Fiat is all set to launch its Performance brand Abarth in India this year. but unlike the Mini Cooper S, the company is planning to make Abarth more affordable by producing a locally made Grande Punto version that is expected to be priced around Rs. 8-9 lakh.
The Grande Punto is currently available in three versions, a 75 bhp diesel variant, another 89 bhp diesel edition and a 66 bhp petrol version. For Abarth, company may be using the same existing 1.4 litre T-Jet motor and will enhance the power up to 165 bhp that in turn will be increasing the performance substantially. Fiat may also consider other changes for better handling and feature that will be more suitable for Indian users. Fiat may start with the stiffer chassis, stiff springs with sporty dampers to improve the grip. Thicker anti-rollbar may be used to improve handling; while the much needed extra stopping power will be provided by the upgraded brakes. The car may also be the only four door version of the Abarth Grande Punto as Fiat is not currently selling any two door version in India.
The car will most probably will be sold via Abarth Studio, through the existing Fiat dealers, althouth Fiat has yet not ruled out the possibility of having separate Abarth dealers. With Abarth Fiat will try to increase its brand value in the Indian market.