Frankfurt Motor Show 2005 - Fiat

What's the star of the stand?

Fiat has its financial troubles, but it does still know a thing or two about small cars. Its latest Punto has just been unveiled at Frankfurt. In fact it’s called the Grande Punto, and will become the biggest model in its class when it goes on sale early next year.

Essentially, it is a bigger brother to the ever-popular Punto in many European markets, running alongside the existing model. This may also happen in the UK, with the normal Punto staying on as a cut-price alternative to the Grande.

In a market where style sells, the Grande Punto is well equipped to succeed. It’s certainly roomy, nicely finished and carries plenty of safety kit. We've already driven it, and it's tidy, although not particularly sporty.

Two petrol and four turbodiesel engines are offered, all on sale in January. What will they cost? Well, faced with stiff competition, Fiat can’t risk much of an increase on current prices, and is more likely to reduce prices on the existing Punto instead.

They say
'Fiat says the new Grande Punto represents a 'relaunch of the Fiat brand' outside Italy, and aims to 'regain leadership' of the compact hatchback market in Europe.'

We say
It's vital that Fiat gets it right with the Grande Punto. The good news is that it's got the looks, spec, interior finish and practicality to make a real impact when it goes on sale.

Anything else?
There's also the Abarth rally version of the Grande Punto with lowered suspension and more aggressive styling. Fiat has promised that a production version will follow, probably in 2006.

Any gossip?
Fiat claims it will have complete model coverage in all mainstream sectors by 2007. A compact 4x4 is likely to be the first new model we'll see. Expect details in the next six months.