The Punto is one of our favorite hatchbacks in the country, with spacious interiors, great drivability and Italian styling. It did not do greatly in India, due to availability of other hatchbacks at a more competitive price. Fiat does not have a widespread network of dealerships and service centers across the country, which subtracts customers from its list. However, now that the Italian carmaker is spreading its foothold in the country, it is confident on taking bolder and more powerful steps. Matter at hand is the launch of Fiat Punto 90 hp, which is scheduled for 18 May.
This will be the third product by Fiat in the 2012 calendar year. It previously launched the Fiat Punto and Linea at the 2012 Auto Expo in Delhi and revealed no other plans for the year. However, the Italian automaker did announce its plans to expand the dealership network in India, and has only recently established independent networks.
Dubbed, the Grande Punto Sports, is set to roll out on 18th May, sources reveal. Under the hood is a 1.3-litre Multijet diesel motor variable geometry turbocharger, which is good for a 90 hp, 209 Nm output. This makes the Punto Sports, the most powerful diesel hatch in its segment.
As a part of the Sports version, the Punto is also expected to feature some race-specific features like body decals, blackened roof, restyled alloys and race stripes. The sporty guise is expected to follow inside with red stitches on leather seats and chrome inserts dashboard. With revised excise duty by Union Budget, you may have to shed Rs 60-70k extra for the Punto Sports.
With the launch of the Punto 90 hp Sports, Fiat will also take the opportunity to launch the Fiat Caffe in Koregaon Park Pune, its second in country. Stay tuned for official launch coming Friday.