Abarth Punto Evo

Having made its world premiere at the recent Geneva Motorshow, even at first glance the new Abarth Punto EVO clearly has a ‘meaner’ and more aggressive look with its sporting credentials for all to see.

Style and Technology

The front bumper has been extended to incorporate the side lights. Drawing inspiration from the rally version, the black front surround has been shaped to leave space for the side intakes, which direct and correct the passage of, notably improving the side aerodynamic flow.

The rear now has a completely new bumper incorporating the side vents and featuring a new diffuser for better channelling of air flow. Compared to the previous version, the same diffuser has been outlined more prominently, while at the same time creating an aesthetic link with the front splitter.

The twin tailpipes have a larger diameter, a clear tribute to the history of Abarth, and have been given a satin finish.

The reverse and fog lights have been shifted to the centre of the extractor, becoming the focus of attention as on racing cars, while the new prism light surrounds frame and accentuate the rear aerodynamic profile, almost mirroring the effect of the led light guides on the rear window.

The spoiler has been completely redesigned both in terms of colour (it is now in the same colour as the body to give the car a more continuous, dynamic look), an of size: the new spoiler has been lengthened and tapered, giving better Cx and Cz values, and making the Abarth Punto EVO even more stable.

The Badge has also been redesigned, and now has a grille that gives it an even sportier look it is no longer round, as it was on the previous version, but has reverted to the historic badge used on the 500.

The wheel arches and side skirts are now in body colour, accentuating the aggressive nature of a car appearing ‘glued to the road’. The side graphic is now integrated with the front bumper and has been re-sized to balance the body coloured areas. The 17” wheels are also completely redesigned, with spokes inspired by the Abarth symbol, the Scorpion also features on the centre caps.

Interior

The interior has also been comprehensively upgraded. The materials used for the central section of the dashboard are reminiscent of an asphalt racetrack, thus bringing the feel of a circuit into the cabin.

The new central console is split into two distinct sections. The top section houses the radio, and has a black finish, with the LCD display in the centre. The section below houses the climate controls, with air distribution and temperature adjustment controls.

The instrumentation has been specially designed by Jaeger, with larger dials for the speedometer and rev counter, new sports graphics and a new sun shade upholstered in leather with red and yellow stitching.

The seats also have new look, and a new texture. Where leather upholstery is specified, the outer part of the containment elements, the seat base and back of the seat, and the top of the built-in head restraint are all upholstered in soft black leather.
Meanwhile, the inside part of the containment elements, as well as the seat and the back, are upholstered in technical fabric, to ensure the right balance between comfort, transpiration and resistance to wear.

The car can also still be fitted with the special ‘Abarth Corse’ one-piece seats by Sabelt, in the fabric or leather/Alcantara versions, both in black with red and yellow stitching. These seats offer further improves characteristics, such as lightness and the ability to provide side and longitudinal support for the body.

Performance and Ecology

The successful collaboration between Fiat Powertrain technology and the engineers at Abarth has led to the creation of the new Multiair 1.4 Turbo petrol 165 bhp.

The innovation brought in by Multiair technology can be found in the new electro-hydraulic valve management system. Direct control of the air entering the engine by means of the engine’s intake valve, without the use of a butterfly valve, compared to a traditional petrol engine of the same size, enables the Multiair to increase its power output (by up to 10%) and torque (up to 15%) while at the same time reducing fuel consumption (by up to 10%) and harmful emissions (CO2 by 10%, particulate matter by 40% and NOx by up to 60%).

These are the basics the Abarth engineers started from, before arriving, after diligent study and countless technical tests, at the innovative 1.4 16v Turbo Multiair 165 bhp which, using the new oversized Garrett turbocharger, delivers performance truly worthy of a sports car: peak torque is 250 Nm (25.5 kgm) at 2250 rpm, while acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes just 7.9 seconds.

Like a true sports car, the Abarth Punto EVO comes with the Abarth driving sport switch, the system that acts on the engine, brakes and steering to offer two different driving modes, based on the driving style most suitable for the current situation or how the driver feels: super sporty (Sport) or urban (Normal).

The switch is placed ergonomically in front of the gear lever on the central tunnel, and is switched between modes simply by flicking the switch (the chosen mode is displayed on the instrument panel).

For smother more relaxed driving, the Normal mode can be selected. For more focused performance, Sport mode can be selected.

In Sport mode, the car is more responsive and the calibration of the electric power steering is modified to increase the load on the steering wheel, giving a sportier feel. The throttle response is more sensitive, peak torque is increased and the dynamic TTC system is engaged.

With the advent of the new 1.4 16v Turbo Multiair on the Abarth Punto EVO, we have managed to combine the levels of motoring excellence demanded by Abarth customers, with respect for the environment, in the form of reduced emissions, an increasingly important aspect both for environmental acceptability and taxation criteria. Compared to the previous Abarth Grande Punto 155 bhp, Abarth’s new sports saloon has achieved a further 10% reduction in CO2 emissions, which now stand at the significant figure of 142 g/km.

