Spy Shots: Fiat Grande Punto Turbo
The Fiat Grande Punto and the Suzuki Swift have been neck and neck in nearly all the super-mini comparison tests across the pond, but what about the hot hatches? Suzuki showed its new Swift Sport at the Paris Motor Show. The Italians are ready to hit back, but with a much harder punch coming in the form of the turbocharged Punto, and spy photos are floating around the 'net.
Due next summer, the Grand Punto Turbo (which may or may not warrant the Abarth moniker) will get the Fiat Group's new 1.4-liter turbocharged four with either 120 or 150 hp. The photos also show upgraded wheels and tires, beefier brakes to help keep the extra horses in rein, and a new exhaust system. An upgraded sportier suspension with stiffer springs, thicker anti-roll bars and/or a lowered ride height would also be a good bet. Also expect electronic traction and stability control systems.
A turbo engine coupled with Giugiaro styling should make for a winning package that'll leave the Swift in the dust, but still be short on power to take on the Renault Clio Sport. Which is a shame, because who doesn't like to see Fiat dig into its pockets to take on Renault?
(More images after the jump)
[Source: Onet.pl Moto via Motor Authority]
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Michael Karesh 12:09PM (10/24/2006)
We're so starved for great hot hatches in the U.S. that people are going crazy over the Honda Fit. It'll take something more along the lines of this Fiat to get me excited.
So, is anyone besides MINI going to bring a hot B-class hatch to the U.S.?
Reply
Erma 12:30PM (10/24/2006)
Fiat is returning in U.S. with the next new fiat 500:
http://www.fiat500.com
Reply
Sam 1:59AM (10/26/2006)
That looks almost exactly like a ford focus from the back!!
Reply
Erma 7:25PM (10/24/2006)
fiat was the first to use high the posterior lights, from 1993. the back it is similar the old version of the focus, but if you saw it from the alive one you would notice that they have only the likeness in common. it is an optimal car.
Reply
leo 1:01PM (10/24/2006)
#2, if thatlooks exactly like a ford focus to you, you need to put on your glasses.
put two pics up on your screen next to each other thanmake that statement again
there is a bit of resemblance on the tailights but the Fiats have a better looing incline to them, the C pilar is totally different, the rear hatch adn bumper are also totally different
other than that it does have 4wheels, 3 dorrs (including the hatch), it's short, etc. like I said get your 4 glasses on
Reply
bernie 1:35PM (10/24/2006)
Blah blah blah, Ford Focus, blah blah blah.
Reply
mike 12:10AM (12/22/2006)
NICE! Just give it 10 more doors, seating for 12, kick down the power by 20% and bring this baby stateside!
Reply
SlurpieTwister 6:58PM (10/24/2006)
Ford Focus in the back and Volvo S40 in the front...I bet when you look underneath it screams Civic!! does it have a huge center speedo and two-tone seats like a Mini?? Fiat designers must have tossed this concept together whilst on a trip to New Jersey....
Reply
tom 7:40PM (10/24/2006)
Best design ever on a small hatchback.
Reply
Graham Lunn 2:28AM (10/25/2006)
I have owned one of these, in black!, since June of this year. the car is well made and is the best looking small car on the market, especially from the front. My car has a 6 speed turbo diesel and the only fault I can find is turbo lag like the Saabs of the 80s, nothing below 2000 rpm.
The car gets good mileage at around 55 mpg and will cruise at 80, all from 1300cc.
Reply