Punto 2012+ FIAT Punto 2012 International Debut

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Punto 2012+ FIAT Punto 2012 International Debut

The New Punto Model Year 2012 is making its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It will go on sale at the beginning of next year across Europe. The model confirms the aspects that destined the previous editions for success in all the European markets and intensifies the distinguished personality with an important aesthetic change, together with the new exterior colours and the seat upholsteries, not to mention significant technological progress with the introduction of the 85 HP 0.9 TwinAir turbo and the evolution of the 85 HP 1.3 Multijet.

In detail, on the outside the Punto 2012 model presents a new front distinguished by a bumper entirely painted in the same shade as the body, with the direction indicators positioned alongside the air intake in a single perimeter that surrounds them. On the rear section a shape in relief describes a zone that divides the area dedicated to the number plate from that in which the auxiliary functions of the lights are positioned. Inside, brand-new fabrics upholstering the seats and original inserts of the dashboard that emphasize its stylistic elegance are distinguishable. The new style innovations of the Punto 2012 are completed with a new design of the 15" alloy rims and new three metallic bodywork colours: Turquoise, Ruby Red and Graphite Grey. In addition, as for the 500 model, the TwinAir name on the Fiat Punto 2012 will indicate not only the revolutionary two-cylinder engine, but also a new trim level with a unique and recognisable look.

Therefore, with this new 2012 edition Fiat Punto reaffirms the values that have always distinguished the model: the dynamism and elegance of its lines, a perfect synthesis of Italian style and the technological innovation that since its launch has been a winning feature of the car. The model counts among its records that of being the first car of its class equipped with an advanced infotainment system (Blue&Me) or useful instruments for the customer so he can analyse his driving style in real time (eco:Drive info) and receive tips on how he can reduce environmental impact and optimising fuel consumption. The Fiat Punto also continues to be a constant point of reference when it comes to engine innovation. They are increasingly livelier and thrifty both with diesel (MultiJet) and petrol (MultiAir) supply, combining innovation with eco-friendliness every single time. Evidence of this lies in the methane or LPG engine, in addition to extending the Stop&Start with Gear Shift Indicator technology to all the Euro 5 engines. This system automatically cuts out the engine and prompts the best gear in order to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 15% for an urban route. This long tradition of records today is reinforced with the Punto MY 2012 following introduction of new two engineering gems to the range: the 85 HP TwinAir turbo and the evolution of the 85 HP 1.3 MultiJet.


85 HP 0.9 TwinAir turbo

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The unprecedented TwinAir, which has won numerous awards in the industry - including "International Engine of the year 2011", "Best New Engine 2011" and "Best Green Engine 2011" - has now been placed on the Segment B top-of-the-range model of Fiat Group Automobiles.
The TwinAir project combines all the most modern technology designed by Fiat Powertrain (MulitAir) with the "downsizing" concept and is manifest in a small, low-weight engine that ensures excellent performance with low fuel consumption. The special engine tuning and its combination with a 6-speed gearbox confers to the car a perfect balance between eco-friendliness (98 g/km CO2) and driving pleasure (85 HP at 5500 rpm of power and 145 Nm at 2000 rpm of torque). The ECO button is also available. With a specific engine control calibration, it reduces fuel consumption to guarantee truly eco-friendly driving.

The Punto Twin Air customer therefore can choose between two driving modes: "normal", with full engine performance to enhance driving liveliness and vivacity, and "eco" for driving more attentive to economy.


85 HP MultiJet

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The 85 HP 1.3 16V Multijet (with a torque of 200 Nm at 1500 rpm) - already today on the cutting-edge thanks to the IRS (Injection rate shaping) technology of the MultiJet II and to the special eco turbo-matching of the turbocharger assembly - takes a further step forward with the introduction of two new technologies (Intelligent Alternator and Intelligent Flow) that let it reach the level of 90 g/km of CO2 emissions. The first technology optimizes the recharging battery strategy during the "engine cut-off" phases, while the second is obtained through an oil pump with variable displacement and optimisation of the cooling circuit. These technologies, together with the use of low-viscosity gearbox oil, make the Punto one of the diesel cars in its segment boasting the best CO2 emissions.


