The Nuova Panda may be Fiat’s star attraction at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, but the Italians will also show a subtly revised version of the Punto supermini.
The most important change is the introduction of the two-cylinder MultiAir turbocharged gasoline engine. It’s the same unit used in Fiat’s 500 and Panda, as well as the Alfa Romeo MiTo, producing 85HP and 145 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm.
According to Fiat, the engine’s technical characteristics and the use of a six-speed gearbox offer performance comparable to poweplants with a bigger displacement, but with lower CO2 emissions (just 98 g/km).
The driver can also choose between “normal” and “eco” driving modes by pushing the ECO button on the dashboard, depending on whether he wants full power or a more fuel-efficient drive.
As with the MiTo, the 2012 Punto also gets a second-generation 1.3-liter 16-valve Multijet turbodiesel with 85HP and 200 Nm of torque at just 1,500 rpm. It introduces two new CO2-reducing technologies: Intelligent Alternator, which recharges the battery during engine cut-off, and Intelligent Flow that features a variable displacement oil pump and an optimized cooling circuit. As a result, its CO2 emissions are only 90 g/km.
Fiat also reshuffled the MY 2012 Punto lineup which now comprises of three trim levels, Pop, Easy and Lounge for all engines, plus a dedicated trim level for the TwinAir with a grey and black interior and bright Verde Lime (that’s Lime Green) bodywork with a black roof.
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