Remove the Fiat logos and this new Punto Evo debuting at the Frankfurt auto show is likely a car you’ll see on U.S. roads within a few years’ time—wearing Chrysler badges. The Fiat Punto Evo is a mild face lift of and replacement for the successful Grande Punto, which has been on sale in Europe since 2005. While much has been made of the importance of the tiny Fiat 500 city car in Chrysler’s future—and Fiat Group’s imminent return stateside—the Punto has been Fiat’s bread-and-butter model on the Continent for many years.

When the model was introduced only five years ago, Fiat was still flush with cash it received from General Motors after the American auto giant paid billions of dollars to opt out of a forced merger. But Fiat was nevertheless still battered by years of sliding sales, shoddy quality, and outdated vehicles. The revitalized Grande Punto boosted sales, improved quality standards, and led the charge to help revive the company.

Now the Punto Evo must continue the success of its predecessor, while perhaps also working some sales magic for the sputtering Chrysler brand. The Punto Evo stretches 159.8 inches in length, making it roughly six inches shorter than the VW Golf, and about a country-mile shorter than most of Chrysler’s lineup. Exterior changes include new headlamps and taillamps, along with revised bumpers and a new grille treatment.

Speaking with us before the show, a spokesperson for Fiat Group told us the biggest leap forward was made with the Punto Evo’s interior. From the press photos, the quality of materials immediately looks much better. The dark and sometimes cheap-looking cabin of the Grande Punto is long gone. Safety has also been given a boost, with the Punto Evo sporting no fewer than seven airbags, including a driver’s knee bag. Electronic stability control and intelligent fog lamps that turn into a corner are also available.

Like most European cars of its class, the Punto Evo will offer a wide range of diesel and gas engines. One of the most exciting—and a serious candidate for U.S. models—is the new 1.4-liter MultiAir gasoline engine. The electrohydraulic variable valve system adjusts intake-valve lift, thereby offering more power and improved fuel mileage. A stop/start system should also help the Punto Evo reduce its appetite for fossil fuel.

A classier cabin, updated body, and efficient engines spell good news for Fiat, and provide a much-needed ray of hope for Chrysler.

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