Fiat Abarth Punto Bookings Open Across India; Launch Next Month

Powering this performance-oriented version of the car will be a 1.4-litre T-Jet turbocharged petrol unit that will churn out a whooping 145bhp of power. The same engine will also do duty on the Abarth Avventura. Just so you know, the regular Punto Evo models come with three engine options - 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre naturally-aspirated petrol units and a 1.3-litre multijet diesel unit.

The Punto Evo T-Jet will take head on against the country's only hot-hatch - the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI. The Polo GT TSI derives its power from a 1.2-litre TSI petrol motor that, mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox, produces 105bhp. So the Punto Evo T-Jet, at 145bhp, will be about 40bhp more powerful than the VW's hot-hatchback.

Also Read: Fiat Abarth Punto Review

Expected to come at around Rs. 10 lakh, the Abarth Punto will get some subtle changes both inside and out. The hot hatch will get Abarth badge instead of Fiat's, 16-inch dual-tone alloys, Abarth decals on sides, wing mirrors and grille in contrast accents, etc. The cabin too receives a few changes including different seats with contrast stitching in red and yellow and Abarth badge on steering wheel among others.

To make the hatchback competent to handle the extra power, Fiat has lowered the vehicle's ride height by 20mm, stiffened the suspension and changed the brakes.