Fiat Grande Punto

Fiat wants Jeep to get a foothold in the world market, so they are working with the American brand to build a new SUV that will play well on the crowded streets of Europe and Asia. The new vehicle will be in the B-segment crossover market alongside cars like the Mini Countryman, Nissan Juke and Buick Encore.

A Strikingly European Soft Roader

This yet unnamed model will be based on the Fiat Grande Punto, a model just above the 500 in size. The Jeep will be built alongside Fiat and Lancia minivans using the platform in the Serbian plant that used to manufacture the Yugo. Despite the questionable heritage, this plant recently underwent a major renovation, making it Fiat’s most technically advanced facility.

Most sales will be simple front-wheel drive people movers, but since this is a Jeep, a new all-wheel drive system is being designed for the platform, and there will be a “trail-rated” version with offer enough off-road capability to cross the Rubicon trail.

Engine choices will include Fiat’s 1.3 liter and 1.6-liter JDTm diesels and the 1.4 liter Multiair used in the Fiat 500 and Dodge Dart. Buyers will be able to choose between a 6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG automatic.

Availability

Jeep says there will be no car show debut, but since it will still need to do dealer training, it should not be long before the first images of the completed model surface. The first SUVs will reach the market in the middle of 2013 at a 2014 model, but American sales have not been confirmed.

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