
You can keep your hybrids. The Europeans are developing small capacity cars with more 'brio' than the worthy but dull petrol/electric pluggers.
The latest is Fiat, with the Punto Sport 1.4 T-Jet -- a Punto that can reach a top speed of 195km/h, accelerate to 100km/h in 8.9 seconds and return combined cycle fuel consumption of just 6.6lt/100km.
On top of all that, it produces 155gm/km of carbon dioxide, so it's better for the environment.
The turbocharger features a low-mass turbine which can spool up quickly and provide boost from low engine speeds. As a consequence, 200Nm of the car's 206Nm torque peak is available from as low as 1700rpm.
Maximum power of 90kW occurs at 5000rpm, which is relatively low in the rev range also. For a car with such a small capacity engine then, the Punto 1.4 T-Jet provides relaxed, easy touring when driven conservatively, but still delivers some punch when needed.
Fiat will launch the new car early next year, in the same trim as the Punto Sport 1.9 JTD (more here). Pricing is yet to be announced, but the new car will be close to the top of the range.
» Get the best price on a new Fiat Punto 1.4 T-Jet
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