We reported earlier that Fiat is considering bringing back the Punto nameplate. Stellantis has now officially announced that Fiat will launch a brand-new B-segment model in 2023, which will be the first vehicle based on a common platform. This model will be the Punto successor, and will most likely to be called the Fiat Punto.
The next-gen Fiat Punto will be based on the CMP (Common Modular Platform), which currently underpins the Peugeot 208 & 2008, Opel Corsa, Citroen C4 and DS 3 Crossback. In fact, the upcoming Citroen C3 compact SUV for India and Brazil will also be based on this platform. In 2022, Citroen will also reveal an updated version of the CMP platform. The updated platform will be used to develop future products.
The next-gen Fiat Punto will be launched in 2023 as a mild-hybrid or full-hybrid ICE powered model. The electric version of the supermini will arrive in 2024. The new model will first go on sale in Europe, where it will join the brand’s most successful cars – the Fiat 500 and the Panda. The previous gen Punto was discontinued in 2018.
The first generation Fiat Punto was launched back in 1993 as the Uno successor. It was introduced in two door, three-door and five-door bodystyles. The second generation model was introduced in 1999, and was offered in 3-door Sporting and HGT performance variants. The third generation was introduced in 2005, which was called the Grande Punto. The vehicle renamed as the Punto Evo in 2009 and the Punto in 2012 on subsequent facelifts.
The new Punto won’t be launched in the Brazil or in India. While Fiat is selling the Argo hatchback in Brazil, FCA has discontinued the Fiat brand from our market. The company is banking on Jeep to drive sales in the Indian market.
A recent media report claims that Fiat is also working on an all-new B-segment crossover, which could be introduced by the end of 2023. The new crossover will be based on the new Punto hatchback and is likely to be produced at the Serbian plant in Kragujevac. It is likely to be powered by the 1.2-litre PureTech engines with powers up to 131bhp. The small SUV could also get an electric variant with 50kWh of batteries and 136bhp of power.
Source – Carscoops, Image Source
