Abarth Punto Evo - The legend builds
With Abarth now firmly established as a brand in its own right, the Abarth Punto EVO, which has just gone on sale in the UK, proves the firm can take a winning formula to the next level. As its name implies, the new car is an evolution of the successful Abarth Grande Punto, the car that heralded the rebirth of Abarth in 2008.
Like existing Abarth models, the Abarth Punto EVO has its origins in the world of motor racing. This ethos helps the company develop rewarding, performance road cars at an affordable price. And it blends these attributes with class-leading economy and safety in a stylish and very highly specified package.
The Abarth Punto EVO is available with the award-winning MultiAir cutting edge unit that gives the car its unique combination of performance and eco-friendliness. Developed in conjunction with Fiat Powertrain Technologies, the punchy 1.4-litre turbo is the most sporting interpretation yet of the company’s revolutionary MultiAir technology.
This innovation, which features a pioneering method of controlling the way the engine breathes, enables the Abarth Punto EVO to accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds yet still return an impressive 47.1mpg on the combined cycle. And by employing Start&Stop and an in-cockpit Gear Shift Indicator (GSI) this Abarth both conforms to Euro 5 emissions regulations and emits a very un-performance car-like 142g/km of CO2.
Yet despite these eco-credentials the new Abarth Punto EVO remains a true performance car. From the throaty rasp of its satin finish twin tailpipes to the sporting 17-inch alloy wheels, body coloured rear spoiler and side skirts and race-tuned suspension, this new Abarth is designed to get its driver’s adrenaline pumping.
This is demonstrated by the Sport Switch, a lever located down by the gearlever. This enables drivers to decide how they want the car to behave and adjust it accordingly. For a more relaxed drive, Normal is the default position. However, in Sport mode, the car becomes more responsive with sharper reactions from the accelerator and steering.
Yet while thrills are guaranteed, there’s no danger of any spills. The Abarth Punto EVO is designed to protect as well as please its driver. Safety equipment includes Abarth’s clever Torque Transfer Control (TTC) system. This replicates the behaviour of a limited slip differential to improve the Abarth Punto EVO’s dynamic responses while ensuring the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) remains on stand-by should it be required. And ABS anti-lock brakes, Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and Hydraulic Brake Assistance (HBA) are all standard, as are seven airbags including a drivers’ knee bag.
This is symptomatic of the high level of standard equipment Abarth Punto EVO owners can expect. The steering wheel is both reach and rake adjustable and the driver’s seat adjusts for height too. There are electric front windows and mirrors, air conditioning and a radio/CD/MP3 player with steering wheel controls, and the Blue&Me hands-free system that allows control of the sound system and a telephone through voice recognition.
A wide range of extras includes Blue&Me MAP, which employs motor racing technology to help drivers improve their skills at the wheel through telemetry as well as regular satellite navigation. And Abarth Corse front seats made by Sabelt are also on the option list.
It’s this kind of flexibility on top of an already generous equipment list that is helping to cement Abarth’s continued growth and its burgeoning popularity with customers aged between 18 and 30.
