Abarth Grande Punto

Fiat Grande Punto
Aka	Fiat Punto
Manufacturer	Fiat
Assembly	Mirafiori plant, Turin, Italy
Production	2005–present
Predecessor	Fiat Punto
Successor
Class	Supermini
Platform	Fiat/GM SCSS platform
Body style	3/5-door hatchback 3-door van
Engine	1.2 L I4 1.4 L I4 1.3 L I4 diesel 1.9 L I4 diesel
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed semi-auto
Wheelbase	2510mm
Length	4030mm
Width	1687mm
Height	1490mm
Weight	1015mm - 1040kg
Layout	FF layout
Fuel capacity	45 L (9.9 Imp. gallons) (11.9 U.S. gal)
Related	Fiat Linea Opel Corsa D
Similar
Designer	Giorgetto Giugiaro

Grande Punto

The third generation FIAT supermini to bear the name Punto, codenamed Project 199, the Grande Punto was unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show and went on sale later that year. Styled by Giugiaro, the car is based on the Fiat/GM SCCS platform. Whilst the model shares some of its name with the previous Punto, a large number of its components are new, including a new chassis and body shell.

The engines are the Fiat 1.2 Fire 8v (65 hp), a new 1.4 Fire 8v (77 hp) and the 1.4 16v (95 hp). Four MultiJet diesel engines are also available: two 1.3 16v units (75 hp and 90 hp, the latter with a variable geometry turbocharger) and two 1.9 with 120 and 130 hp, all of them with diesel particulate filter. All the engines are Euro IV compliant. In 2007 came new 1.4 T-Jet turbocharged petrol engine (120 hp) available. In the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show Fiat introduced 155 hp Abarth version produced through the Abarth & C S.p.A. company and branded as an Abarth car rather than FIAT. The cars nose, headlights and front grill look reminiscent of the Maserati Coupe, both were designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign.

The Grande Punto was awarded with 5 stars in the EuroNCAP crash test for passenger protection and Euro NCAP 3 star certification for pedestrian safety. The most powerful engines have electronic stability program and anti slip regulation fitted as standard, and it is an optional extra on some of the lower powered engines.

Non-European markets

In Australia, Fiat introduced the Grande Punto in mid 2006; it is the first Fiat to be sold in Australia since 1989. Shortly after its launch, the car (the 1.3L 90hp diesel) was recognised as the most economical car on the market.

The Italian-made Grande Punto has already been launched in Chile, Mexico and Dominican Republic, in petrol and diesel versions.

In the rest of South America, the Brazilian-built Grande Punto (called just Punto) was launched in August 2007. Codenamed Project 310, it is produced in the factory of Betim, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The chassis is a stronger version of the European version of the Grande Punto, due to the differences in the roads in developing countries. At the beginning, the five-door version will be the only available in the Brazilian line. The engines are the 85 hp 1.4 L FIRE 8v and the 115 hp 1.8 GM-Fiat/Powertrain, later the new Torque 1.9L with 8 and 16v must be available; with 121 and 134 hp. In Brazil, a flexible engine is available (they work on both gasoline and ethanol).

The Grande Punto also went on sale in South Africa in 2006, replacing the previous generation. It is sold with a variety of petrol and diesel engines, beginning at around R120,000.

A sedan version of the Grande Punto, the Fiat Linea, was launched in early 2007 to replace the aging Marea. It will be built on an extended version of the Grande Punto's chassis, giving a total length of 4600 mm, making it jump to the small family car segment.

As for the Indian launch, it is expected to be until late 2007 for its launch followed by the Linea.

Engines

Petrol

Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque	0-100 km/h,s	Top speed	Note
1.2 8V FIRE	I4	1242 cc	65PS @5500 rpm	102Nm @3000 rpm	14.5	155kmh
1.4 8V FIRE	I4	1368 cc	77PS @6000 rpm	115Nm @3000 rpm	13.2	165kmh
1.4 16V StarJet	I4	1368 cc	95PS @6000 rpm	125Nm @4500 rpm	11.4	178kmh
1.4 T-JET	I4	1368 cc	120PS @5000 rpm	206Nm @2000 rpm	8.9	195kmh	from 2007

Diesel

Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque	0-100 km/h,s	Top speed	Note
1.3 16 Multijet 16V	I4	1248 cc	75PS @4000 rpm	190Nm @1750 rpm	13.6	165kmh
1.3 16 Multijet 16V	I4	1248 cc	90PS @4000 rpm	200Nm @1750 rpm	11.9	175kmh	Not available in the UK
1.9 16 Multijet 8V	I4	1910 cc	120PS @4000 rpm	280Nm @2000 rpm	10.0	190kmh
1.9 16 Multijet 8V	I4	1910 cc	130PS @4000 rpm	280Nm @2000 rpm	9.5	200kmh

Abarth Grande Punto

The first car from the newly created Abarth & C. S.p.A. The Abarth Grande Punto differs significantly from its donor car.

Initally the Abarth Grande Punto will be available with a 150bhp (155bhp when using 97 ron fuel) 1.4l turbo engine, but from 2008 there will be an essesse kit available, which will be installed at official Abarth service centres rather than in the factory.

Engines

Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque	0-100 km/h,s	Top speed	Note
Abarth 1.4 T-JET	I4	1368 cc	155PS @5500 rpm	230Nm @3000 rpm	8.2	208kmh	from 2007
Abarth SS 1.4 T-JET	I4	1368 cc	180PS @5750 rpm	270Nm @3000 rpm	7.7	215kmh	from 2007