After the Multipla, FIAT’s CEO, Arnaud Belloni, wants to revive another myth: “A brand like FIAT must absolutely have a Punto.”

28/10/2026 10:00

Updated to

28/10/2026 10:06

FIAT may be preparing to bring back one of the most important cars in its history. After regaining prominence in the small car market with the Grande Panda, the Italian brand is seriously considering reviving other models such as the Multipla by putting the Multiplay Concept into production, as well as the legendary FIAT Punto, which disappeared from dealerships in 2018.

This was acknowledged by Arnaud Belloni, head of FIAT, Abarth, and Lancia, during an interview with L'Automobile Magazine ahead of the 2026 Paris Motor Show. The executive, who previously held key positions at Renault, believes the disappearance of the Punto created a significant gap in FIAT’s lineup. With Stellantis’ new strategic plan, he feels it is time to restore its presence in one of the most important segments of the European market.

"The abandonment of the Punto paved the way for the Renault Clio."

Belloni was particularly forceful in explaining why FIAT needs to bring back this model: “A brand like FIAT must necessarily have a Punto in its lineup,” the executive said. In fact, he believes its disappearance facilitated the commercial growth of one of its main French competitors: “Abandoning the Punto gave Renault the chance to push the Clio,” he asserted.

However, this situation was compounded later by the disappearance of the Ford Fiesta and the lack of a significant refresh for the gasoline-powered Volkswagen Polo. According to Belloni, these developments allowed the French model to significantly strengthen its position in the B-segment.

FIAT’s official also made it clear that the company has no intention of reviving the Punto through a nostalgic reinterpretation of its earlier generations. “Neoretro style has no place here,” he explained. Their goal is to develop a modern car with its own identity and sufficient aesthetic freedom to compete with the latest offerings on the market.

The new FIAT Punto would regain its historic position above the Panda

The strategy would allow for the reconstruction of one of FIAT’s most well-known product combinations. For decades, the Panda and Punto coexisted in dealerships, offering two distinct approaches. The first was primarily aimed at urban mobility, while the second provided more space, comfort, and capability for longer trips.

This differentiation would make sense again with the current FIAT Grande Panda. The hypothetical new Punto would occupy a higher position in the B-segment, offering a more conventional and versatile alternative. At the same time, it would be positioned below the FIAT 600e, which features an SUV-style body and larger dimensions.

The return would also allow FIAT to revive a model name with a long commercial history. The Punto appeared in 1993 as the successor to the FIAT Uno and went through three generations, including the well-known Grande Punto introduced in 2005. Over its 25 years on the market, it became one of the most iconic models of the Italian manufacturer, especially in European markets where compact cars were in high demand.

Will the future FIAT Punto be electric?

For now, FIAT has not officially confirmed the development of a new generation of the Punto, so there is still no information available regarding its dimensions, platform, engines, or launch date. It has also not been announced whether it will revert to its historical name or if the company will use another commercial name.

On the mechanical front, FIAT already sells the Grande Panda with hybrid and fully electric options, but Belloni has not specified what technologies the future Punto will use. Therefore, although an electric version would align with Stellantis’ current strategy, it is still too early to confirm specific models. What is clear, however, is FIAT’s intention to regain a prominent position among European utility vehicles.