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May 07May 21, 2003
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This Week:

• MINI Confirms New Convertible Models

• DaimlerChrysler Puts More Fuel Cell Vehicles on the Road

• GM Design Celebrates 75 Years Of History With Eyes On Design

• The successful New Beetle Cabriolet

• Peugeot launches Smartnav as an approved accessory across all models

• Cadillac Announces Competitive Pricing For 2004 SRX

• MG Rover Group Re-Enters The Japanese Market

• Coveted US award for Mercedes safety engineer Karl-Heinz Baumann

• Ford Opens New R&D Centre In Windsor For Engine & Transmission Testing

• New Fiat Punto

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New Fiat Punto

Photo: Fiat
 

Turin - A vehicle of strong personality with innovative equipment and also a unique range of engines and gearboxes: meet the New Fiat Punto as it makes its debut in segment B, the heir to a model that has sold and gone selling over the last few years. A substantially new car. The clean lines, unfussy styling and particular attention to detail displayed by the new mini reflect the most up-to-date trends. The result is a good-looking car with character. Its captivating style also makes it look increasingly like a higher segment car. Without mentioning that it is the first car in this market band to adopt two second generation Common Rail turbodiesels: the revolutionary 70 bhp 1.3 Multijet 16v and the powerful 100 bhp 1.9 Multijet 8v. It is also the only model to offer two automatic transmissions (the Dualogic and the Speedgear), an automatic dual zone climate control system and electric power steering with two operating modes. Uniquely for its segment, the model also offers a Natural Power version (petrol and methane fuel system).

All in all, the New Fiat Punto will change the way we perceive compact cars because from now on they will be able to hold their own against higher segment models. In the safety field, this is demonstrated by the most sophisticated dynamic control systems: ESP, ASR, MSR and Hill Holder. The same applies to performance: the sports version delivers 130 bhp, not to mention a sound and infotelematic system that makes your car a satisfying place to be: satellite navigation system, CONNECT OBN, radio with CD and MP3 file player, CD-changer located on the facia.

The New Fiat Punto also offers the peace of mind of outstanding roadholding that is due, above all, to a suspension system specially designed to absorb and reduce vibration due to road surface roughness. A new, extra-rigid torsion beam increases vehicle stability. Not to mention the fact that the New Fiat Punto boasts two very persuasive attributes. The five-door version offers an outstanding passenger room coefficient (86.4%) and one of the most spacious luggage compartments (297 litres) plus very effective space management options. These winning features complement the higher total volume: at nearly three cubic metres, the model is at the peak of its market band and can comfortably accommodate five people.

(May 20, 2003)