Fiat Punto

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Fiat Punto
Manufacturer	Fiat
Production	1993–present
Predecessor	Fiat Uno
Class	Supermini
Body style(s)	3/5-door hatchback 3-door convertible (1994–99) 3-door van
Related	Fiat Barchetta Fiat Idea

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

1 Mark 1
2 Mark 2
3 Mk3 Punto
4 Punto in motorsport
5 External links
6 Footnotes

Mark 1
‎
Production	1993–99
Predecessor	Fiat Uno
Body style(s)	3/5-door hatchback 3-door convertible
Engine(s)	1.1 L I4 1.2 L I4 1.4 L I4 turbo 1.6 L I4 1.7 L I4 diesel
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 6-speed semi-auto
Wheelbase	2450 mm (96.5 in)
Length	3760 mm (148 in)
Width	1625 mm (64 in)
Height	1395 mm (54.9 in)
Curb weight	830–1040 kg (1829–2292 lb) 1070 kg (2358 lb) cabrio
Fuel capacity	47 L (10.3 Imp. gallons) (12.4 U.S. gal)
Designer	Giorgetto Giugiaro

Internally codenamed Project 176, the Punto was announced in September 1993 and launched in early 1994 as a replacement for the aging 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 engine. The 1.2 engine's actual capacity is 1.242 liters, available in 2 versions. The first, was fitted in the Punto ELX 75 and produced 75 HP at 6000 RPM while the second, fitted to Punto ELX 85 produced 86 HP at 6000 RPM. Both came with a 5 speed manual gearbox. A 1.6 Sporting was also available producing 88bhp (replaced in 1997 by the more economic 16 valve 1.2 unit), but the best performing version was the 136 PS (134 hp/100 kW) 1.4 GT using an evolution of the turbocharged 128 SOHC engine originally found in the Fiat Uno Turbo Mk II- capable of running over 200 km/h (124 mph) and reaching 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 7.9 seconds. This car was also fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox, with different gear ratios than the ELX series. During the years the GT was made in three different "series" with power 136 PS (134 hp/100 kW) (1993-1995),133 PS (131 hp/98 kW) (1995-1997) and 130 PS (128 hp/96 kW) (1997-1999).^[1] 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.

Mark 2

Production	1999–2003
Body style(s)	3/5-door hatchback
Engine(s)	1.2 L 8v I4 1.2 L 16v I4 1.8 L 16v I4 1.9 L I4 diesel
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 6-speed manual(Sporting Version) 7-speed semi-auto
Wheelbase	2460 mm (96.9 in)
Length	3800 mm (149.6 in)
Width	1660 mm (65.4 in)
Height	1480 mm (58.3 in)
Curb weight	860–1050 kg (1895–2314 lb)
Fuel capacity	47 L (10.3 Imp. gallons) (12.4 U.S. gal)

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 8.2 seconds, it was considered a big improvement in handling over the Mark 1 GT.

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. It has a fuel economy of 31.7 mpg - urban and 58.4 mpg - extra urban for the 1.7 diesel. The 1.8 petrol does 31.7 mpg - urban and 48.7 - extra urban.

Capacity	1242–1910 cc
Power	60 PS (59 hp/44 kW)-130 PS (128 hp/96 kW)
Max. speed	155 km/h (96 mph)-205 km/h (127 mph)
Acceleration	0–100 km/h: 15.0–8.6 seconds

Mark 2 (Facelift)

Production	2003 - Present
Body style(s)	3/5-door hatchback 3-door van
Engine(s)	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(s)	5-speed manual 6-speed semi-Auto
Wheelbase	2460 mm (96.9 in)
Length	3800 mm (149.6 in)
Width	1660 mm (65.4 in)
Height	1480 mm (58.3 in)
Curb weight	860–1050 kg (1895–2314 lb)
Fuel capacity	47 L (10.3 Imp. gallons) (12.4 U.S. gal)
Related	Zastava 10

In early 2003, Fiat celebrated the rollout of the 5,000,000th production Punto. In the same year, the Mark 2 Facelift 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 2 Facelift. On June 1, 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.

Despite the launch of the slightly larger Grande Punto in 2005, the 1999 Punto is still in production, and it even was launched for the first time in Chile in 2007, as Punto Classic. It will be replaced by a new B segment model in the next future model.

The Punto Van is a compact van that is used in a commercial environment. It is built also 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.

