Difference between revisions of "Fiat Punto"

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{| border=1 align="right" cellpadding=2 cellspacing=0 width=250 style="margin-left:3em; margin-bottom: 2em; color: black; background: lightyellow;"
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__NOEDITSECTION__
!colspan=2 style="color: white; background: gray;"|Fiat Punto
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{| border=1 align="right" cellpadding=2 cellspacing=0 width=250 style="margin-left:3em; margin-bottom: 2em; "
 +
!colspan=2 style="color: white; background: darkred;"|Fiat Punto
 
|-
 
|-
 
|width="40%"|Manufacturer:||[[Fiat]]
 
|width="40%"|Manufacturer:||[[Fiat]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Class:||[[supermini car]]
+
|Production:||[[1993]] — present
 
|-
 
|-
|Production:||[[1993]] — present
+
|Layout & Class:||[[FF layout|FF]] [[supermini car|supermini]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Body Styles:||3-door [[hatchback]]<br />5-door [[hatchback]]<br>[[cabriolet]]
+
|Body Styles:||3 and 5-door [[hatchback]]<br>3-door [[convertible]] (Mark 1 only)
 
|-
 
|-
 
|Predecessor:||[[Fiat Uno]]
 
|Predecessor:||[[Fiat Uno]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Successor:||None
+
|Successor:||Still in production
 
|-
 
|-
 
|colspan=2|[[Image:1994.fiat.punto.selecta.arp.750pix.jpg|250px|1994 Fiat Punto Mk. 1 Selecta]]
 
|colspan=2|[[Image:1994.fiat.punto.selecta.arp.750pix.jpg|250px|1994 Fiat Punto Mk. 1 Selecta]]
 
|-
 
|-
!colspan=2 style="color: black; background: lightgrey;"|Mark 1
+
!colspan=2 style="color: white; background: darkred;"|Mark 1
 
|-
 
|-
|Production:||[[1993]] &mdash; [[1999]]
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|Production:||[[1994]]&mdash;[[1999]]
 
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|Engines:|| -->
 
|Engines:|| -->
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|colspan=2|
 
|colspan=2|
 
|-
 
|-
|colspan=2|[[Image:Blue Fiat Punto.jpg|250px|Fiat Punto Mk. 2]]
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|colspan=2|[[Image:Fiat Punto.jpg|250px|Fiat Punto Mk. 2]]
 
|-
 
|-
!colspan=2 style="color: black; background: lightgrey;"|Mark 2
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!colspan=2 style="color: white; background: darkred;"|Mark 2
 
|-
 
|-
|Production:||[[1999]] &mdash; [[2003]]
+
|Production:||[[1999]]&mdash;[[2003]]
 
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<!-- |-
 
|Engines:|| -->
 
|Engines:|| -->
 
|-
 
|-
|colspan=2|[[Image:000APunto1.jpg|250px|Fiat Punto Mk. 2b]]
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|colspan=2|[[Image:Punto3.jpg|250px|Fiat Punto Mk. 2b]]
 
|-
 
|-
!colspan=2 style="color: black; background: lightgrey;"|Mark 2b
+
!colspan=2 style="color: white; background: darkred;"|Mark 2b
 
|-
 
|-
|Production:||[[2003]] &mdash; [[2005]]
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|Production:||[[2003]]&mdash;[[2005]]
 
<!-- |-
 
<!-- |-
 
|Engines:|| -->
 
|Engines:|| -->
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|colspan=2|
 
|colspan=2|
 
|-
 
|-
|colspan=2|[[Image:000APunto.jpg|250px|Fiat Punto Mk. 3]]
+
|colspan=2|[[Image:Puntopress.jpg|250px|Fiat Punto Mk. 3]]
 
|-
 
|-
!colspan=2 style="color: black; background: lightgrey;"|Mark 3
+
!colspan=2 style="color: white; background: darkred;"|Mark 3
 
|-
 
|-
|Production:||[[2005]] &mdash;  
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|Production:||[[2005]]&mdash;present
 
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|Engines:|| -->
 
|Engines:|| -->
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|}
 
|}
  
==Launch==
+
The '''Fiat Punto''' is a [[supermini car|supermini]] [[automobile]] produced by the [[Italy|Italian]] manufacturer [[Fiat]] since [[1994]].  It is currently in its third generation.
  
