FirstDrive: Fiat Grande Punto AbarthThe official launch of the Abarth brand and the first new model to wear the scorpion badge was refreshingly simple, yet effective. Fiat's Grande Punto is a pretty design, even in its most basic format, but the Abarth model really looks the part of junior hot hatch.
The new image is thanks to restyled bumpers, side skirts, a roof spoiler and distinctive 17-inch alloys, but those components are quite restrained. It's the application of contrasting colours that really sets the Abarth apart.
The wheelarches are trimmed in black plastic, which continues along the bottom of the rest of the car and is mirrored on the rear spoiler and even in the headlights and tinted side windows. Meanwhile, the door mirrors are painted bright red, a colour also used for the brake callipers and the Abarth stripes along the sides. The latter sounds over the top, but actually works really well.
In fact, the only dubious detail is the glued-on Abarth badge behind each door, but thankfully, the interior is well done. A characteristicfinish is applied to the dashboard and there is plentiful use of black leather and red stitching on the chunky steering wheel and gear knob. The most significant change is a pair of fantastic sports seats. Another indication is the prominent "Boost Sport" button on the centre console.
There's no point dolling up your super-mini in fancy garb and calling it a hot hatch if it can't deliver the goods, so the Abarth version of the Grande Punto has Fiat's relatively new T-Jet range of engines. The 1.4-litre unit may be down on outright capacity, but turbocharging is combined with direct injection to allow this engine to punch above its weight. Hence, maximum power is 153bhp at 5,500rpm.
Normally, peak torque is 206Nm at a fairly elevated 5,000rpm, but press that "Boost Sport" button and 230Nm is then available at a much more usable 3,000rpm. It sounds great too and though the only time available in the car was on the perfectly smooth Balocco test track, first impressions are that keen drivers will get a kick out of the Grande Punto Abarth.
The chassis features numerous revisions in a bid to improve body control, including a wider track and a lower ride height. Fiat has also fitted larger Brembo brakes to cope with "more enthusiastic" driving.
If the regular Abarth version is not quite hard enough for you, Fiat proposes to sell the "esseesse" (pronounced S-S for Super Sport) kit, which boosts power to 178bhp, maximum torque to 272Nm and lowers and stiffens the suspension even further.
In larger markets, Fiat dealers are expected to invest in a standalone Abarth showroom, but expected sales of the sporty models may not support such a move in Ireland. At best, we can hope for a single Abarth centre in the country, with ordering and servicing available through regular Fiat dealers.
Despite that, the Grande Punto Abarth should be a worthy competitor for the established junior hot hatches.
Factfile
Engine:1368cc turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with direct injection, putting out 153bhp @ 5,500rpm and 206Nm of torque @ 5,000rpm (maximum of 230Nm at 3,000rpm available in "Sport" mode)
Transmission:Six-speed manual.
Performance:0-100km/h in 8.2 seconds, and a top speed of 208km/h
Economy:7l/100km - combined cycle (estimated)
Emissions:165g/km (estimated)
Price:€24,000 (estimated)