The 2012 range

The Punto 2012 is also revamped in its range structure, made clearer and slimmer, optimally epitomizing the editions currently on the market - the Grande Punto and Punto Evo - with the goal of giving the Punto model only one identity with a single styling and enhancing the winning combination of "style and technology".

In detail, the range comprises 3 trim levels (Pop, Easy and Lounge) available on the different engines, plus a dedicated trim level combined with the TwinAir engine, each featuring a different offer of contents with the goal of satisfying different needs.

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The Pop trim level represents the entry level, offered as an accessible, essential, simple and functional version. The second trim level (Easy) is the "feature model" of the range thanks to its wealth of equipment, and it offers an outstanding price to accessories ratio. Available in 3 different combinations of interior fabrics (red, blue and grey), this version is the expression of a colourful, youthful, casual, modern, contemporary and technological soul. The top-end is on the other hand represented by the Lounge trim level, which offers both rich and high-tech equipment to provide both ultimate comfort and a strong personality combining elegance and sportiness in an expert aesthetic union.

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Finally, the TwinAir trim level was created to enhance the introduction of the 2-cylinder engine by reflecting its lively and agile soul, as the bright and vivid launch shade of Verde Lime combined with the glossy black roof demonstrates. Added to this exclusive body shade are other distinctive styling features such as the burnished alloy rims with dedicated design and diamond treatment, glossy black pillars and mirrors and burnished headlights. The version is also immediately recognisable thanks to the TwinAir logo on the rear tailgate.

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Internally, the car is personalised with new interiors featuring grey and black "Sportex" fabric and a grey embroidered TwinAir logo on the front headrests. Another TwinAir logo is placed on the dashboard near the climate control system.
 
When choosing between diesel and petrol I think you have to look at the big picture. I bought a Panda MJ brand new in March '05 for two reasons:

1. I'd been a driving instructor and was getting out of the business but still had some pupils so mpg was quite important, but

2. At the time the MJ was the most powerful Panda available with not only the most power but also the highest torque output.

Since then we've had the 100HP and on the latest Panda the diesel is (until the arrival of the non-turbo TA) actually the least powerful.

What I've found is that on my current commute which is around 12 miles each way, the MJ doesn't get up to its full potential which is why it gives around 54 to 58 mpg on a regular basis, rather than the much higher figures you often see quoted.

My mileage has also dropped from between 75 and 100 miles per day to 22 most days and zero on others. So, next year I think the MJ might be replaced by a TA
 
I really like the styling of this - the Fiat range is really moving forward with some great looking new cars.
 
I really like the styling of this - the Fiat range is really moving forward with some great looking new cars.


I must admit people have been VERY complimentatry on my '13 plate TA's looks, :cool:
the ONLY thing i'm not sold on is the Clear back light clusters ( I've always DETESTED "LEXUS_LITES"),(n)

TA MPG is o.k. at mid 40's on my commute,
even at 800 miles on clock it really lights up when on the turbo, :D

Charlie
 
I reckon this 2012 model will only be around for 18 months ish & then be replaced by another model, this time completely new, so you may wanna just hang-on for that rather than launching into another model that may shed it's value as sharply as the Evo.

I think the 2012 will be a test-bed for the TwinAir & evolved MultiJet engines before they put them in an all-new model - better to have teething problems on a current (albeit facelifted) model than tarnish the reputation of an all-new one.

Plus it gives Fiat a chance to see what sortof job Renault & Peugeot do of the new Clio & 208 (due 2012) so they can go one better or get a unique selling point for the new Punto.

Liam

Seems I was wide of the mark with the comments about it only being around for 18 months, since it's still with us now, nearly 18 months later! Not really seen any announcements about a replacement either, with the 500X and 500XL, plus a Panda SUV being mentioned in the press rather than anything about a new Punto. I do hope Fiat won't let it die a slow death whilst they focus purely on the 500 and Panda, but similarly I have seen quite a few of these 2012 models out & about & despite the overall model dating to 2006, it does still look the part.

Having test driven the TwinAir a few months ago I was thoroughly impressed with how much better the 2012 model was over the Grande Punto I drove back in 2006. The interior is really nice & the TwinAir felt miles more refined in the Punto than in my Parents 500, so it would seem there's no imminent need to replace the Punto anyway.
 