The '''[[Fiat]] Punto''' is a [[supermini car]], internally codenamed ''Project 178'', announced in September [[1993]] and launched in [[1994]] as a replacement for the ageing [[Fiat Uno]]. The Punto was voted [[Car of the Year|European Car of the Year]] for 1995.
+
==Mark 1 (1993-1999)==
  
At a time when rival companies like [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] and [[Vauxhall]]/[[Opel]] were producing dull looking superminis, the Fiat Punto was an instant hit with its [[Giorgetto Giugiaro]] design. Another reason for its popularity was the competitive pricing which made it a cheap alternative to a [[Volkswagen Polo]] or [[Ford Fiesta]]. A wide range of engines included economical 1.1, 1.2 (8 or 16 valve) and 1.7 turbo-diesel units, more sporty 1.6 petrol and a powerful 1.4 turbocharged petrol engine.
+
Internally codenamed ''Project 178'', the Punto was announced in September [[1993]] and launched in early 1994 as a replacement for the ageing [[Fiat Uno]]. The Punto was voted [[Car of the Year|European Car of the Year]] for 1995.  The Punto's distinctive clean-cut styling by [[Giorgetto Giugiaro]] was an instant hit (though one of the car's most recognisable features, the vertical tail lights, were not part of Giugiaro's original design and were in fact added later in-house at Fiat).   Competitive pricing which undercut rivals such as the [[General Motors Corsa]] and [[Volkswagen Polo]] also helped the Punto become an instant success in the marketplace.
  
==Mark 1 ([[1993]]-[[1999]])==
+
Entry-level in the Punto range were the 1.1 and 1.2 litre [[petrol]] engines and the 1.7 [[diesel]]. A more powerful 1.6 Sporting was also available (replaced in 1997 by more economic 16 valve 1.2 unit), but the best performing version was the 1.4 GT [[Turbo]] - capable of running over 130mph and reaching 60mph in just 7.6 seconds. A [[convertible|cabriolet]] (convertible) version was also available, and was one of the cheapest open-top cars in the world at the time. 
  
Entry-level in the Punto range were the 1.1 and 1.2 litre [[petrol]] engines and the 1.7 [[diesel]]. A more powerful 1.6 Sporting was also available (replaced in 1997 by more economic 16 valve 1.2 unit), but the best performing version was the 1.4 GT [[Turbo]] - capable of running over 130mph and reaching 60mph in just 7.6 seconds it was a great fun to drive. The second closest thing to an enjoyable Punto was the [[cabriolet]] version - one of the cheapest open top cars in the world.
+
==Mark 2 (1999-2003)==
 +
The second generation ''Nuova'' (New) Punto, codenamed ''Project 188'', was launched in [[1999]]. The styling was all-new while retaining the original Punto's distinctive shape and design, while  the chassis and interior were completely overhauled. The new Punto also became the first Fiat in decades to carry the original round Fiat badge, to celebrate Fiat's centenary.
  
==Mark 2 ([[1999]]-[[2003]])==
+
The 1.1 and 1.4 turbo engines were discontinued due to emissions issues, and the entry-level models had only a 1.2 petrol unit (with either 8 or 16 valves, giving 60 and 85bhp respectively) or a 1.9 diesel (with or without a turbo). Two sporty versions vere offered. The 1.2 16 valve Sporting model, complete with 6 speed gearbox,and the hot 1.8 HGT which could reach almost 130mph. The HGT had slower acceleration than its predecessor, the Mark 1 GT, but was considered an improvement in handling. 
  
This was exactly what Fiat was thinking of when the ''Nuova'' (New) Punto, ''Project 188'' or Mark 2, was launched in [[1999]].  The chassis and interior were completely overhauled and the new Punto became the first Fiat in decades to carry the original round Fiat badge, to celebrate Fiat's centenary.
+
===Mark 2, Revision B (2003-2005)===
  
The 1.1 and 1.4 turbo engines were discontinued due to ecologic issues, and the entry-level models had only a 1.2 petrol unit (with either 8 or 16 valves) or a 1.9 diesel (with or without a turbo). The best performing version of the Mark 2 Punto was the 1.8 HGT which could reach almost 130mph. It accelerated worse than it's predecessor, the Mark 1 GT, but was better in cornering.
+
In early [[2003]], Fiat celebrated the rollout of the 5,000,000th production Punto. In the same year, the Mark 2 revision B revamp brought further revisions to the platform, including extensive changes to the exterior styling and the dropping of the 1.2 litre Sporting in favour of a new 1.4 16v engine, and the introduction of the 1.3 litre [[common rail]] [[diesel engine|diesel]] ''MultiJet'' engine. The round Fiat badge, found only on the bonnet of Mark 2 models, was introduced on the tailgate of the Mark 2B. On 1 June 2005, Fiat produced the 6,000,000th Punto at the Melfi plant. This Punto is currently the fourth-best selling [[subcompact]] (i.e., Class-B) car in Europe.
  
===Mark 2, Revision B ([[2003]]-[[2005]])===
+
In October 2005, [[Serbian]] manufacturer [[Zastava]] reached an agreement with Fiat to make this version under licence with the model name '''Zastava 10'''.
  
