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Spyshots: All-New 2017 Fiat Punto Undergoing Winter Testing

Our spies stationed in Sweden have captured the first images of the all-new Fiat Punto while it was undergoing winter testing. The camouflage obscures most of the hatchback's body, but we can still make out a very simple, boxy design underneath.
Spyshots: All-New 2017 Fiat Punto 11 photos
Photo: CarPix
Spyshots: All-New 2017 Fiat PuntoSpyshots: All-New 2017 Fiat PuntoSpyshots: All-New 2017 Fiat PuntoSpyshots: All-New 2017 Fiat PuntoSpyshots: All-New 2017 Fiat PuntoSpyshots: All-New 2017 Fiat PuntoSpyshots: All-New 2017 Fiat PuntoSpyshots: All-New 2017 Fiat PuntoSpyshots: All-New 2017 Fiat PuntoSpyshots: All-New 2017 Fiat Punto
The outgoing model was one of the most distinctive and also spacious cars in the supermini segment when it was launched. Fiat even managed to breathe the life of a demon inside its body, as the Abarth version was available for a short period with up to 160 horsepower. Since then, the Punto has given up the will to live in Europe, mainly targeting customers from Brazil or India.

Rumor has it the successor will do the same, as it will have fewer gadgets and safety features. Previously, Fiat bosses said a successor for the Punto had been prototyped, but the market study suggested it would not be profitable. But could Dacia's Sandero, which sells well in South America, have taught them something?

Brazilian publications suggest research and development work started there in 2015 under the codename X6H. That model and the new Linea (X6S) will be underpinned by stretched versions of the Palio and Uno models. Power will come from either a 1.4-liter with 100 hp or the 1.8-liter used by the Fiat Toro and BR-spec Jeep Renegade.

The shape of the test mule corresponds to an urban subcompact minivan or a larger version of the Panda. Distinctive features include a sloped hood, a tall roof, and vertical tailgate. Is this the same company that gave us the 124 Spider?

Due to the negative, outdated image associated with the current Punto, Fiat may call it something entirely different in Europe. The company recently revived the Tipo name and used it for the Linea and Bravo replacement. We're not the only ones who believe Fiat is currently adrift. On one hand, the brand wants to be posh, launching the 500X. On the other, Italians want cheap cars like the ones they made after the war. We think they have too much history and tradition to go down as Dacia copycats.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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