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Fiat make another valid Punto. 'Punto' means point in Italian. Fiat have yet made yet another one. On the launch of the sporty HGT Abarth version it was announced that the Punto was the number one best-selling car in Europe after the first two months of this year. Not a mean feat when you look at the competition. Based on the Punto 1.8 16v HGT, the new HGT Abarth, featuring the latest version of the company's twin overhead camshaft 1747cc 130bhp engine, is equipped with a full Abarth sports pack. Unfortunately, the HGT is only available in yellow or black. However, the package is impressive - standard features include aluminium gearknob and gearlever surround, aluminium handbrake, Abarth branded kick plates, Abarth styled front and rear spoilers, Abarth branded side skirts, aluminium sports pedals, Abarth steering wheel and Abarth alloy wheels. Standard equipment also includes driver, passenger and side airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes, a satellite navigation and audio system, remote central locking, air conditioning and the latest Fiat immobiliser. All this for only £13,395.55 on-the-road in the UK! |
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Skoda go sporty. The Octavia RS is the fastest and most powerful, road-going car produced by Skoda to date. Priced at just £15,100, the Octavia comes with the hot 1.8-litre 20V 180 bhp turbo-charged engine, delivering a claimed top speed of 146 mph. Yes, in a Skoda... The car loooks good too with its massive front bumper and air intake, sports alloy wheels with green painted brake callipers, rear spoiler, wide stainless steel tailpipe and RS badging. The interior and chassis have also been warmed up. All-in-all then, a capable, value-for-money package. |
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Finally, a 24v Alfa Spider. Why have Alfa-Romeo waited so long to introduce a V6-engined Spider into the UK? The existing 2.0-litre Twin Spark version has been on sale since 1996! The little Alfa still looks good, especially considering how little cosmetic work has been done on the car since its introduction. But why the sudden engine addition? I know, it has been available in the GTV Coupé for quite a while, and more recently, in the 166. Surely it should have been in the convertible too. The reasoning is of course market-lead. The market for high-performance open-top cars has increased by 50% since 1999 according to Alfa Romeo. The 145mph Spider should slot in nicely then, with respectable power (218bhp) and torque (196lb.ft). Now all we need is an update. Yes, the shape has dated well, but in this market, you can not afford to stand still. No doubt the next Spider will be a cracker. As will its V6 engine... |
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Peugeot 307 price announcement. Peugeot has finally slapped some price tags on its forthcoming 307. Prices for the range start at £10,860 for the three door Style model powered by the 1.4-litre petrol engine ranging to £15,560 for the 5-door XSi 2.0 model. The Peugeot 307 will be launched in the UK in June. We at The Car Enthusiast are of course holding our breath for the inevitable GTi. Can Peugeot eclipse their own brilliant 206 GTi? Watch this space. |