In early [[2003]], Fiat celebrated the rollout of the 5,000,000th production Punto.  In the same year, the Mark 2 revision B refresh brought further revisions to the platform to bring the Punto's appearance more upmarket, along with the introduction of the 1.3 litre [[common rail]] [[diesel engine|diesel]] ''MultiJet'' engine.  The round Fiat badge, found only on the bonnet of Mark 2 models, was introduced on the tailgate of the Mark 2B. On 1 June 2005, Fiat produced the 6,000,000th Punto at the Melfi plant.
+
==Mark 3 (2005-)==
  
==Mark 3 ([[2005]]-)==
+
The third generation Punto, codenamed ''Project 199'' and officially titled '''Grande Punto''', was unveiled at the [[2005]] [[Internationale_Automobil-Ausstellung|Frankfurt Motor Show]] and went on sale later that year. Again styled by Giugiaro, the car is based on the [[Fiat]]/[[General Motors|GM]] "Small" platform (a new version of [[GM Gamma platform]]).
  
A further refresh of the Punto &mdash; the Mark 3, codenamed ''Project 199'' &mdash; is due in [[2005]]. It will be sold under the name '''Grande Punto'''. Again styled by [[Italdesign|Giugiaro]], the car is based on the [[Fiat]]/[[General Motors|GM]] "Small" platform (a new version of [[GM Gamma platform]]). The Grande Punto debut was at the  [[Internationale_Automobil-Ausstellung]], [[Frankfurt]]. The engines are the 1.2 Fire 8v, a new 1.4 Fire 8v and four Multijet Diesel: 1.3 16v (one with a geometric variable turbo 90bhp) and two 1.9 JTD Multijet with 120 and 130cv. The top-of-the-range GT version will be powered by a turbocharged 1.6 engine developing 180-200bhp.
+
The engines are the 1.2 Fire 8v, a new 1.4 Fire 8v and four Multijet Diesel: two 1.3 16v units (one with a geometric variable turbo 90bhp) and two 1.9 JTD Multijets with 120 and 130cv. The top-of-the-range GT version will be powered by a turbocharged 1.6 engine developing 180-200bhp.
  
==Competition variants==
+
==Punto in motorsport==
  
Several competition and [[homologation|homologated]] versions of the Punto have been produced, such as the Punto Rally, the S1600 and the Punto [[Abarth]]. Using the new Mk.III basis, a new rally car has been developed: the [[Super 2000]] Punto Abarth. It is a four-wheel drive car with a 2.0L 16 valve engine with a max output of 280hp.
+
The Punto has always been popular with amateur [[auto racing|racing drivers]] due to its low cost and the wide availability of spare parts. Several competition and [[homologation|homologated]] versions of the Punto have been produced, such as the Punto Rally, the S1600 and the Punto [[Abarth]]. A new rally car based on the third generation Punto, the [[Super 2000]] Punto Abarth,  was unveiled in 2005. It is [[four wheel drive]] and powered by a 2.0 litre 16 valve engine capable of producing 280hp.
 
+
[[Image:FiatPuntoRacer.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Provided by ItaliaSpeed]]
==Trivia==
 
 
 
During the original design of the Punto Mark 1, the rear lights that [[Giorgetto Giugiaro]] designed were not vertical up along the C pillars, but horizontal. Apparently the boss of Fiat didn't like them and came up with the idea for the vertical rear lights for which is now a recognisable Punto design feature. Giugiaro changed the design to vertical, but his own horizontal original design was used on the cabriolet model.
 
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
 +
*[http://www.clubfiatpunto.com/ ClubFiatPunto.com]
 
*[http://www.puntopower.com/ PuntoPower]
 
*[http://www.puntopower.com/ PuntoPower]
*[http://www.carsfromitaly.com/fiat/ Cars From Italy]
 
 
*[http://www.puntoracingclub.it/ Punto Racing Club]
 
*[http://www.puntoracingclub.it/ Punto Racing Club]
 
*[http://www.fiatpunto.org/ FiatPunto.org]
 
*[http://www.fiatpunto.org/ FiatPunto.org]
 +
*[http://www.puntomk2.co.uk/ Punto MK2 Owners Club]
 +
  
{{Fiat}}
 
  
[[Category:Fiat vehicles|Punto]]
+
{{Modern European Fiat vehicles}}
 +
{{Fiat SPA}}

Revision as of 20:46, 24 February 2007

Fiat Punto
Manufacturer: Fiat
Production: 1993 — present
Layout & Class: FF supermini
Body Styles: 3 and 5-door hatchback
3-door convertible (Mark 1 only)
Predecessor: Fiat Uno
Successor: Still in production
1994 Fiat Punto Mk. 1 Selecta
Mark 1
Production: 19941999
Fiat Punto Mk. 2
Mark 2
Production: 19992003
Fiat Punto Mk. 2b
Mark 2b
Production: 20032005
Fiat Punto Mk. 3
Mark 3
Production: 2005—present
This article is part of the Fiat automobile series.

