Fiat Punto

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Fiat Punto
Production: 1993–present
Predecessor: Fiat Uno
Class: Supermini
Body style: 3/5-door hatchback
3-door convertible (1991–99)
Related: Fiat Barchetta
Fiat Idea
Similar: Hatchback:
Volkswagen Polo
Ford Fiesta
Toyota Yaris
Mazda 121
Honda Logo
Convertible:
Rover 100 Convertible
Toyota Paseo Convertible

The Fiat Punto is a supermini produced by the Italian manufacturer Fiat since 1993. It is currently in its third generation.

Contents

[edit] Mark 1

Mark 1
1994 Fiat Punto Mk. 1 Selecta
Manufacturer: {{{manufacturer}}}
Production: 1993–99
Body style: 3/5-door hatchback
3-door convertible
Engine: 1.1 L I4
1.2 L I4
1.4 L I4 turbo
1.6 L I4
1.7 L I4 diesel
Transmission: 5-speed manual
6-speed semi-auto
Wheelbase: 2450 mm
Length: 3760 mm
Width: 1625 mm
Height: 1395 mm
Curb weight: 830–1040 kg
1070 kg (cabrio)
Fuel economy: 45mpg
Fuel capacity: 47 L
Designer: Giorgetto Giugiaro

Internally codenamed Project 176, the Punto was announced in September 1993 and launched in early 1994 as a replacement for the ageing Fiat Uno. The Punto was voted European Car of the Year for 1995. The Punto's distinctive clean-cut styling by Giorgetto Giugiaro was an instant hit (though one of the car's most recognisable features, the vertical tail lights, were not part of Giugiaro's original design and were in fact added later in-house at Fiat). Competitive pricing which undercut rivals such as the Opel Corsa and Volkswagen Polo also helped the Punto become an instant success in the marketplace.

Entry-level in the Punto range were the 1.1 and 1.2 L petrol engines and the 1.7 diesel. A more powerful 1.6 Sporting was also available (replaced in 1997 by more economic 16 valve 1.2 unit), but the best performing version was the 1.4 GT Turbo - capable of running 124 mph and reaching 60 mph in just 7.9 seconds using an evolution of the turbocharged 128 SOHC engine originally found in the Fiat Uno Turbo Mk II. A cabriolet (convertible) version was also available; built by Bertone (rather than at the main Fiat factory) it featured a powered fully-retracting roof and was one of the cheapest open-top cars in the world at the time.

[edit] Punto Mk1 specifications

Capacity 1108–1698 cc
Power 54–136 PS
Max. speed 150–200 km/h
Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 20.0–7.9 seconds

[edit] Mark 2

[edit] (1999-2003)

Mark 2
Fiat Punto Mk. 2
Production: 1999–2003
Body style: 3/5-door hatchback
Engine: 1.2 L I4
1.2 L 16v I4
1.8 L 16v I4
1.9 L I4 diesel
Transmission: 5-speed manual
6-speed semi-auto
Wheelbase: 2460 mm
Length: 3800 mm
Width: 1660 mm
Height: 1480 mm
Curb weight: 860–1050 kg
Fuel capacity: 47 L

The second generation Nuova (New) Punto, codenamed Project 188, was launched in 1999. The styling was all-new while retaining the original Punto's distinctive shape and design, while the chassis and interior were completely overhauled. The new Punto also became the first Fiat in decades to carry the original round Fiat badge, to celebrate Fiat's centenary.

The 1.1 and 1.4 turbo engines were discontinued due to emissions issues, and the entry-level models had only a 1.2 petrol unit (with either 8 or 16 valves, giving 60 and 80 hp respectively) or a 1.9 diesel (with or without common-rail injection). Two sporty versions vere offered. The 1.2 16 valve Sporting model, complete with 6 speed gearbox, and the hot 1.8 HGT which could reach almost 130 mph. The HGT accelerates 0-60 in 8.6 secs which is slightly slower than the Mark 1 GT on a straight line, but was considered a big improvement in handling.

The Mark two Fiat Punto has also adopted Dualdrive electric power steering and comes with two operation modes, using an electric motor, rather than a hydraulic pump driven by the engine. This results in reduced fuel consumption and less environmental impact.

[edit] Punto Mk2 specifications

Capacity 1242–1910 cc
Power 60–130 PS
Max. speed 155–205 km/h
Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 15.0–8.6 seconds

[edit] Revision B

Mark 2b
MK2b Punto
Enlarge
MK2b Punto
Production: 2003–2006
Body style: 3/5-door hatchback
Engine: 1.2 L I4
1.4 L 16v I4
1.3 L I4 diesel
1.8 L 16v I4
1.9 L I4 diesel
Transmission: 5-speed manual
6-speed semi-auto
Wheelbase: 2460 mm
Length: 3800 mm
Width: 1660 mm
Height: 1480 mm
Curb weight: 860–1050 kg
Fuel capacity: 47 L

In early 2003, Fiat celebrated the rollout of the 5,000,000th production Punto. In the same year, the Mark 2 revision B revamp brought further revisions to the platform, including extensive changes to the exterior styling and the dropping of the 1.2 L Sporting in favour of a new 1.4 16v engine, and the introduction of two HGT versions, 1.9 L Multijet diesel , and 1.8 L 16v petrol engine which could reach almost 130 mph continued over from the Mark 2. There was an introduction also of the 1.3 L common rail diesel MultiJet engine. The round Fiat badge, found only on the bonnet of Mark 2 models, was introduced on the tailgate of the Mark 2B. On 1 June 2005, Fiat produced the 6,000,000th Punto at the Melfi plant. This Punto is currently the fourth-best selling supermini in Europe.

