When the budget sedan market evolved in Europe, the main carmakers started to offer different options.
Thus, models like the Renault Clio Symbol/Thalia, Skoda Fabia Sedan or the Fiat Albea started appearing everywhere.

The Albea was based on the Fiat Punto platform and shared some components with it. The second generation of the Albea is more than a facelift but less than a new model. The front of the vehicle was changed but the huge trunk remained. In the quest of offering the biggest cargo space in its class, of 515 liters (18.2 cu-ft), the Italians made the rear end high enough to limit the rear visibility.

The simple suspension layout and the small engines made the car fit for markets where everything with over 1.5 liters had high taxes. The engine range had 5 units: four with gasoline and one turbodiesel. The power ranged between 60 and 103 hp. Only a manual transmission was available and it was geared for fuel-efficiency.

The interior space was limited due to the small wheelbase, and the option list was slim. Air conditioning was offered as standard only on the diesel or on the upper trim level. But the upper trim level were offered only with selected engines, and not with the basic 1.2-liter 60 hp version.