The Fiat Punto is a supermini automobile produced by the Italian manufacturer Fiat since 1994. It is currently in its third generation.

Mark 1 (1993-1999)

Internally codenamed Project 178, the Punto was announced in September 1993 and launched in early 1994 as a replacement for the ageing Fiat Uno. The Punto was voted European Car of the Year for 1995. The Punto's distinctive clean-cut styling by Giorgetto Giugiaro was an instant hit (though one of the car's most recognisable features, the vertical tail lights, were not part of Giugiaro's original design and were in fact added later in-house at Fiat). Competitive pricing which undercut rivals such as the General Motors Corsa and Volkswagen Polo also helped the Punto become an instant success in the marketplace.

Entry-level in the Punto range were the 1.1 and 1.2 litre petrol engines and the 1.7 diesel. A more powerful 1.6 Sporting was also available (replaced in 1997 by more economic 16 valve 1.2 unit), but the best performing version was the 1.4 GT Turbo - capable of running over 130mph and reaching 60mph in just 7.6 seconds. A cabriolet (convertible) version was also available, and was one of the cheapest open-top cars in the world at the time.

Mark 2 (1999-2003)

The second generation Nuova (New) Punto, codenamed Project 188, was launched in 1999. The styling was all-new while retaining the original Punto's distinctive shape and design, while the chassis and interior were completely overhauled. The new Punto also became the first Fiat in decades to carry the original round Fiat badge, to celebrate Fiat's centenary.

The 1.1 and 1.4 turbo engines were discontinued due to emissions issues, and the entry-level models had only a 1.2 petrol unit (with either 8 or 16 valves, giving 60 and 85bhp respectively) or a 1.9 diesel (with or without a turbo). Two sporty versions vere offered. The 1.2 16 valve Sporting model, complete with 6 speed gearbox,and the hot 1.8 HGT which could reach almost 130mph. The HGT had slower acceleration than its predecessor, the Mark 1 GT, but was considered an improvement in handling.

Mark 2, Revision B (2003-2005)

In early 2003, Fiat celebrated the rollout of the 5,000,000th production Punto. In the same year, the Mark 2 revision B revamp brought further revisions to the platform, including extensive changes to the exterior styling and the dropping of the 1.2 litre Sporting in favour of a new 1.4 16v engine, and the introduction of the 1.3 litre common rail diesel MultiJet engine. The round Fiat badge, found only on the bonnet of Mark 2 models, was introduced on the tailgate of the Mark 2B. On 1 June 2005, Fiat produced the 6,000,000th Punto at the Melfi plant. This Punto is currently the fourth-best selling subcompact (i.e., Class-B) car in Europe.

In October 2005, Serbian manufacturer Zastava reached an agreement with Fiat to make this version under licence with the model name Zastava 10.

Mark 3 (2005-)

The third generation Punto, codenamed Project 199 and officially titled Grande Punto, was unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show and went on sale later that year. Again styled by Giugiaro, the car is based on the Fiat/GM "Small" platform (a new version of GM Gamma platform).

The engines are the 1.2 Fire 8v, a new 1.4 Fire 8v and four Multijet Diesel: two 1.3 16v units (one with a geometric variable turbo 90bhp) and two 1.9 JTD Multijets with 120 and 130cv. The top-of-the-range GT version will be powered by a turbocharged 1.6 engine developing 180-200bhp.

Punto in motorsport

The Punto has always been popular with amateur racing drivers due to its low cost and the wide availability of spare parts. Several competition and homologated versions of the Punto have been produced, such as the Punto Rally, the S1600 and the Punto Abarth. A new rally car based on the third generation Punto, the Super 2000 Punto Abarth, was unveiled in 2005. It is four wheel drive and powered by a 2.0 litre 16 valve engine capable of producing 280hp.

File:FiatPuntoRacer.jpg
Provided by ItaliaSpeed

External links


<- Older Models Fiat car timeline, European market, 1980s - present
Type 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5
City cars 126 Cinquecento Seicento (1998-2005) / 600 (2005-2010)
500
Panda I Panda II
Supermini 127 Uno Punto I Punto II
Grande Punto Punto Evo
Small
family car
Ritmo Tipo Bravo / Brava Stilo Bravo II
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Albea
Large family car 132 Argenta Croma I Croma II
Coupé Coupé
Roadster 124 Spider Barchetta Barchetta
Sports car X1/9
Panel van/Leisure activity vehicle Fiorino I Fiorino II Fiorino III
Doblò
Mini SUV Sedici
Mini MPV Idea
Compact MPV Multipla
Large MPV Ulysse I Ulysse II
Van Daily* Scudo I Scudo II
Ducato I Ducato II Ducato III
Mini Pickup Strada
Off-road Campagnola (1107)
*Rebadged Iveco model
Fiat S.P.A.
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