Fiat Punto

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.