Fiat now introduce the new Grande Punto Sport: dynamically and visually enhanced, it is now powered by the small but punchy 90 bhp 1.3 Multijet and is aimed straight at the youthful car buyer.

This new turbodiesel-powered Grande Punto Sport model arrives hot on the heels of the introduction of another powerful small-engined Grande Punto version: the 1.4-litre petrol 'Starjet' 16v, which has 95 bhp available. The brand new Starjet engine is the latest example of Fiat Powertrain Technologies' commitment to developing small, highly-efficient, but still very dynamic engines and its main technological features include automatic controlling of port deactivation (PDA) a process which operates in conjunction with a variable valve timing (VVT) procedure, and the recycling of the exhaust gases (EGR). The Grande Punto was the first model in the Fiat Auto range to receive the Starjet engine when it arrived in this guise in the Italian showrooms at the end of April.

The Grande Punto Sport model though is being targeted squarely at a youthful, fashionable audience. With 313,000 orders racked up since it was launched onto the market in Italy last September, Fiat's new B-segment model has proved to be a truly stunning success, turning their fortunes around. The Turinese carmaker is now looking to build on that demand and broaden the car's appeal, aiming capturing the attention of a new audience that demands cost-effective enhanced style. The Grande Punto Sport 1.3 Multijet 16v is available in 3-door format only and comes with a competitive Italian market showroom price of 16,550 euros.
 

Externally the new Grande Punto Sport is easily identifiable by its colour-coded bodykit which comprises of new and deeper front and rear spoilers, side skirts which run slightly proud of the body line, and a flush-fitting rear tailgate spoiler. The visual changes crafted by Fiat Centro Stile, which include black-finished door mirrors, 15-inch aluminium wheels shod with 205/45 tyres, and lowered suspension, all add up to give the stylish 'supermini' a distinctly new chunky and aggressive look, enhancing and complementing the car's almost flawless lines. Further external changes made to this model include a metallic paint finish, outside temperature sensor, a chrome-plate elliptical exhaust tailpipe and front mist lights. Inside it benefits from all the usual features expected from the Grande Punto range, including ESP, ASR, HBA and a Hill Holder, these safety devices complemented by new sporty seat coverings and instrument gauges finished red needles set against white dials. The gearknob and handbrake lever also both benefit from a new surface finish.

The 1.3 Multijet 16v powered Grande Punto Sport is joined in the dealerships by its 'bigger sister' - the 1.9 Multijet 16v Sport, with 130 bhp available from its turbodiesel engine, a 6-speed gearbox, and rear disc brakes instead of drums. A Grande Punto "Speed" model level offers a choice of the the 77 bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine or the 1.3 Multijet 16v with 75 bhp.