Road test - Fiat Punto Abarth

Search: Fiat Punto Abarth

Abarth is to Fiat what John Cooper Works is to MINI. More than a warmed-over version of the Punto, this car is aimed squarely at the likes of the Renault Clio 197, Vauxhall Corsa VXR and of course the MINI Cooper S. So how does the ultimate factory version of this Italian baby shape up? We find out.

Why Abarth?
The last cars to be fitted with the famous logo were little more than sporty versions of the Punto and Stilo. This time the Fiat Group are far more serious, with Abarth re-launched as a separate brand.

Under bonnet changes
One of the biggest changes for this hot version of the Punto is underneath the bonnet. The Abarth uses the turbocharged version of Fiat's 1.4-litre, 16-valve engine, similar to that used in the T-Jet version of the Punto but here developing 155bhp. Torque peaks at 152lb-ft, reached at 5,000rpm, but pressing the 'power boost' button raises the peak to 170lb-ft at 3,000rpm: giving an instant rush of torque. Not enough power? Well, for an extra £3,500 Abarth is offering the Esseesse kit. The boxed kit, which can only be fitted at one of the dedicated Abarth centres gives an extra 30bhp and 31lb ft of torque, all of which mean a 0-62 time of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 133mph. Other Esseesse kit parts include lowered suspension and distinctive OZ 18-inch alloy whels

Exterior and interior changes
It maybe based on the standard Punto, but the Abarth feels surprisingly special for a car costing just £13,500. Highlights include the special Abarth badging, chunky bodykit and unique 17-inch alloy wheels. The special feel to this car is carried on to the interior with a leather-trimmed dashboard, steering wheel and handbrake. The supportive sports seats are trimmed in faux-suede with leather an £850 option. Sadly there's still the odd piece of scratchy, brittle plastic trim here and there and the aluminium-like trim for the dash is convincing no one.