The Fiat Punto facelift is one of the most awaited launches from the company’s lineup this year. We caught the Punto facelift testing in Satara, Maharashtra with the front and rear of the hatchback heavily camouflaged, which also confirms that the launch date is coming closer as the days pass. However, we did get a closer view on what to expect on the Punto facelift when it is launched by the end of 2014.
While the overall silhouette has been retained from the current model, the front fascia and the rear boot-lid will see major revisions. The headlight units will feature a revised design (coming from the Avventura) and the hood too will sport a mild change. The side profile is largely the same and did not bear any camouflage either. The rear on the other hand was heavily camouflaged and we expect to see a revised tail light cluster, new positions for the reflectors and a new boot-lid design as well. The version we spotted was the top end trim with new 15-inch alloy wheels.
On the inside, Fiat has updated the Punto with the interiors from the new Linea. The interior now sports a two-tone shade of beige and black combination. The car gets a new centre console and a re-designed instrument cluster. The 2014 Fiat Punto will also get a redesigned steering wheel with the higher variants getting steering mounted audio controls. The changes on the new Punto are restricted to the design only with no changes to the mechanicals. The Punto will continue to be offered with the 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre petrol engines producing 68 PS and 90 PS respectively; whereas the 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine will be offered with 75 PS and 90 PS of power on offer.
After launching the Fiat Linea sedan recently, the Italian manufacturer needs to launch the much delayed Punto hatchback facelift to keep it fresh for the next couple of years. The Punto has always been a driver’s delight and in spite of being a nine year old product in the market, it easily matches up to the new competition with its tank like build quality and potent engines. Expect to see a price revision as well when the Punto is launched in the second half of this year.
