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What you see before you is Fiat's new car, called the "Great Point," or Grande Punto to give it its official name... Sounds better in Italian, doesn't it? Anyway, the Grande Punto won't directly replace the current Punto, which soldiers on as the value-for-money supermini of the Fiat range. Instead, the new car sits in between the Stilo and the Punto in terms of size and price, to go head-to-head with the more upmarket cars in the class such as VW's Polo.
Designed by Italdesign-Giugiaro, in partnership with Centro Stile Fiat (the in-house design team), the Grande Punto will be available as either a three or five door hatch. Initial press photographs indicate a close family resemblance to the new Croma around the nose, and a distinctive sporty profile. Fiat claims "class leading quality credentials" so expect an upmarket interior with plenty of elbowroom in comparison to the regular Punto.
We expect to see the Grande Punto for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show shortly before it goes on sale in left-hand drive. The Grande Punto will not hit the UK until early 2006. All engines at launch will conform to Euro 4 emissions and include two eight-valve petrol units: 1.2-litre (65bhp) and a new 1.4-litre with 77bhp; and no less than four turbodiesels: 1.3-litre 16v MultiJet (75bhp), or 1.3 MultiJet with a variable geometry turbine turbocharger (90bhp); and 1.9-litre MultiJet with either 120bhp or 130bhp. We will publish prices when they are available.
Shane O' Donoghue - 1 Aug 2005
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29 Jul: Cricketer Andrew Flintoff is helping Shell promote its new FuelSave Unleaded and Diesel. The fuels are claimed to improve economy and drivers can get advice on frugal driving, presented by Flintoff, from Shell's web site. [photo]
29 Jul: Kia Motors UK has announced the launch of corporate YouTube and Facebook pages. The sites will be used to provide inside news and information. Visitors to the Facebook page have the chance to win one of seven experiences including a powerboat trip.
29 Jul: The British Government has confirmed that it will offer a 'Plug-In Car Grant' to buyers of electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and fuel cell vehicles. The fund will cover 25 percent of the cost of an eligible car up to a maximum of £5,000.
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