The Fiat Punto was the only model in Fiat India’s lineup that did not get a makeover at the recently concluded 2014 Auto Expo. Now, Team-BHP member Karan561 spotted the 2014 Fiat Punto facelift testing around the company’s Ranjangaon manufacturing plant near Pune. The test car has received partial camouflage indicating the changes would be primarily cosmetic to the exteriors and interiors. The new Punto in India will look similar to the model sold globally which has dropped the Grande word from its name.
The 2014 Fiat Punto facelift will get a redesigned front facia with a changed grille and revised bumper design. The headlights will also feature subtle changes for a sporty look. As the spy shots indicate, the side profile was sans camouflage and will not get any changes from the current version. The rear on the other hand will feature revised tail light clusters and repositioned reflectors, with a minor update to the boot-lid. The interior changes will be vast including ones to the instrument cluster and the centre console, much like the 2014 Linea showcased at the Auto Expo.
The 2014 Fiat Punto will retain the mechanicals from the older model. The petrol duties will be taken care by a 1.2-litre unit producing 68 BHP or a 1.4-litre unit producing 90 BHP; whereas the diesel power will be offered with the 1.3-litre Multijet engine in 75 PS and 90 PS states of tune. The current Punto was launched back in 2005 and has been primarily the same car ever since. The car boasts a tank like build quality and impeccable use of quality materials throughout, and has been known to be an enthusiast’s delight with its spot-on driving dynamics.
The Punto facelift will make its market debut by the end of this year, probably around the festive season. Fiat has promised to launch four new products in the Indian market commencing with the 2014 Linea scheduled for launch next month, followed by the Abarth 500 and the Punto-based Avventura in the second half of the year. The next generation Punto will be a part of the Panda family in Fiat’s global product portfolio and will be replaced by a 5-door 500 in the segment.
Source – Team-BHP.com