The new Fiat 'Sport' line-up at the recent Bologna Motor Show included a Punto equipped with a 1.4 16v unit and a highly sporty appearance.

On the outside, this is evident in special front and rear bumpers, sideskirts and spoiler. The interior features sporty foot pedals and foot rest.

The Bologna show car was also an excellent example of how this model always manages to stay one step ahead with its innovative equipment and unique engines and gearboxes.

The clean lines, unfussy styling and particular attention to detail displayed by the new mini reflect the most up-to-date trends. The result is a good-looking car with character that expresses a captivating style which makes it look more and more like a higher segment car.

As is also shown by the roomy, luminous and practical cab where a meticulous choice of colours and trim makes the interior as pleasing to the touch as it is on the eye. It is the first car in this market band to adopt two second generation Common Rail turbodiesels: the revolutionary 70 bhp 1.3 Multijet 16v and the powerful 100 bhp 1.9 Multijet 8v.

It is also the only model to offer two automatic transmissions (the Dualogic and the Speedgear), an automatic dual zone air conditioner and electric power steering with two operating modes. Uniquely for its segment, the model also offers a Natural Power version (petrol and methane fuel system).

All in all, the New Fiat Punto will change the way we perceive compact cars because from now on they will be able to hold their own against higher segment models.

In the safety field, this is demonstrated by the most sophisticated dynamic control systems: ESP, ASR, MSR and Hill Holder. The same applies to performance: the sporty version unleashes 130 bhp.

Not to mention a sound and infotelematic system that makes your car a satisfying place to be: satellite navigation system, CONNECT OBN, radio with CD and MP3 file player, CD-changer located on the facia.

The New Fiat Punto also offers the peace of mind of outstanding roadholding that is due, above all, to a suspension system specially designed to absorb and reduce vibration due to road surface roughness. A new, extra-rigid torsion beam increases vehicle stability. Not to mention the fact that the New Fiat Punto boasts two segment topping attributes. The five-door version offers an outstanding passenger room coefficient (86.4%) and one of the most spacious luggage compartments (297 litres) plus very effective space management options.

These winning features complement the higher total volume: at nearly three cubic metres, the model is at the peak of its market band and can comfortably accommodate five people. This, in brief, is the New Punto's calling card. The mark of a winning model that has proved a true best-seller in recent years.

The figures speak for themselves: more than five million Europeans bought it, twenty-five international juries voted for it and it confirmed Fiat's acknowledged position as leader of segment B since its launch.

And Fiat plans to hold on to this position in the future with the New Punto as it honours its promise to make competitive, top-quality products that are also good-looking and packed with innovative features.

The model's personality has now been reinterpreted: the range is no longer dependent on a distinction between 3- or 5-door versions but is distinguished by the 'character' of its versions: elegant on one side and sporty on the other.

One example is the brand new front end that is the same for both bodies, though certain details differ between the elegant and 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 to ensure the car can nip through town traffic and park with ease. The dimensions are 1.66 m in width, 1.48 m in height, and 3.84 m in length (the 3-door) or 3.86 m (the 5-door).

Photos: Carlo Ombello