Fiat Punto Rally
The second generation Fiat Punto (codenamed Project 188) was launched in September 1999 at the Frankfurt Motor Show with an all-new styling, a completely revamped chassis and interior, and a new torsion beam rear suspension. Significantly, the new Punto was also the first Fiat in decades to feature the classic round Fiat badge in celebration of the prestigious car manufacturer’s centenary.
At the launch of the hatchback, the Fiat Wish concept car was also debuted – a hardtop convertible version of the Fiat Punto, which bore much resemblance to the Peugeot 206 CC. It was designed by Pininfarina for Fiat’s centenary.
Entry level
The 1.1 and 1.4-L turbo engines were discontinued due to emissions requirements. As a result, the entry-level models featured only either a 1.2-L sixty hp (45 kW) 8-valve petrol unit or an eighty hp (60 kW) 16-valve version, or a 1.9-L diesel with common rail injection and turbocharger or a naturally-aspirated mechanical injection.
Sporting versions
Two more sporty versions were available: the 1.2-L 16-valve Sporting model, with a six-speed manual transmission, and the 1.8-L HGT, capable of speeds up to almost 130 mph (210 km/h). The 1.2-L 16-valve models also came in a CVT-equipped variant, specifically with a six-gear sequential manual shift mode (seven for the Sporting model). Furthermore, the 1.8-L HGT was able to accelerate from 0-60 in 8.0 seconds, providing better handling than the Punto GT. A limited-edition HGT Abarth was also available with extra spec bumpers, a rear spoiler, side skirts, alloy wheels and interior trim, though no technical improvements were made on the regular HGT.
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