New Fiat Punto to start at £9990 30 | 01 | 2012
FIAT'S NEW 2012 Punto range will start at £9990 for the entry-level Pop 1.2-litre, and rise to £15,600 for the range-topping Lounge 1.3 MultiJet.
Initially there will be a choice of six Euro V engines, all fitted with Start&Stop as standard. A TwinAir version will arrive in April.
Fiat has streamlined the new Punto range, with just three main trim levels, similar to the Fiat 500 and forthcoming new Panda – Pop (base), Easy (mid) and Lounge (high).
In addition there's also a sports version based on the Easy level grade called GBT: this will lead the advertising campaign developing within the sports association between Fiat UK and British Cycling.
Without doubt, the biggest boost for Punto fans is the addition of two new engines: an 85hp version of the MultiJet diesel engine and the 85hp TwinAir.
New Fiat Panda on Car of the Year shortlist
The full and comprehensive engine range consists of: 1.2 8-valve petrol (69hp), 1.4 8-valve petrol (77hp), 1.4 16-valve MultiAir petrol (105hp and 135hp), TwinAir 0.9-litre petrol (85hp) and 1.3 16-valve MultiJet diesel (75hp and 85hp).
The new Punto has a number of styling changes, including colour-coded front and rear bumpers. Three new exterior colours — Brit Pop blue, tango red and underground grey — have also been introduced.
Standard equipment in the entry-level Pop model includes remote central locking, electric front windows, driver and passenger airbags, window airbags, radio/CD/MP3 player, electric power steering and height-adjustable driver seat.
Step up to Easy trim and you also get leather steering wheel, 15in alloy wheels, and air conditioning, GBT level additionally gets sport suspension, rear spoiler and side skirts, while Lounge adds climate control, front fog lamps, cruise control, ambient interior lighting and electric sunroof.
"The Punto range has been – and still is – an important car in the Fiat line-up," Elena Bernardelli, Fiat UK marketing director, said.
“The Punto is up against some tough competition in its sector but we are confident we are able to offer an attractive package at exceptional value-for-money prices to keep it a viable and desirable proposition.”
We roadtest the Fiat 500 TwinAir
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/scotcars
Jim McGill