Fiat Abarth Punto, Track Test

In a country like ours, where motorists prefer fuel efficiency over everything else, launching a gas-guzzling performance hatchback may not sound like a very bright business proposition. But then, Italians don’t understand logic – their world is all about flair, pizazz and borderline lunacy. So, if someone had to bring a hot-blooded hatchback that would make no sense to a commoner in India, it had to be Fiat. Jokes aside, though, as affordable hot-hatchbacks come, this one is the hottest that you can buy in the country at the moment – the Abarth Punto.

Headlined by a 1.4-litre turbo petrol unit that belches out a staggering 145bhp at 5,500rpm, along with a peak torque of 212Nm at 2,000rpm, the Abarth Punto packs some serious grunt. Matching the explosive internals are two loud paintwork options and gorgeous 16-inch Scorpion wheels – while more scorpion-themed decals and Abarth monikers can be found inside and on the bodywork. Now, while it’s understood that a car with such sporty origins needn’t be discreet, we feel that the Fiat designers could have done a slightly better job. The Punto, in its standard guise, is a pretty looking car, but the Abarth derivative looks a little too fussy. However, you won’t care about any of that once you get a taste of its powertrain.

Below 1,800rpm, when the turbo is still spooling, there’s a lot of lag for sure. But once you get past that barrier, the Abarth Punto turns into a complete monster. Between 2,000-5,000rpm, the motor has oodles of torque to keep you grinning from ear-to-ear. The gear-ratios are pretty evenly matched, although the 5-speed gearbox feels vague and rubbery at times. The hydraulic steering is dripping with feel and is direct. The ride quality is typical of a Fiat, which means bumps and undulations are dismissed without breaking a sweat.

Where the Abarth Punto struggles, though, is that it never seems to put its power down cleanly. Full bore acceleration results in crazy torque steer and while its ride height is lowered by 30mm over the standard car, it still rears its ugly head when you try to push it hard around corners. Also, getting the right driving position requires a bit of a head-scratching since the pedals are too close and the steering is too far.
There’s no doubt that the Abarth Punto has an addictive powertrain. It rides and handles beautifully too, but, overall, it feels a bit rough around the edges. It’s as if Fiat did everything right with the Abarth Punto, but then didn’t care to go that last mile...

<< BACK TO: BEST OF 2016NEXT>>: Jaguar XE 25t