Iconic Fiat Punto Could Get EV Revival In Europe This Year

Published February 28, 2023
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It’ll likely be a larger, more feature-laden vehicle this time around, but its turbo-petrol Abarth variant’s rorty exhaust note will be missed

Remember the Fiat Punto, the cool-looking Italian supermini that gave the Volkswagen Polo a run for its money back in the day? That iconic hatchback could make a comeback this year as an electric vehicle!

In a new statement, Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, has indicated that the Punto successor could be one of two new electric models to be introduced in Europe in 2023, apart from a new electric SUV that’ll replace the Panda. The two new EVs will join the 500e electric hatchback, which is currently the carmaker’s only fully electric model in Europe.

Fiat Punto’s EV revival

“There will be a big return in the B-segment and crossovers. We’re going back to the most relevant segments. We only have the Fiat 500X now. My objective is to have three." – Oliver François, Global President of Fiat.

The Fiat Punto has been defunct since 2018 in Europe and since 2020 in India. However, in many markets (including ours), the supermini is fondly remembered by enthusiasts for its fun-to-drive dynamics and rorty 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine with class-leading power.

This time around, the Punto’s electric successor is expected to be larger, likely a B-segment (mid-size) crossover, instead of a premium hatchback. It’ll be based on the Stellantis eCMP electric platform, which also underpins the Peugeot e-208 hatchback and upcoming Jeep Avenger SUV. It’ll surely be much better equipped than the ICE Punto and should get features such as an advanced driver assistance suite (ADAS) and a long-range option.

In Europe, the Punto’s EV successor, which won’t be called the Punto, will rival the Volvo XC40 Recharge, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.

No hopes for India arrival

Given that Fiat no longer exists in India, the Punto’s EV successor won’t make it to our shores. However, sometime in the near future, we should see another Stellantis-owned carmaker launch its first EV in India – Jeep.

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The Punto’s EV successor will continue the iconic hatchback’s 25-year-long legacy. However, although the right price and equipment package could make it a success, enthusiasts will continue to miss the ICE Fiat Punto’s raspy exhaust note and supermini proportions.

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