Sergio Machionne: Next gen Fiat Punto cancelled

After several speculations, spy shots and renderings, Sergio Marchionne has finally gone on record to confirm that the next gen Fiat Punto has been cancelled. However, it’s not clear if the Punto is dropped only in Europe or in other markets as well including India and Brazil.

Speaking to Autoitaliaevolution, the head honcho stated that the changed market conditions don’t warrant a hatchback in the price point of the Punto.

However, it’s to be noted that Fiat is developing a hatchback and sedan, codenamed X6H an X6S, which were widely considered to be the next gen Punto and Linea. Some reports also suggest that the X6H could be branded as the Super Palio.

The upcoming hatchback and sedan will be positioned below the Tipo hatchback and sedan respectively. They are expected to take the place of Punto and Linea in the emerging markets.

The new models in question are reported to be underpinned by which could use a new 1.3-litre petrol engine outputting 100 PS and 138 Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission would drive the front wheels.

FCA India has been suffering from an utter lack of new products in its portfolio. Delay in the introduction of the Jeep brand is not helping it either. It’s high time that the automaker launches an aggressive product plan for India.

The article first appeared on Rushlane.com