Abarth Grande Punto Hatchback (08-10) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 27 October 2009
It's a long time since Fiat has been in a position to claim class honours in the hot hatch sector. The 130bhp Punto HGT, discontinued in 2006, struggled both on paper and on the road at a time when the class leaders were offering up to 180bhp. All this has changed, and Fiat has dusted off a famous and illustrious brand to lead its charge into enemy territory. Abarth was last seen as a badge-engineered 'warm' version of the unpopular Stilo, and fans of the iconic marque with decades of racing and tuning heritage would be justified in feeling nervous. But Fiat has bestowed Abarth status as a brand in its own right, alongside Alfa Romeo, Lancia and Maserati in its automotive stable. The 155bhp hatchback (180bhp with factory-approved dealer modifications) is impressive on the road and is good value, plus it should remain exclusive as a result of the small network of specialist dealers.
4.5 out of 5

Other Abarth reviews

4.5 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£14,707

Used price range:

£6,810 - £11,290

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Accessible performance, relatively exclusive, famous sporty brand

Limited dealer network, high-performance version too harsh for UK roads

It's a long time since Fiat has been in a position to claim class honours in the hot hatch sector. The 130bhp Punto HGT, discontinued in 2006, struggled both on paper and on the road at a time when the class leaders were offering up to 180bhp. All this has changed, and Fiat has dusted off a famous and illustrious brand to lead its charge into enemy territory. Abarth was last seen as a badge-engineered 'warm' version of the unpopular Stilo, and fans of the iconic marque with decades of racing and tuning heritage would be justified in feeling nervous. But Fiat has bestowed Abarth status as a brand in its own right, alongside Alfa Romeo, Lancia and Maserati in its automotive stable. The 155bhp hatchback (180bhp with factory-approved dealer modifications) is impressive on the road and is good value, plus it should remain exclusive as a result of the small network of specialist dealers.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    4.5 out of 5

    "The Abarth Grande Punto kicks off with a 155bhp version of the same 1.4-litre T-jet engine that's in..."

  • Handling

    4.5 out of 5

    "Differences between the Fiat Grande Punto and the Abarth version run deeper than just a more..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    3 out of 5

    "While the Grande Punto is large for a small car, it isn't the best packaged car of its size and has..."

  • Practicality

    4 out of 5

    "The Grande Punto has a decent sized boot, although it's a few litres short of the new Clio at 275..."

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5

    "Abarth models come with a CD/radio, electric windows, air conditioning, height and reach adjustable..."

  • Behind the wheel

    4 out of 5

    "The interior of the Abarth Grande Punto is a bit smarter than the Fiat version of the car, with some..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    3.5 out of 5

    "The standard model looks good value and 40mpg should be realistic as long as you don't thrash it."

  • Green credentials

    2.5 out of 5

    "Only one version is available, and 162g/km of carbon dioxide emissions isn't bad for a..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    4.5 out of 5

    "The Fiat Grande Punto achieved a maximum five-star rating for occupant protection in the European..."

  • Reliability

    3.5 out of 5

    "Mechanical reliability has been pretty good for Fiat, although areas surrounding electrics have been..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    2 out of 5

    "A tiny dealer network means most customers will have to travel a long way to buy one. With such a..."

  • Buying used

    3 out of 5

    "Don't expect to see many on the market as volume will be limited when new. Check that cars have been..."

  • Selling

    4 out of 5

    "Scarcity should ensure demand outstrips supply, so it shouldn't be difficult to sell a well..."

Gallery

  • Interior Abarth Grande Punto Hatchback (08-10)
  • Exterior Abarth Grande Punto Hatchback (08-10)
  • Exterior Abarth Grande Punto Hatchback (08-10)
  • Exterior Abarth Grande Punto Hatchback (08-10)

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