I've read a little on both cars recently as they have been covered in EVO mag and others.
I would eco what EVO says and that the Punto on the out side looks great, almost like a little Maserati with those headlamps and the rumoured Punto Abarth with 220bhp sounds like a move in the right direction, not only for performance Fiats but in the use of the Abarth badge on a proper stand alone model, tho more details have to be know about this car, i.e. is it a FWD drive car or the rumoured 4WD because that would make a big difference.
But and its a big but, the Clio has been class leading in terms of hot hatches now for nigh on 10 years with nothing coming close, the last model with the very trick and expensive ohlins dampers is the best ever hot hatch and no one thought the 172 Cup could be beaten, just like the Williams before that, so when the new one emerges it will likely have 200bhp (named 192 sport as 202 sport doesn't sound as good and keeps with the progression of the brand) it will be the first ever hot hatch to feature ground effect (see pics of the rear diffuser )rather than using spoilers to give it down force which shows the Renault will probably once again move the goal posts on to a different playing field.
As for the standard cars well, its like most cars made over the last 10 years they will be good at what they do, well made, but bland and safe.
Aaron.
