The Fiat Punto was widely regarded as one of the best looking hatchbacks in the country, possessing a unique Italian flair and Maserati-esque styling details not usually associated with its segment. However, while India has had this version of the car since launch, in Europe, the car has been given two facelifts. Later this year, however, Fiat will update the Indian Punto, and the look we get seems to be unlike any version on sale overseas at the moment.
As part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ investor presentation held recently, the group revealed its plans for the next five years across all its various markets, including India. Part of these Indian plans was a chart of upcoming models, and almost in plain sight was a small image of the updated Punto, which we have enlarged and enhanced.
The nose borrows heavily from the Avventura concept shown at the 2014 Auto Expo, with stretched back, blacked out headlamps, although they are missing the projector elements, with conventional reflectors used instead. A Jaguar-like rounded-square grille takes pride of place in the nose, while the lower air dam is very heavily sculpted with big, chrome-lined housings for the fog lamps. The side profile appears more or less unchanged, apart from the smart new alloy wheels, and unfortunately, there is no clear view of the rear of the car.
The Fiat Linea sedan was only recently facelifted, and one of the things we liked most was the far more upmarket interior. The good news is that this updated Punto will get the same cabin, which should help it fare better against its newer competition.
The updated Fiat Punto hatchback will be introduced later this year, as will the Avventura crossover-hatchback and the 500 Abarth hatchback, rounding off Fiat’s new launches for 2014.