The next generation Punto, due to arrive this coming autumn, is set to be one of the most important new introductions in Fiat's century-long history.

Respected Italian magazine Quattroruote has recently offered a closest look yet at the brand new Punto, with an impression that reveals a genuine and exciting new segment contender.

Fiat's bold plans to ensure their very survival as an independent auto manufacturer have called for a rapid and wholesale replacement of their dull and ageing model line-up. New and exciting cars that capture the very essence of the firm's glorious traditions are now arriving as this strategy grinds into action. This direction has recently paid dividends with the introduction of the segment-leading, 'Car of the Year' award-winning, new Panda, the 'mini-MPV' Idea, which has carved out a whole new niche for itself, and Lancia's upmarket and stylish 'pocket flagship', the Ypsilon, a range which is soon to be bolstered by the arrival of a driver-orientated 'sporty' version.

Although these fresh new models have been carefully putting in place the groundwork for a revival of Fiat's flagging fortunes, more than a year on from their introduction their impact is gradually lessening, and so attention is now turning to the new 'make or break' Punto model, a car which will truly define Fiat's future.

The initial signs seem good thus far. Codenamed 'Project 199', design has been entrusted to the legendary style master, Giorgetto Giugiaro. He has a long-standing tradition of penning winners for Fiat in this competitive segment, as he was responsible for the iconic Uno back in the 1980's, and then over a decade later, for the first generation of Punto.
 

The forthcoming Punto is to be based on an all-new, Powertrain-developed platform, codename 'Small', which will also give rise to the next-generation of Opel Corsa. The two sets of engineers have chosen to go down a conventional route with car's the underpinnings, MacPherson strut and wishbone set-up at the front, with coils springs and a torsion-bar arrangement at the rear.

However the impression reveals that although the chunky little car will be 3900mm long, it will retain the existing model's 2460mm wheelbase, a bold move, especially as its segment-rivals have steadily become bloated in size. Fiat believe that customers want to hold true to the characteristics and ideals that were embodied in previous Uno and Punto generations, a view widely held in the motor industry.

The car's visually bigger bumpers and prominent A-pillar are partly the result of recent EU legislation that demands ever greater safety for passengers, and safety in general will be the theme of a car that is expected to set new class standards in the areas of both active and passive safety.

Apart from its eye-catching 'snout' with its new Fiat Croma look alike headlights, the Punto offers a small quarter light glass panel, and delightfully chunky new door mirrors. A high swage line, that sweeps upwards, and swirling outward wheel arches, contribute to giving the new Punto the 'feel' of a bigger car, allowing it to punch above its weight. The rear of the new car evolves carefully the theme prevalent on the first three generations of the Punto. While the newcomer retains the traditional high-mounted tail lights, the base of the units has been pushed upwards, allowing a tailgate that has been widened as far as possible for greater ease of loading and unloading.

The new triangular A-pillar glass sections also help to reveal that Fiat are once again looking to improve on their already high standards of providing maximum interior capacity. Lessons learnt from the ground-breaking Idea have been utilised, while close attention has been paid to improving the driving position and upgrading the quality of the materials used.

The engine line-up for the launch will be led out by the tiny 1.3 Multjet unit, now proving so popular in the Panda and current Punto models. This 70bhp version, which forms the base model, is followed by a new turbocharged version provisionally rated at a 90bhp output, although in extensive recent testing it has comfortably achieved 100bhp. The diesel engine range will be rounded out by the 150bhp 1.9 Multijet shoe-horned in an Abarth-branded 'hot' version. This engine will appear next month in the firm's comparably-sized Lancia Ypsilon model.

The petrol range will be kicked off by an 'entry level' 1.2-litre unit with 65bhp, followed by 1.4-litre 8- and 16-valve engines offering 80bhp and 100bhp respectively. Finally a 1.4-litre turbo engine will give the new Punto serious teeth right from day one.

by Edd Ellison