Punto blows it

Fiat’s Punto has made a moderately successful debut in the Australian market -- there are now about 200 examples on Australian roads -- but these images indicate we ain’t seen nothing yet.

These spy pics have appeared on various internet sites and are the clearest indication yet of how upcoming go-faster versions of the compact hatchback -- courtesy of forced induction -- will shape up.

The engine in question is a 1.4-litre turbo unit with outputs that will range from around 110kW to more than 130kW for the range-topping Abarth version.

For those who came in late, Abarth is the performance arm of Fiat and has been synonymous with fettled versions of the Italian car-maker’s products for the past four decades.

The upcoming Punto Abarth would add depth to the burgeoning pocket-rocket category.

Although currently populated by the likes of the Peugeot 206 GTi 180 and Renaultsport Clio 182, these two contenders will make way over the next 12 months for the 207 GTi and Clio 197 respectively.

The Punto is a sharp looker even in base trim, but these images reveal the turbo version cuts an even sharper figure.

You don’t need to look too hard to spot the chunkier wheel/tyre combo, while the minimal gaps between wheelarch and rubber suggests it’s also sporting a lower stance. This would be entirely consistent with its intended job description.

Also noteworthy are the dual tailpipes and sinister blacked-out trim with a complete absence of any chrome or brightwork.

The Punto turbo has its work cut out for it as the Renaultsport Clio has set a formidable benchmark over the past few years, and word has it the new Peugeot 207 GT and impending GTi also recapture the magic of the lamented 205 GTi.

Watch this space…

Meanwhile, Fiat has announced that the keenly awaited new-age 500 baby car -- based on the 2004 Trepiuno concept -- will make its debut at the 2007 Frankfurt motor show, before appearing at the Australian Motor Show on October 11 next year.

Partly as a promotional gimmick, the company has created a special cyber communications project dubbed “500 wants you” that invites the general public to participate in the design of the modern-day ‘Bambino’.

Fiat says the www.fiat500.com site will collect the contributions and expectations of the public, and these will “possibly used during the development of the product.”