Capacity	1242–1910 cc
Power	60 PS (59 hp/44 kW)-130 PS (128 hp/96 kW)
Max. speed	155 km/h (96 mph)-205 km/h (127 mph)
Acceleration	0–100 km/h: 14.3–8.6 seconds

Mk3 Punto

Production	2005–present
Assembly	Mirafiori plant, Turin, Italy^[2] Melfi (Potenza), Italy^[2] Betim (Minas Gerais), Brasil^[2]
Class	Supermini
Body style(s)	3/5-door hatchback 3-door van
Platform	Fiat/GM SCSS platform
Engine(s)	1.2 L I4 1.4 L I4 1.3 L I4 diesel 1.9 L I4 diesel
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 6-speed semi-auto
Wheelbase	2510 mm (98.8 in)
Length	4030 mm (158.7 in)
Width	1687 mm (66.4 in)
Height	1490 mm (58.7 in)
Curb weight	1015 kg (2238 lb) - 1040 kg (2293 lb)
Fuel capacity	45 L (9.9 Imp. gallons) (11.9 U.S. gal)
Related	Fiat Linea Opel Corsa D
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,^[3] the car is based on the Fiat/GM SCCS platform.

The engines are the Fiat 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. In 2007 came new 1.4 T-Jet turbocharged petrol engine (120 hp) available. In the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show Fiat will introduce 150 hp Abarth version.^[4] The cars nose, headlights and front grill look reminiscent of the Maserati Coupe, both were designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign.

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.^[5] 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.

In Australia, Fiat introduced the Punto in mid 2006; it is the first Fiat to be sold in Australia since 1989. Shortly after its launch, the car (the 1.3L 90hp diesel) was recognised as the most economical car on the market.^[6]

The Italian-made Grande Punto has already been launched in Chile, Mexico and Dominican Republic, in petrol and diesel versions.

In the rest of South America, the Brazilian-built Grande Punto(Called just Punto) was launched in August 2007. Codenamed Project 310, it is produced in the factory of Betim, Minas Gerais, Brazil.^[7] 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 in the Brazilian line. The engines are the 85 hp 1.4 L FIRE 8v and the 115 hp 1.8 GM-Fiat/Powertrain, later the new Torque 1.9L with 8 and 16v must be available; with 121 and 134 hp. In Brazil, a flexible engine is available (they work on both gasoline and ethanol).

The Grande Punto also went on sale in South Africa in 2006, replacing the previous generation. It is sold with a variety of petrol and diesel engines, beginning at around R120,000.

A sedan version of the Punto, the Fiat Linea, was launched in early 2007 to replace 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.

As for the Indian launch, it is expected to be until late 2007 for its launch followed by the Linea.

Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque	0-100 km/h,s	Top speed	Note
1.2 8V FIRE	I4	1242 cc	65 PS (64 hp/48 kW) @5500 rpm	102 N·m (75 ft·lbf) @3000 rpm	14.5	155 km/h (96 mph)
1.4 8V FIRE	I4	1368 cc	77 PS (76 hp/57 kW) @6000 rpm	115 N·m (85 ft·lbf) @3000 rpm	13.2	165 km/h (103 mph)
1.4 16V StarJet	I4	1368 cc	95 PS (94 hp/70 kW) @6000 rpm	125 N·m (92 ft·lbf) @4500 rpm	11.4	178 km/h (111 mph)
1.4 T-JET	I4	1368 cc	120 PS (118 hp/88 kW) @5000 rpm	206 N·m (152 ft·lbf) @2000 rpm	8.9	195 km/h (121 mph)	from 2007
Abarth 1.4 T-JET	I4	1368 cc	155 PS (153 hp/114 kW) @5500 rpm	230 N·m (170 ft·lbf) @3000 rpm	8.2	208 km/h (129 mph)	from 2007
Abarth SS 1.4 T-JET	I4	1368 cc	180 PS (178 hp/132 kW) @5750 rpm	270 N·m (199 ft·lbf) @3000 rpm	7.7	215 km/h (134 mph)	from 2007

Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque	0-100 km/h,s	Top speed
1.3 16 Multijet 16V	I4	1248 cc	75 PS (74 hp/55 kW) @4000 rpm	190 N·m (140 ft·lbf) @1750 rpm	13.6	165 km/h (103 mph)
1.3 16 Multijet 16V	I4	1248 cc	90 PS (89 hp/66 kW) @4000 rpm	200 N·m (148 ft·lbf) @1750 rpm	11.9	175 km/h (109 mph)
1.9 16 Multijet 8V	I4	1910 cc	120 PS (118 hp/88 kW) @4000 rpm	280 N·m (207 ft·lbf) @2000 rpm	10.0	190 km/h (118 mph)
1.9 16 Multijet 8V	I4	1910 cc	130 PS (128 hp/96 kW) @4000 rpm	280 N·m (207 ft·lbf) @2000 rpm	9.5	200 km/h (124 mph)

Fiat Grande Punto Abarth

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.

Punto has competed in the following motorsport events;