Fiat & Abarth's place in Stellantis: a change of philosophy, a limited range... and a surprise in the background!

It has been several years since Sergio Marchionne pointed out that to become viable Fiat would have to become an exclusively Lifestyle Brand based on revivals of historic models with specialization in the smaller categories! 

The implementation of this dual transition, now that the transition to the electric era with exclusive 100% electric offerings from 2027 has been initiated, is the responsibility of Olivier Francois, CEO of Fiat and Abarth and PR manager of the Stellantis Group. 

The first elements for the future

The success of the 500 range has whetted the appetite of its makers Fiat, showing the path to follow in order for its cars to be liked and successful around the world, as the plan is for Fiat to become a global brand. Although no official information about the future range has been leaked, the first spy shots of the prototype SUV that will be officially unveiled in spring 2023, confirm the revival of the 600 name in a model with purely retro characteristics! 

Την επόμενη πρόταση της ιταλικής εταιρείας θα την δούμε προς το τέλος του 2023 και θα είναι ένα αμιγώς ηλεκτρικό Super Mini της κατηγορίας B. Οι φήμες θέλουν να παίρνει την ονομασία Panda και θα πλαισιώνει το μικρότερο υβριδικό μοντέλο έως το 2026, χρόνια κατά την οποία θα σταματήσουν οι πωλήσεις του! Ως προς την ονομασία του επερχόμενου αυτοκινήτου κρατάω μια επιφύλαξη, αφού τα πρώτα στοιχεία δείχνουν ένα πιο «εκλεπτυσμένο» αυτοκίνητο με lifestyle χαρακτήρα, το οποίο θα έχει πολλά κοινά με το πρωτότυπο Centoventi (120) – Πιθανόν λοιπόν να δούμε να αναβιώνει ένα ακόμα θρυλικό όνομα… το 127! 

In early 2025 we will see Fiat's representative in the all-electric C-SUV segment, indirectly replacing the 500X and Tipo. The new model will have retro features and will probably be given the name 600 Multipla.   

Range configuration

As a "special" brand, Fiat will have a small and targeted range. However the upcoming models, including the 500 and Panda, will form the backbone of the company. Presumably all offerings will be flanked by the open "Dolce Vita" enhancing the lifestyle orientation. 

2026 and 2027 will see the next all-electric 500 and Panda, which will continue to represent Fiat in the A-Class.The Panda will follow the lines of the 1980 model with elements from the Centoventi prototype and SUV bodywork. 

Room for more models?

Fiat has not officially presented an industrial design. All we know is from leaks and from targeted revelations by Olivier Francois. Although the range will be limited, there may be room for one more model! A special surprise... Fiat has a great legacy in affordable roadsters, from the Fiat 850 Spider to the timeless Fiat 124 Spider and from the pioneering X1/9 to the Barchetta and the modern 124 Spider. So perhaps a rear-wheel drive electric Roadster would be the icing on the cake... A model that could benefit Abarth to expand its range! 

What about the Abarth?

Abarth will continue to be intertwined with Fiat, essentially becoming its sports division! We recently saw the electric Abarth 500e, which will be its base model with several versions. As for the upcoming 600, it is difficult to present it with the "scorpion" badges. The "sting" seems to be felt by the small electric Hatchback that we will see towards the end of 2023, making it really "hot". Also, Abarth brings the surprise of a Roadster closer, since such a model seems ideal in its range!   

Note 

In 2023 we will also see Fiat's proposal in micro-mobility with the revival of the Topolino, as a rebadge of the Citroën Ami and Opel e-Rocks, but this vehicle is not considered a car but a quadricycle.