Posted on Thursday 2 August 2007
Fiat has added the T-Jet 120 Sporting to the Grande Punto range to satisfy performance buffs until the sporty Abarth version arrives on the market early next year. The biggest change for the new model is the adoption of the new turbocharged T-Jet petrol engine that debuted in the larger Bravo hatch earlier this year.
The 1.4L motor develops a peak of 120bhp at 5,000rpm and 152lb-ft of torque at 1,750rpm, which is enough to carry the Punto to the 62mph mark in just under nine seconds and reach a top speed of 121mph. Those performance numbers are nothing to get excited about, but the engine’s broad torque curve and useable force lower in the rev-range means it should still be a fun drive around town. Fuel consumption and emissions are comparable with competitor engines in this size range, returning 42.8mpg on the combined cycle and emitting just 155g/km CO2.
The range comes in either three or five-door configurations and includes 17in alloys, sports seats, a leather steering wheel, and sports bodykit as standard.