AN iconic Italian sporting name has returned to the UK with the arrival of the high-performance Abarth version of Fiat’s Grande Punto.
17:26, Jul 29 2008
Steve Hughes
The badge was renowned in the 1960s for adorning Fiat’s most sporting models and will be gradually introduced throughout the current range, with the Fiat 500 being the next recipient here in spring 2009.
The six-speed Grande Punto Abarth 1.4 turbo is priced from £13,500 and generates 155bhp for a top speed of 130mph and a 0-62mph acceleration time of 8.2 seconds.
There are two further upgrades offering improved driver involvement. The first tuning kit, known as Assetto includes ventilated and cross-drilled front brake discs and cross-drilled rear discs, high-performance front brake pads, shorter springs and 18-inch white alloy wheels fitted with 215/40 ZR18 Pirelli P Zero tyres.
The second option, known as the esseesse (SS) kit increases the power and is only available in conjunction with the Assetto kit.
It adds several components including a special air filter, a larger Garrett turbocharger, new injectors, larger diameter freeflow exhaust system and a revised engine control unit with esseesse software.
Collectively this boosts engine performance from 155bhp to 180bhp. Visually, the £3,500 esseesse kit includes logos for the tailgate, wing mirror covers and engine cover.
Initially the cars are available from only a limited number of specially chosen Fiat dealers, the number of which will be gradually increased.
Special reports | News | Manufacturers | New cars | Used cars | Views | Dealers | Insurance
