Replacing the
current Grande Punto at the
Frankfurt Motor Show will be a restyled version rebadged the Punto Evo. New engines, a redesigned interior and technological gadgetry headline the updates.
Under the reshaped nose sits a choice of brand new powerplants. Of most interest is Fiat's 1.4-litre petrol engine fitted with MultiAir, the company's patented valve actuation technology that does away with the conventional throttle in the search for greater efficiency. In comparison to a similarly sized conventional petrol engine, Fiat claims that its MultiAir unit will put out 10 percent more power and 15 percent more torque, yet reduce fuel consumption and CO
2 emissions by 10 percent, with rarely talked about pollutants like particulates and NOx also significantly cut.
All MultiAir engines will comply with the Euro 5 emissions standards, as will the updated 1.3-litre Multijet turbodiesel, which boasts a 2 percent improvement in economy and emissions. On top of these enhancements Fiat has committed to fitting its new Start&Stop system to all Euro 5 compliant engines.
Along with a much nicer looking dashboard, the Punto's interior can be specified with 'Blue&Me - TomTom', which groups together satnav, mobile phone connection and other information in a portable TomTom device that docks with the car. Another incorporated function is 'eco:Drive Info', which gives real time driving style suggestions in the bid to cut fuel consumption.
The Fiat Punto Evo goes on sale in Italy in October, with sales in UK and Ireland likely to begin before the end of the year.
Shane O' Donoghue - 31 Aug 2009