Fiat bosses have given the green light to a new model offensive which will see the company launch two extra models by the end of the decade and unveil radical new engines.
Top of the list is a new supermini that will sit between the Panda and Punto and will revive the famous Uno nameplate. The all-new Uno will be built on a shortened version of the Punto platform and is likely share the bulk of its engines and other key components.
It’s understood that Fiat’s engineers are enamoured with the new Mazda 2 and, at around 3.8-metres long, the new Uno will have similar dimensions. “We want to out-Mazda 2 the Mazda 2,” said a senior source, indicating that the new car will major on style and interior space – but with an extremely aggressive price tag.
One of the likely powerplants for the Uno is a newly developed 900cc two-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, producing around 100bhp. This so-called MultiAir motor will also be introduced into the Panda and 500, with promises of exceptional fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
