The New Punto Model Year 2012 is making its debut at the
. It will go on sale at the beginning of next year across Europe and yes, South Africa, too.
The model confirms the aspects that destined the previous editions for success 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 / 62,5 kW 900cc TwinAir turbo and the evolution of the 85 HP / 62,5 kW 1.3 Multijet.
(Please note that the new Punto will debut in South Africa early in 2012 but will initially be available only with MultiAir Turbo and MultiAir normally aspirated engines as well as a non-MultiAir normally aspirated powerplant at the bottom end of the revitalised range. TwinAir is under evaluation for local introduction but will not be available at launch.)
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, a brand-new dashboard with soft-touch plastics and deep-dished instrumentation teamed with new fabrics upholstering the seats and original inserts of the dashboard emphasize its stylistic elegance.
The new style innovations of the Punto 2012 are completed with a new design of the 15″ alloy rims and three new 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 – Europe only) 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 / 62,5 kW TwinAir turbo and the evolution of the 85 HP / 62,5 kW 1.3 MultiJet.
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 three 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.
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 three 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.
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.
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.
