Set to launch soon, the Abarth Punto Evo will become the most powerful mainstream hatchback in the country. The Abarth Punto sits lower and sports additional body graphics and contrast inserts to set it apart from the standard model.

Here is a look at what to expect from the upcoming Abarth hot hatchback:

The major talking point about the Abarth Punto Evo is the engine. The 145bhp 1.4-litre T-Jet motor is in a league of its own in a segment that is dominated by naturally aspirated 1.2-litre motors. The closest anything comes in terms of power is the 1.2-litre TSI motor from the Polo GT though that too falls short. This much power means that the Abarth Punto Evo is capable of sprinting from 0-100kph in under 10 seconds. But blazing performance doesn't come at the cost of fuel economy and the car is expected to return an average of 16.3kpl. Stopping power is provided by disc brakes all around while the suspension has been lowered to 155mm and stiffened from the standard hatchback.

Physically, there is not much differentiating the hot hatchback from its standard sibling. The car looks almost identical to the Punto Evo 90HP save for a lowered stance, additional colour contrast inserts on the grille, a chrome exhaust, side body graphics, Abarth badges in place of the Fiat ones and Scorpion design 16-inch alloy wheels with lower profile tyres than the standard model.

Inside, the car is more or less unchanged from the Punto Evo 90HP. The entire dashboard remains unchanged with the only noticeable changes being the Scorpion badge on the steering, metal-finished pedals and new seat fabric with red and yellow contrast stitching.

The Abarth Punto Evo will be available in two paint shades black and white, with bookings currently open at Fiat dealerships across the country at Rs 50,000. Dealers tell us that the Abarth Punto will come with a price tag of around Rs 9.5 lakh (ex-showroom) and with this sticker price, this will surely be the best Diwali gift on offer for all Fiat fans in India.

Read our Abarth Punto Evo review