New Models: Fiat plans to get Smart

Fiat is 'seriously considering' a new entry-level microcar to rival the Smart Fortwo and upcoming Toyota Endo (2008), reports Italiaspeed.com.

Encouraged by the high demand for the new 500, Fiat is planning a series of new small and entry-level models - traditionally, what it does best.

The microcar, still at an early stage of development, is thought to be less than 3m long. It will be built on a shortened version of the 500's underpinnings and have a similar basic body structure (said to be capable of achieving a five-star NCAP crash test score) but in order to accommodate two rear-seat passengers, it will be packaged differently; Italiaspeed reports that a rear-mounted engine layout is under consideration. The engine may be an all-new two-cylinder, 900cc tubocharged unit currently under development, a unit which will also feature in the 500 range. The design team, meanwhile, are expected to revive some, though not all, of the ideas shown in Fiat's Ecobasic concept car (1999).

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Fiat's microcar is thought to be scheduled for introduction in 2010, but before then, several other new small Fiats will appear. Besides the long-rumoured 500 cabriolet and 500 Giardiniera mini-estate, Fiat is to stage another revival: that of the Uno. Codenamed 'B-compact', this is a budget 'world car' which will replace both the Punto (the last-generation model, which has remained in production for some markets since the launch of the latest so-called Grande Punto) and the Palio in 2009 - in time to meet Volkswagen's 'Lupa'. It is being developed by Fiat Brazil, with a view to worldwide sales, and will be built on a shortened version of the Grande Punto platform.

Finally, there's more news on Fiat's light commercial vehicle joint venture with PSA Peugeot-Citroen. The shared factory in Tofas, Turkey, is to produce a compact van: this is the new Berlingo for Citroen, the new Partner for Peugeot and the Minicargo for Fiat, to be launched next year. Shortly after, passenger-carrying versions will arrive: Berlingo Multispace, Partner Combi and Minicargo Panorama. These are all utilitarian, affordable alternatives to a more car-like MPV; the Minicargo Panorama will sit in the Fiat range below the larger Doblo, which will continue.

Related links
News: Fiat firmly back in the black (July 2007)