Fiat Considering Tipo-Derived Compact SUV, Because That’s Where The Money Is

Have you ever looked at the Tipo thinking that it needs to morph into an SUV? Fiat’s chief Olivier Francois has, so the next generation of the compact car could grow to include other derivatives, including a high-riding alternative to the Volkswagen T-Roc, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Qashqai and so on.

The Italian brand’s boss acknowledged in an interview with AutoExpress that “the Tipo is doing well, but it’s not an SUV”. And since that’s where the money is these days, “the next generation of the Tipo must migrate into a more relevant space, which is SUV”, said Francois.

Fiat has several alternatives when it comes to the development of the next-gen Tipo. They could keep the hatchback, sedan and estate body styles and turn the latter into a Kia XCeed rival, expand the lineup with a compact crossover or completely phase it off and do a Tipo high-riding vehicle instead, as the brand’s boss explained.

Read Also: Fiat Prepping Mildly Restyled Tipo For Another Shot At The Golf

“You can probably expect to see a Tipo product line – besides the Tipo, on top of the Tipo or instead of the Tipo. But family transportation is probably more in the Qashqai body style”, he added. “Who is doing well? The budget-conscious ones such as Skoda, Seat, Kia and Hyundai. So yes, we belong there. Honestly, I wish we had something today. But it’s very important for us to feed that part of the Fiat range without too much delay.”

Fiat’s ambitions are expected to be supported by FCA-PSA, although it’s unclear yet whether models such as the Peugeot 3008, Citroen C5 Aircross, and Opel/Vauxhall Grandland X will offer their platform to develop the (yet unapproved) compact SUV.

Fiat Wants A Supermini Again

The Italian automaker is also interested in making a supermini again. Production of the Punto ended a couple of years ago, so Fiat has been left without a Volkswagen Polo, Renault Clio, and Ford Fiesta rival. For this model, they could also turn to PSA, which makes cars such as the Peugeot 208 and Opel/Vauxhall Corsa.

“We need a B-sector [car]”, Francois said. “It’s not a mystery. That project has been postponed continuously. Now, it is under development. But it would be premature to speak of this model. We will have a B-sector for sure.”

Note: Fiat Tipo Sports pictured above