In October 2005, Serbian manufacturer Zastava reached an agreement with Fiat to make this version under licence with the model name Zastava 10.

[edit] Punto Van

The Punto Van is a compact van that is used in a commercial environment. It is built with a diesel 1.3 Multijet 16 valve engine with 70 BHP, ensuring low emissions. It has 1000 litres capacity with a metal partition to give the Punto a commercial model.

[edit] Punto Mk2 Facelift specifications

Capacity 1242–1910 cc
Power 60–130 PS
Max. speed 155–205 km/h
Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 14.3–8.6 seconds

[edit] Grande Punto

Grande Punto
Grande Punto
Enlarge
Grande Punto
Production: 2005–present
Body style: 3/5-door hatchback
Engine: 1.2 L I4
1.4 L I4
1.6 L I4
1.3 L I4 diesel
1.9 L I4 diesel
Transmission: 5-speed manual
6-speed semi-auto
Wheelbase: 2510 mm
Length: 4030 mm
Width: 1687 mm
Height: 1490 mm
Curb weight: 1015–1040 kg
1205 kg (cabrio)
Fuel capacity: 45 L
Designer: Giorgetto Giugiaro

The third generation Punto, codenamed Project 199 and marketed Grande Punto, was unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show and went on sale later that year. Again styled by Giugiaro, the car is based on the Fiat/GM "Small" platform (a new version of GM Gamma platform).

The engines are the 1.2 Fire 8v (65 hp), a new 1.4 Fire 8v (77 hp) and the 1.4 16v (95 hp). Four MultiJet diesel engines are also available: two 1.3 16v units (75 hp and 90 hp, the latter with a variable geometry turbocharger) and two 1.9 with 120 and 130 hp, all of them with diesel particulate filter. All the engines are Euro IV compliant.

The Grande Punto was awarded with 5 stars in the EuroNCAP crash test for passenger protection and Euro NCAP 3 star certification for pedestrian safety. The most powerful engines have electronic stability program and anti slip regulation fitted as standard, and it is an optional extra on some of the lower powered engines.

[edit] Non-European markets

In Australia, Fiat introduced the Punto in mid 2006; it is the first Fiat to be sold in Australia for 18 years. Shortly after its launch, the car was recognised as the most economical car on the market.[1]

In South America, the Grande Punto will be launched in Feubrary 2007. Codenamed "Project 310", it will be produced in the factory of Betim, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The chassis is a stronger version of the European version of the Punto, due to the differences in the roads in developing countries. At the beginning, the five-door version will be the only available available in South American markets. The engines will be the 80 hp 1.4 L FIRE 8v and the new Torque 1.8L 16v; in Brazil, they will work on both gasoline and ethanol.

A sedan version of the Punto, the Fiat Linea, has been announced to be introduced in developing markets as a replacement for the aging Marea. It will be built on an extended version of the Punto's chassis, giving a total length of 4600 mm, making it jump to the small family car segment.

[edit] Grande Punto specifications

Capacity 1242–1910 cc
Power 65–130 HP
Max. speed 155–200 km/h
Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 14.5–9.5 seconds

[edit] Punto in motorsport

The Punto has always been popular with amateur racing drivers due to its low cost and the wide availability of spare parts. Several competition and homologated versions of the Punto have been produced, such as the Punto Rally, the S1600 and the Punto Abarth. A new rally car based on the third generation Punto, the Super 2000 Punto Abarth, was unveiled in 2005. It is four-wheel drive and powered by a 2.0 L 16 valve engine capable of producing 280 hp.

[edit] External links

[edit] Footnotes

  1. ^ "Fiat Punto revealed as Australia's most economical car", Perrys.co.uk


<- Previous Fiat car timeline, European market, 1980s-present - [edit]
Type 1980s 1990s 2000s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
City car 126 Cinquecento Seicento 500
Panda Nuova Panda
Supermini 127 Uno Punto I Punto II Grande Punto
Small family car Ritmo Tipo Bravo / Brava Stilo Nuova Bravo
Regata Tempra Marea Linea
Large family car Argenta Croma I Croma II
Coupé X1/9 Coupé
Roadster Barchetta Barchetta
Panel van Fiorino I Fiorino II Doblò
Mini SUV Sedici
Mini MPV Idea
Compact MPV Multipla
Large MPV Ulysse I Ulysse II
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