they haven’t learned from the Hornet/Tonale debacle, then I’ve given Tim way too much credit. As for US 4 bangers, we only have the new 1.6T and 2L Hurricane, so it won’t be using anything else.

  5. Stellantis has made serious errors with branding.
    Dodge, Opel, Vauxhall – regional brands, sharing some platforms aiming at a youthful sporty brand, like Cupra. Bring the Charger to Europe as an Opel Sports car, use the Mokka as a new Hornet in US.

    Chrysler, Peugeot – regional brands semi premium classic, think VW, Hyundai

    Plymouth, Citroën – regional entry level brands say Dacia in Europe.

    Lancia – Global luxury brand, (Bentley)

    Alfa Romeo – Global sports car brand, (Lotus)

    Maserati – Global premium brand, Mercedes and BMW

    FIAT – Global chic brand (Mini)

    JEEP – Global SUV brand (Land Rover)

  6. They may have to pull an engine back to NA, because the new 1.6T or Hurricane will fit in the Smart Car Platform, so likely the 1.3L Firefly with the 9AT or the hybrid version with the 6- or 7 speed eDCT. The 1.3L is still in the MX Renegade and Commander models, so it wouldn’t be a stretch to throw it under the bonnet of the Arrow twins. Whatever they do from this platform for Chrysler at least the front, rear, maybe roof and interior will be unique enough to feel like an all new product, since we currently don’t have anything in the segment from Stellantis. Going after the Buick Encore GX and Envista will be an interesting battle, but they still have models like the CX30 to deal with. I’m assuming they could do the MINI thing with a “Pinnacle” trim and go all out on features for the segment.

  7. It looks like the Chrysler brand is being moved down market to cover the mainstream segment. I always thought that the brand could do well competing against Buick in the affordable luxury segment, but it appears as though Stellantis has other plans.

    I think “Arrow” and “Airflow” are weak names to use to expand the brand. “Acclaim”, “Valiant”, “Conquest”, “Chronos” (not to be confused with the subcompact Fiat Cronos sedan that is sold in South America), “Vision”, or “Horizon” all seem to be stronger names for the new crossovers that are being added to Chrysler’s lineup. I know the 1934 Airflow was an innovative design for its time, but its significance may not be well known outside of enthusiast circles (it was also a sales flop for Chrysler and DeSoto).

    The vehicles under the sheets in the Chrysler presentation appear to be smoother and curvier than the chunky Grizzly siblings from Fiat (of course, my wishful thinking might be making me see it this way). I’m seriously hoping that Chrysler is only borrowing a platform to underpin the Arrow siblings instead of simply rebadging the Grizzly siblings for the U.S. market. I have my fingers crossed that I’m right, although I’m somewhat doubtful given Stellantis track record for getting things wrong in the U.S. market.

    I also wonder if a sloped roof crossover “coupe” body style is something Chrysler really needs in this segment. I’m assuming that the Arrow siblings will be B-segment crossovers. Will budget conscious buyers in the U.S. market gravitate toward a body style that compromises rear head room and cargo space? It appears as though Stellantis is aiming Chrysler at families with affordable people mover vehicles. It seems like the Arrow Cross would fill the role much better on its own with its more traditional crossover roofline.

    Anyway, we’ll see how this plays out. Wishing the Chrysler brand the best as it expands into its new role and position in Stellantis’ U.S. market strategy.

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