Along with the launch of the Abarth 595 Competizione, the Fiat Abarth Punto for India has finally been revealed. Both hark the launch of the Abarth brand in India, and this image gallery by Autocar India gives us a detailed view of what to expect from the quickest Punto to go on sale in India, when launched in and around October 2015.
So what’s so special about the Abarth Punto?
For starters, it wears the coveted Abarth badge – Abarth, born in 1949, was a popular, Italian sportscar manufacturer, taken over by Fiat in 1971. Today, Abarth is a fully owned subsidiary of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and puts its old sportscar making expertise into hotting up everyday Fiats.
Back to the Punto, an Abarth version is already on sale in Europe, making a heady 180 hp from a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine; but that’s not what we’re getting in India. Instead, what we’ll get is a watered down version with 145 bhp on tap, and less dramatic embellishments.
Visually, when compared to a regular Punto Evo, the Abarth version for India bears subtle differences. The more playful one gets contrast coloured inserts in the front grille, contrast coloured mirror caps, Abarth decals on the doors, Abarth badges instead of Fiat’s, and ‘Scorpion’ design alloy wheels.
Though official figures haven’t been revealed yet, the Linea-sourced, 1.4-litre T-Jet engine is believed to have been stoked up to produce 145 bhp, while torque is likely to be over 196 Nm. The suspension has also been stiffened up, and the ride height has been lowered by 20mm.
With added power comes added responsibilities, so Fiat has equipped the Abarth Punto with disc brakes all around and beefier 195/55 R16 Apollo tyres. The interior retains the all-black theme from the Punto Evo 90HP but uses different seat fabrics and gets red and yellow contrast stitching.
16-inch ‘Scorpion wheels’ for added sting; gets wrapped around by 195/55 R16 Apollo Alnacs.
Abarth decals to announce your arrival; we bet these will find their way to regular Puntos, courtesy enthusiastic owners.
Abarth specific exhaust tip should account for some spirited aural pleasure.
The seats get different, gripper fabrics, highlighted by sporty red and yellow contrast stitching.
1.4-litre T-Jet rumored to get 145 bhp and over 196 Nm.
New colors will include this sexy matte grey shade, along with optional “Scorpion” decals.
