Fiat India commences the testing phase of Punto Abarth

The first efforts of Fiat’s 2016 strategy roadmap are starting to bear fruit. We have the first images of the Punto Abarth testing in India. This test mule was spotted by a TeamBhp forum member ece2k2 on the streets of Coimbatore.

If you observe carefully, this is a Punto Abarth Evo EsseEsse which is the highest state of tune for any Punto Abarth. The turbocharged 1.3L petrol engine of an EsseEsse spits out 180bhp @ 5,700rpm and 270Nm of Torque @ 2,500rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

Thanks to the monstrous power, the Punto Abarth Evo EsseEsse can shoot from 0-100km/hr in 7.5 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 216 km/h. To keep the EsseEsse planted on the road, it comes with revised Abarth Springs, Koni dampers and all four Brembo discs set up.

While all this sounds jolly good, we doubt that Fiat will launch the EsseEsse in India. There is a very good chance, Fiat is just testing the highest state of tune to find the suitability of the Punto Abarth in India. It is easy to figure out that there would be very few takers for a 2-door hatchback that will cost 14 lakhs.

Don’t worry, we are not saying that the Punto Abarth is not coming to India. It is definitely India-bound in the Q3 of 2013 as promised by Fiat India. However, the Indian version maybe powered by a less-fussy 1.4-litre T-Jet motor from the Linea capable of 165 bhp. Fiat may also tinker with the suspension setup to make it more suited for the Indian roads.

The Punto Abarth will be sold through 'Abarth Studios' which will be set up in existing Fiat dealerships. If the mad scorpion is well accepted in India, Fiat might considering launching standalone showrooms for Abarth.

[Source: Team-bhp.com]