The Abarth Punto EVO is also fitted with the innovative Start&Stop system. This device temporarily turns off the engine and re-starts it whenever the vehicle comes to a stop. In these situations, typical of congested traffic in built-up areas, or during stops at traffic lights, when the system’s control software allows, the system automatically switches off the engine, reducing fuel consumption and emissions by 10% in the urban cycle and 3.5% in the NEDC homologation cycle. As soon as the brake pedal is released or the car is put into gear, the system quickly switches on the engine again, meaning that control is returned to the driver immediately. Additionally, if the engine is ever it will re-start simply by depressing the clutch.

The Start&Stop system also offers a further benefit in terms of cabin comfort, as it helps to reduce vibrations and noise.

Lastly, the Start&Stop system can also interact with the driver, who is kept informed of the device’s operation by means of information on the control panel. If needs be, the driver can also de-activate the device by means of a button on the dashboard next to the steering wheel.

In addition to the Start&Stop system (S&S), the Abarth Punto EVO driver can also call on the services of the Eco Gear Shift Indicator EGSI, whose job is to reduce fuel consumption and cut emissions. This device is an intuitive ‘co-pilot’ that, by means of a digital indication on the control panel, prompts the driver to (in normal mode) change gear at the correct time, thus reducing fuel consumption. In sport mode the EGSI acts to help deliver maximum performance.

Multiair, Start&Stop, and the Eco Gear Shift Indicator together represent a series of integrated technological systems that enable the car to deliver sporting performance with low fuel consumption and reduced emissions. Fuel consumption on the urban cycle is 8.1 lt/km; on the combined cycle it is 6.0 lt/km, and on the extra-urban cycle it is 4.8 lt/km, thus ensuring that the car is Euro 5 compliant.

Dynamic Safety Features

The Abarth philosophy has always been based on providing sports performance in complete safety. That is why the Abarth Punto EVO is equipped with a series of devices designed to ensure the best possible dynamic behaviour on any surface.

The jewel in the crown is the TTC Torque Transfer Control. This device improves the transmission of engine torque to the wheels and guarantees excellent vehicle behaviour on bends.

When taking bends without the TTC system, the inside wheel tends to slip more, and with an ordinary differential, this leads to lower traction on the whole axle. At the same time, the effect of traction generates a reduction in the lateral forces, leading to a widening of the car’s trajectory on bends. When the system is activated, on the other hand, the ESP control unit brakes the inside wheel, generating a load due to engine torque on the corresponding semi-axle, which allows a similar torque to be transferred to the gripping outside wheel.

The TTC system is activated automatically in Sport mode and, depending on dynamic characteristics such as speed, regulates the blocking percentage.

Still in terms of safety, the Abarth Punto EVO has improved on its own high standards thanks to the adoption of the driver’s kneebag, in addition to the 6 airbags already provided in the Abarth Grande Punto, thus making it one of the very few cars in the segment to offer this crucial item of equipment as standard.

The braking system on the Abarth Punto EVO is powerful and effective. It features disc brakes all round; ventilated at the front with twin-piston Brembo fixed callipers. The suspension is based on a tried and tested Abarth system, with a McPherson type independent wheel setup at the front, and inter-connected (semi-independent) wheels at the rear with a torsion beam. Compared to traditional braking systems, the reworked Abarth setup features an oversized roll bar and front springs that are 20% stiffer. The result is impeccable road-holding with an out standing level of comfort.

CODE	Option	OTR PRICE
132	Front armrest with storage compartment	£110.00
140	Automatic Climate Control	£260.00
732	Leather Sports Interior	£850.00
347	Rain Sensors	£80.00
365	TPMS Tyre pressure monitoring sensor	£250.00
4HV	Abarth Corse Seats by Sabelt - Leather / Alcatara trim	£1690.00
4YD	Rear View Mirror Aluminium Surround	£60.00
400	Electric "Skydome" Sunroof	£725.00
410	Electrochromatic Anti-dazzle rear view mirror	£160.00
420	Alternative 17" alloy wheels with 205/45 tyres	£150.00
5B2	Colour 205 "1949 White" special paint finish	£400.00
5CE	Colour 876 "Scorpion Black" metalic paint finish	£400.00
5CJ	Colour 176 "Velocity Red" special paint finish	£400.00
5JQ	Colour 676 "Campovola Grey" pastel paint finish	£0.00
5D9	Red Abarth side stripes and mirrors	£160.00
5DA	White Abarth side stripes and mirrors	£160.00
5DB	Black Abarth side stripes and mirrors	£160.00
52J	Abarth Corse Seats by Sabelt - Fabric trim	£1320.00
565	Predisposition for CD Multi - Changer	£100.00
823	12v Socket in Luggage compartment	£28.00

Enquire today

To find out more about the Abarth Punto Evo, or to book a test drive, why not call us today on 02476 377 170, or alternatively complete our simple contact form.