The Fiat Punto Abarth does not get many visual changes over the stock version save for the Scorpion badging and distinctive alloys but power has been uprated making it a true hot hatch.
Fiat India today officially introduced its first Abarth product the 595 Competizione, commencing its line of performance offerings that will grace Indian roads in the future. While the Abarth 595 Competizione is a niche model that will serve as a brand builder for the company, it is the new Abarth Punto that will attract the masses and is coming to the dealerships in Diwali this year. Fiat is as excited as we are and has officially showcased the performance Punto at the 595’s launch at BIC today.
In terms of aesthetics, the Abarth Punto does not differentiate itself radically from the stock model, but give it a keen eye and you will see the Scorpion badges replacing the Fiat ones. Furthermore, you get a contrast coloured grille and ORVMs; sporty ‘Abarth’ decals at the sides and distinctive Scorpion claw alloy wheels wrapped in meatier 195/55/R16 Apollo tyres. The performance hatchback also gets its ground clearance reduced by 20 mm.
On the inside, the cabin layout has been retained from the stock Fiat Punto with all black interiors. Nonetheless, you do get the Scorpion badge on the steering wheel, aluminium finished sporty pedals, new fabric upholstery with contrast stitching done up in red and yellow. In terms of equipment though, the Abarth Punto does not get many extra features over the stock model. That said, it is certainly the power levels that will be most appealing to the driving enthusiast.
Leaving all inhibitions outside the door, the Abarth Punto draws power from a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder T-Jet petrol motor tuned to produce a whopping 145 HP of power, while torque is said to be over 200 Nm on this feisty hatchback. Complimenting the additional power, Fiat has improved the suspension setup on the Punto making it stiffer, while braking performance has been enhanced courtesy of new rear disc brakes replacing the drum units. Dual front airbags and ABS are a given and will be offered as standard.
Fiat India is looking to capture at least 4 percent market share in the country in the next few years and the company is looking at the Abarth Punto as an excellent way to improve its brand perception. The automaker has also said that the Abarth tuned Punto will be positioned very aggressively keeping the asking price under Rs. 10 lakhs (ex-showroom). Certainly a true blue performance offering for those on a budget, the Abarth Punto will be attracting a lot of enthusiasts to its dealerships very soon. We can’t wait to get our hands on this one.
