- by Brian Byrne
Upgrade to Punto, here in autumn
20 May 2003: Fiat has revealed details of the upgrade to the Punto, which will arrive in Ireland in October.
Amongst its powertraines will be the revolutionary 70 bhp 1.3 Multijet 16v and the 100 bhp 1.9 Multijet 8v.
In all there will be eight engines (1.2 8v - 1.2 16v - 1.4 16v - 1.8 16v - 1.3 Multijet - 1.9 Multijet - 1.9 JTD - 1.2 8v petrol and methane); four manual gearboxes (three with five speeds and one with six speeds) and two automatic transmissions (Speedgear and Dualogic); eight specifications (Actual, Active, Sound, Dynamic, Class, Emotion, Sporting, HGT).
Uniquely for its segment, the model also offers a Natural Power version (petrol and methane fuel system).
In the safety field, the car will feature an array of dynamic control systems: ESP, ASR, MSR and Hill Holder. The sports version delivers 130 bhp, and a new suspension system reduces vibration due to road surface roughness. A new, extra-rigid torsion beam increases vehicle stability.
The five-door version has a passenger room coefficient of 86.4%. It will also offer dual zone climate control system and electric power steering with two operating modes.
Stylistically the car has a brand new front end that is the same for both bodies, though certain details differ with the more sporty specifications. Cloths and trim shades also differ, as do the facia and instrument panel.
The exterior dimensions have been slightly changed compared to the previous Punto.
©2003 irishcar.com