Since the creation of the Stellantis group, a large number of new European models have adopted a 1.2L engine, also known as Puretech. This engine is at the heart of the strategy to meet ecological requirements because it is coupled to the electrified transmission. eDCT. But one engine always puts up a little resistance, it is the FireFly produced in Italy in Termoli. So which models Fiat will have these enginesand should we really be worried about Puretech’s reputation?
The FireFly engine: it provides resistance
Motorization FireFly has already found its place in several Fiat models, notably the Fiat Panda. Produced until 2030, the current Fiat Panda will continue to feature this engine, appreciated for its low maintenance costs and moderate consumption. This engine, a small 1.0L of 70 hp coupled to an electrical system called BSG, has proven its effectiveness for city cars and compact vehicles, offering an economical solution in a market where small engines are still popular.
The new Fiat 500 hybridexpected for October/November 2025, will also receive an engine FireFly. This model will mark the evolution of the current electric 500 towards a more accessible hybrid thermal engine.
The Puretech engine: the new standard for Fiat
The 1.2L Puretech engine has caused a lot of ink to flow, particularly because of its reliability problems in its first versions. However, since 2023, a new version has emerged: the Puretech eb2 gen3. This new generation has been extensively revised to correct the flaws of its predecessors and improve reliability. And the good news is that all current and future Fiats will use this version.
Thus, models like the Fiat Grande Panda and the Fiat 600 Hybrid adopt this 1.2L engine Puretech gen3. The Big Pandaexpected within a few months with this hybrid engine, should offer a 100 hp version. This Puretech engine will also be present in other future Fiat models, which could be the Giga-Panda, Multiple, Fastbackor even the Typewhich will probably arrive with a hybrid engine and an engine Puretech gen3 of 100 hp or 136 hp.
Brazilian Fiats: exceptions
In Brazil, number 1 country for Fiat in terms of volume, the FireFly engine is unanimously approved for all models. Firstly because the market is different in terms of CO2 standards, then because ethanol fuel is compatible with the latest Firefly Bio-Hybrid engine. It’s gotten to the point where even the Brazilian Citroën C3 and Peugeot 208 use the FireFly engine instead of the Puretech.
Puretech, should we still be afraid of it?
The engine Puretech made headlines due to reliability issues in its early versions. But since the launch of the version gen3these concerns seem to be resolved. One of the major reasons for switching to this new version was to improve the design and manufacturing: 70% of the parts are newaccording to the director of thermal engine development at Stellantis. Although the overhauls on this engine took place more than a year ago, caution is required before drawing definitive conclusions on long-term reliability.
