2010 Abarth Punto Evo

Now that the 500 has taken up the mantel of the small fun Fiat, what is the venerable Fiat Punto supposed to do. Carry on, and carry on being a lot of fun, it would seem. Especially when it comes to the 2010 Abarth Punto Evo. Abarth has worked their magic yet again, and the 2010 Abarth Punto Evo looks to be a rather nice Italian take on the hot hatchback theme.

The 2010 Abarth Punto Evo is the second model in Abarth’s line-up at this year's Geneva Motor Show, and it's powered by a 165 HP Multiair 1.4 turbo petrol engine. The max torque is rated at 250 NM, so, given those horsepower and torque figures, a car this small should scoot.

Not enough scoot for you? Then Abarth is also offering a "SS" kit that will raise the maximum power to 180 hp. I know, I know ... front engine, front wheel drive, torque steer. Get over it. 180 horsepower will still be fun.

The new Evo also comes with a performance mode selection system that modulates engine, braking and steering response and offers a choice of two different driving modes: Sport and Normal. The SS kit also gets you modifications to chassis bits and bobs. Perforated and ventilated disc brakes and high performance brake pads sounds like a good add on for a 180 horsepower car. And the Abarth Punto Evo SS also comes with lower springs and some rather attractive 18" Abarth "SS" alloy wheels. You get your choice of either white or titanium finish on the round things, and naturally, they come fitted with performance tires.

There's no word yet on what would make this really great news from my perspective, that is, that Fiat will be brining the Abarth Punto Evo to America. The word has it that they will be bringing the Fiat 500 in, and will soon follow it with the Abarth version of the micro-mini. And for those that find the 500 too small (and given how fat so many Americans are), having the availability of a car like the Abarth Punto Evo sounds like a good idea from a marketing perspective.

C'mon Fiat, do it.

Source: Top Speed