Fiat Abarth Coming Down Under...

[csv8]

Fiat is resurrecting an icon and taking its new rally-winner to the streets


Not content on hitting the world rally scene, Fiat has announced it will debut a hot Abarth version of its Punto hatch. Announced earlier this month, Fiat will use the hot hatch to relaunch the legendary performance and sporting car brand which will eventually boast a range of sporting models.

The first car to wear the famous reborn badge will be officially known as the Punto Abarth.

"This is an enormously exciting development for Fiat," Fiat Oz boss David Stone told the Carsales Network. "It will provide Fiat with a unique performance brand to sit alongside the existing range, with a sharper, even more exciting edge.

"Abarth comes with a real heritage and reputation," Stone said. "Here in Australia, Abarth’s products are fondly remembered by enthusiasts and much sought-after by performance car collectors. We are looking keenly at how the new Abarth range -- both the Abarth models and the performance and styling kits -- can become part of our [local] range."

Founded in 1947 by Carlo Abarth, the Abarth company produced classic sporting versions of key Fiat models. The marque was successful both in racing and rallying.

"The famous scorpion badge was chosen as a clear indication of what Abarth was all about -- small cars with a big sting in the tail!" Fiat Australia says.

Fiat’s Managing Director Luca de Meo has gone on record saying the new Abarth division will do more than stick badges on current product. The go-fast arm will run its own racing and rally teams. Indeed, it has already kicked off with an S2000 version of the Punto, which recently debuted in, and won, the Safari Rally in Kenya.

The S2000 car will also contest European and Italian Championship rallies ahead of a full WRC tilt in 2008 or 2009.

The Punto Abarth (pictured) is expected to arrive Down Under later this year powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine that delivers around 110kW. A "booster kit" will be offered that should see power up to around 135kW -- close to twice the peak power of the entry level Punto.

[S3SR]

like the wheels...thats about

[pertuan]

To me it looks like a cross breed of a Fiesta, Golf, Opel Barina and Peugeot 206. It just looks funny to me.

[Mongoose]

Originally Posted by pertuan

To me it looks like a cross breed of a Fiesta, Golf, Opel Barina and Peugeot 206. It just looks funny to me.

hahaha, yer i was thinking if that as well but without the fiesta.

[Jayden]

as far as fast micro cars go, thats about on par. if not better in terms of looks than the others.

Still.... its tiny.

[pertuan]

Originally Posted by Mongoose10

hahaha, yer i was thinking if that as well but without the fiesta.

The rear quarter window is a similar shape to the fiesta. hehe. I reckon anyway.

[LeadFoot81]

Its a neat looking little car, much like the Fiesta it has clean conservative styling, rather than out there looks of the jap cars.

[Rev28K]

Love the old style Arbaths.

Great to see the name and badge coming back again.
Like the GT I hope that it lives up to it’s history and is a fun car to drive.

[Piotr]

Problem with it is price. The Punto sporting is already 30g on road so even the 110kw version will be atleast 32-33g well above the price of the XR4 and Polo GTi. Sure its nicer inside but thats not enough IMO

[Nappa]

i love the look of the punto, and this one looks great, i love a white sportscar