First look: Fiat Punto on its way

FIAT has revealed the first details of the new Punto mini-car, which will be part of the proposed Australian Fiat line-up to be launched in early 2004.

This is a vital model for Fiat internationally, as it replaces oneof its best-selling models of all time with more than five millionPuntos sold since it went on sale in 1999.

Ateco Automotive Australia, the Australian Fiat importer that is already selling the Fiat Ducato Van, plans to offer a three car Fiat range in 2004 including the new Fiat Punto in high performance Abarth form only.

Other models scheduled to form the launch range are the Stilo small car in GT and Abarth variants.

The new Punto's styling includes a new nose and bumpers, which feature new, more powerful headlights and poly-elliptical foglights.

Under the skin there's a range of new engines and gearboxes, including diesel and petrol choices.

The Abarth has a 1.8-litre 96kW engine, with a top speed of 205km/h via a 0-100km/h time of 8.6 seconds, and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

Other new Punto technology includes ESC, the latest eighth-generation Bosch ABS system which offers Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and EBA.

In addition there is MSR and ASR to stop the wheels spinning or locking in down shifts.

New comfort and convenience features include cruise control, parkingsensors, rain detector for automatic wiper operation and a new dual-zone ventilation system.

Other changes to the Punto include revised rear suspension, revised dashboard and new colours and trims.