When I bought my 500 I was told that production Punto was being thottled back to a few models/trim levels while the new production line was being built (apparently there are two in the factory) for the new Punto. Of course this could just be a smokescreen as they gear up to remove it from production altogether.
 
Lounge spec has gone from what I could tell. They've brought back Sporting instead which makes sence as Sporting has always sold more in the UK than the highest luxury specs (Mk1 ELX, Mk2 HLX, Mk2B & Grande Eleganza & now Lounge). Trouble is that the new Sporting does without a sporty engine (biggest is 1.4 16v 105 MultiAir according to configurator) :bang:

Seems odd as the facelifted MiTo has lost the MultiAir 105 but kept the MultiAir turbo 135 - thought they might've got rid of 105 totally & just had the 135 now that the TwinAir 105 can be had in the MiTo and 500L. Weird!

Other changes appear to be dropping of the 1.3 75bhp Multijet Pop so only 85bhp diesel is available, but you have to go upto Easy or GBT trim instead.

TwinAir trim has gone - TwinAir (85bhp) engine is now available on Easy & GBT instead (better idea I think).

Unplugged Green and Acid Jazz Blue have gone (a shame, especially the blue) but there's a new colour for £290, Junglist Orange, which looks good.

Seat fabrics are different on some trims too, though as the brochure download is still the old one (with Lounge trim) I dunno if the fabrics have actually changed or if its just the configurator telling porkies ;)
 
This is good news.

I know its really picky but I never liked the name lounge, sporting is such a cooler name. Can you imagine saying 'yes I drive a punto, the lounge version'. I dont why but I always imagined having to wear a smoking jacket if you ever had to say that.

Real shame about the blue as that was a lovely colour! The green, well i've never seen a green mk5 punto on the roads, I would only want it in green purely because no one else seems to have one.

You can see junglist orange here...

http://www.fiat.co.uk/fiat-punto/design-comfort

Doesn't look too different front he old Grande's orange which is a good thing :)
 
Lounge spec has gone from what I could tell. They've brought back Sporting instead which makes sence as Sporting has always sold more in the UK than the highest luxury specs (Mk1 ELX, Mk2 HLX, Mk2B & Grande Eleganza & now Lounge). Trouble is that the new Sporting does without a sporty engine (biggest is 1.4 16v 105 MultiAir according to configurator) :bang:

Seems odd as the facelifted MiTo has lost the MultiAir 105 but kept the MultiAir turbo 135 - thought they might've got rid of 105 totally & just had the 135 now that the TwinAir 105 can be had in the MiTo and 500L. Weird!

Other changes appear to be dropping of the 1.3 75bhp Multijet Pop so only 85bhp diesel is available, but you have to go upto Easy or GBT trim instead.

TwinAir trim has gone - TwinAir (85bhp) engine is now available on Easy & GBT instead (better idea I think).

Unplugged Green and Acid Jazz Blue have gone (a shame, especially the blue) but there's a new colour for £290, Junglist Orange, which looks good.

Seat fabrics are different on some trims too, though as the brochure download is still the old one (with Lounge trim) I dunno if the fabrics have actually changed or if its just the configurator telling porkies ;)

Hello ! Any news about the 1.4 turbo 135BHP ?
I'm worry about it because in a lot of countries it is not more available... The only car configurator I see the 135BHP is the Swiss one.

What are they doing with the Punto ? :(
 
Hey guys, can anyone create a new thread on new Fiat 2014 models? Would be quite nice to get some info :)
 
The info so far is that there is not going to be a new punto in 2014, instead the 500 and Panda are going to take its place with a new version of the 500 with 5 doors considered the 'replacement' of the punto

We wont know anything more until the geneva motor show
 
The info so far is that there is not going to be a new punto in 2014, instead the 500 and Panda are going to take its place with a new version of the 500 with 5 doors considered the 'replacement' of the punto

We wont know anything more until the geneva motor show

The end of the world as we know it.....
 
Hi there

Punto will end production fairly soon I believe, with 500 5door taking its place, bravo will also be replaced with a bigger panda, fiat want to focus 500 and panda brands as this currently has good uk market share, 500 5door w7ll use punto platform ive been told
 
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