As it makes the count down to its debut the facelifted Fiat Punto, dubbed the Punto EVO, has revealed its cosmetically-tweaked rear new end for the first time in spy photos that have circulated this week, showing a tail that closely mirrors the distinct new design language introduced at the front of the car. The front end and interior of the Punto EVO were seen in photos that appeared during June and they betrayed a restyling that sees the car's bumper and spoiler sections replaced with new much more aggressive and chunky non-colour coded parts that bring the B-segment hatchback closely into line with current design thinking.

The Grande Punto was introduced into the showrooms in the autumn of 2005 to replace the Punto Series 2 and, as a key player in the most hotly-contested market segment in Europe, four years after its launch a thoroughly facelifted version is set to debut at the Frankfurt IAA in September before going on sale before the end of the year. Revealed four years ago to much acclaim the Grande Punto then replaced the long-running and much-loved Punto in the showrooms and proved an instant hit with consumers that were seduced in particular by its gorgeous Maserati-inspired front-end styling treatment.

Restyling a much-loved shape as the Grande Punto was always going to be a difficult task for the designers, but they have wrought significant cosmetic changes for its mid-life update. While the rear bumper is revealed now to incorporates a chunky plastic section the tailgate and rear lights remain basically unchanged. On the bonnet the brand's badge is surrounded by a more 'family' style chrome trim that takes cues from the retro-ideas of the little 500.

The most significant changes however will come under the bonnet with a raft of new Euro V engine upgrades, including a 105bhp 1.4 litre FIRE incorporating the new MultiAir induction technology as well as a capable 135bhp TurboAir 1.4 petrol. The diesel range will be revised with the and 95bhp/230Nm 1.3 MultiJet 2 diesel. Stop-Start technology will be available. The current Grande Punto, with older engines and a more limited range, will remain on sale for a while alongside facelifted version.