The Fiat Punto will have a replacement

Disappeared in 2018, the Fiat Punto is about to make its big comeback, then based on a platform developed by PSA.

It had been a while since we last heard of the Fiat Punto. And for good reason, the Italian city car had definitely left the brand’s catalog in 2018, after an extended career for the 3rd and latest generation. This was launched in 2005 and was present in the catalog for more than 13 years. A record, in a market where everything goes very quickly, and where cars quickly become real grannies if they remain in the catalog for too long. Direct rival of the Renault Clio, the Fiat Punto finally ended up disappearing, ultimately having no follow-up. And for good reason, the firm has decided to focus on the Fiat 500, rightly, given the success of the city car, whose sales continue to increase year after year. But with the merger of PSA and FCA and the creation of Stellantis, the priorities are now different, while Carlos Tavares has heart to give a boost to brands in difficulty.

And Fiat is one of them, as the range has shrunk over the years, seeming neglected by FCA executives. Now is the time to relaunch, and this should include the launch of new models, in the most competitive segments. That of city cars, therefore, currently dominated by the Renault Clio and Peugeot 208. But Fiat could come back in force, while Carlos Tavares has confirmed the return of the Point, by 2023. A strategy that should prove to be a winner, while this segment is still very popular with customers, despite the constant growth of SUVs for several years now. And for good reason, the B segment currently represents half of the top 10 best-selling models in France, and it is therefore inconceivable today not to position itself there. An error which should therefore soon be caught up by Fiat, whose new Punto will fill the gap between the 500 and the Tipo.

A PSA base

For now, information is still scarce on this newcomer to the range, which could perhaps even change its name, even nothing has been confirmed yet. However, we know that the city car will be based on a platform developed by the PSA group, undoubtedly the CMP equipping the Peugeot 208 in particular, as well as its cousins, the Opel Corsa and DS 3 Crossback. This then makes it possible to graft under the hood thermal gasoline and diesel engines, as well as electric, a passage from now on obligatory for the marks. Adopting a very adorable positioning, especially compared to other city cars from Stellantis, this future Fiat Punto could then go hunting directly on the lands of the Dacia Sandero.