Hi.
When a manufacturer comes out with a new engine it has in normal circumstances had a radical change. The FIRE unit is still a highly respected unit, the block (Pistons crankshaft etc) is tough and very reliable. The part of the engine to improve, modify is the head, with VVT, high compression, Uniair etc etc, the block can remain as is and this saves the manufacturer millions in re-tooling and new production costs.
The Fire engine has already proved it can conform to Euro 6.2 so why re-tool? There is also no reason why Fiat cannot turbo charge the 1.2, still meet Euro 6.2 emissions and increase power and torque plus save money for them and the purchaser. We've seen some horrendous issues with 3 pot engines that are inherently unbalanced from GM and Renault, they are not necessarily more unreliable but are more noisy and rough than even the worst 4 pot units. The TA is throwing up some issues and looks to me like it's days are numbered. Stick to reliable tried and tested designs, a new engine in a Panda could be a disaster with all the hype around of electric. I picked up a neighbour the other day from the garage his 2016 Fiesta was getting a service at and his comment was I wish my engine was a smooth and quiet as this. Nuff said!!!