Fiat Punto Abarth Preview
Fiat is in process of
revamping their business and image in India. The plan includes
introducing the American brands Jeep and Mopar to India, along with
models from their performance division Abarth. While the Chrysler Jeep
has already got the SUV lovers taking, there is an interesting update
for people looking for a proper hot-hatchback. Fiat is expected to
launch the locally assembled PuntoAbarth in India for a very lucrative
price.There are no official details available regarding the PuntoAbarth, but it is expected to be launched in India this June. We expect the Indian version of this hatchback to be powered by 1.4-litre T-Jet engine that is available with the Fiat Linea. The four-cylinder T-Jet develops 114bhp and 207Nm of torque, which will make this version one of the most powerful hatchbacks available in the country. There will have to be few more alterations to the hatchback to accommodate all the power. The chassis will have to be strengthened and suspension setup will be stiffer, along with better tyres, brakes and anti-roll bars.
The AbarthPunto will also get better alloy-wheels, body kit and other cosmetic upgrades, along with Abarth’s logo in place of Fiat to differentiate it from the standard model.Abarth may also consider shedding some weight for better performance, while the efficiency is not expected to be hampered much with turbocharging.
Globally, the PuntoAbarth is powered by 165bhp engine and we wish that it is made available in India. However, the alterations required for the same are lot more and will escalate the cost further. If the version launched in India is assembled here, then it will be the first four-door AbarthPunto in the world.
We expect the prices of the PuntoAbarth to be around Rs 9 lakh. The performance version will sold through Abarth studios which for now will be part of the Fiat showrooms.