According to rumours Fiat is planning to launch its hatchback the Punto Evo and the lifestyle vehicle Avventura with its 1.4-litre T-Jet motor. Currently, this turbocharged petrol engine is used only in the Linea sedan.
Under criticism for slow off-the-line performance, Fiat might have found the answer to quieten critics. The Punto Evo and the Avventura are good handling cars and the powerful petrol motor might provide the firepower required.
The turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol mill churns out 112bhp and 200Nm of torque mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. These are still early days to predict the changes to the mechanicals like suspension, but there might be minimal or no changes except the engine.
If the Punto Evo T-Jet makes it to the market, then it will be aimed squarely at the Polo GT TSI. It will have the advantage of an H-gate shifter and 9bhp and 25Nm over the Polo GT TSI. However, the Polo GT at 1053 kg might have a weight advantage over the Punto Evo with a naturally aspirated 1.4-litre mill which tips the scales at 1154 kg. It will be hard to discount the quick-shifting 7-Speed DSG either.
Even if the Polo GT TSI is quicker off-the-line and faster still, but the T-Jet Punto Evo with a manual gearbox will be more involving to drive.
It might seem like Fiat is late to the party, but they seem to have taken a leaf from Volkswagen’s experience as the Polo GT has done well. There are no more details pertaining to its launch date, but Fiat might launch it this year.
Source: ACI
