Disappointing auto aficionados at the 2014 Auto Expo, Fiat Punto facelift did not make an appearance at the grandiose event. This could have been a deliberate attempt to create curiosity around the hatchback among the auto enthusiasts. The facelifted version of Punto hatchback has been snapped numerous times undergoing test runs across various parts of the country. However, the undisguised image of new Punto has been leaked unintentionally by the auto maker during an official presentation.
The picture shows side and front profile of the vehicle, hinting at the modifications the vehicle is expected to sport. Along with Punto, the picture also shows, Avventura crossover which is expected to break cover in India by end of 2014, around the same time when Punto will be launched. Among the revivification made to the hatchback, a reworked front fascia that seems to share similarity with that of Avventura crossover, a set of blacked out head lights and a redesigned front grille are included. Besides these upgrades, the vehicle also boasts of a reworked bumper with trapezoidal shape fog lamps highlighted by chrome lining.
Insignificant changes have been made to the side profile of the hatchback, a new set of alloy wheels affixed on the wheel arches enhance the overall outer look of the vehicle. The picture shown above does not give sneak peek into the interiors of the new Punto, but it is being believed that Fiat will inherit similar changes in the Punto’s new avatar as given to facelifted Linea.
Mechanically, Punto will resemble the current version which is still available for sale in India. Fiat Punto facelift will be offered in two petrol and one diesel engine options. The petrol variants will come equipped with a 1.2 litre and a 1.4 litre engines. Diesel trims will be housed with the Fiat’s robust 1.3 litre Multijet powertrain that does duty in some of the other popular vehicles in India. Only manual variants equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox will be on offer.
