We reported earlier that Fiat, the Italian automaker, is working on the Punto successor, which is likely to be launched in the European markets in 2016. The company is aiming to phase out the aging Punto hatchback, and is planning to bring the Punto successor under its popular 500 lineup. The hatchback will be a five-door version of the Fiat 500, which is likely to be named as Fiat 500 Plus.
Folks at Auto.it have rendered the 500 Plus, which shows a modern looking 5-door hatchback. Going by the rendering, it is visible that the 500 has been benefited with the added rear doors. The Italian automaker is aiming to further improve its market share by capitalizing on the growing popularity of its vehicle based on the 500 platform. This flexible platform currently underpins a 2-door city car, the larger 5-door, 7-seater 500L MPV and the recently introduced 500X crossover.
Last year, Fiat revealed its plans for the global market. Under its future plans, the company will launch the next generation Punto by the end of 2017. If media reports are to be believed, the hatchback would be based on the ‘New Global Small’ platform, and will be positioned between the three-door 500 and the 500L MPV.
Fiat India launched the updated Punto Evo in the country in 2014, and later introduced a pseudo crossover, Avventura, based on the Punto. The maker is also planning to launch the Abarth versions of the Punto and Avventura crossover by the end of this year.
