Fiat are using the twin themes of sexiness and economy to highlight their offerings in Sydney as the Grande Punto lines up next to an icon, with preparations gearing up for the launch of the all-new 500 in less than a year’s time. Following a poll in the UK’s ‘Top Gear’ magazine, where it was nominated as the sexiest car in the world, an example of Fiat’s iconic 500 takes centre stage on the Fiat stand, highlighting the innovative ‘500 Wants You’ viral marketing campaign currently underway at www.fiat500.com. The beautifully-restored car belongs to Sydney-based Fiat enthusiast Lloyd Jamieson, who has spent nearly five years returning it to its former glory.

Fiat has a full lineup of Grande Puntos on display, with diesel-powered versions a heavy presence on the stand, reflecting Fiat’s expertise in this area. Two Puntos are displayed in ‘Dynamic’ specification: a 1.3 JTD in New Orleans Blue, and a 1.4 8V petrol in Crossover Black. The higher end of the range is also present, with an ‘Emotion’ 1.9 JTD in Exotica Red, and a three-door ‘Sport’, also fitted with the 1.9 8V Multijet engine, in Caribbean Orange. 

The Sydney motor show marks the first expansion of the Fiat range since its relaunch into the Australian market in June, through the addition of the Dualogic robotised gearbox on the 1.4 8V petrol and 1.3 16V Multijet engines. This option, priced at A$1500, enables the Grande Punto to further extend its lead in the fuel economy stakes, as a Punto with the combination of 1.3 Multijet and Dualogic offers an official combined fuel consumption figure of just 4.5l/100km, further extending its lead as the most economical conventionally-fuelled car currently on sale in Australia. Fiat are highly optimistic about this addition, believing that it will boost the Grande Punto’s market prospects, especially amongst female buyers.
 

Meanwhile, the alternative of the more powerful 1.4 16V ‘Starjet’ remains a possibility, with the forthcoming 1.4 turbocharged engine range (in 120 and 150bhp specifications) expected to represent a strong addition to the range when it is launched in the Grande Punto next year.

Fiat spokesman Edward Rowe said that the Panda remains a “50:50” chance to come to Australia. City car sales are presently booming in Australia, with models such as the Kia Picanto, Mitsubishi I-Car and Hyundai Atos all on the radar to be introduced locally within the next 12 months.  For Fiat, the key stumbling block is pricing, with negotiations ongoing to bring the A-segment car to Australia. According to Rowe, the Panda must undercut the Punto by at least A$3000, with equivalent engines and equipment levels, to present a viable business proposition. The Sedici, meanwhile, is definitely off the agenda for Australia, thanks largely to soaring demand in Europe. Rowe commented, however, that the 500 is a certainty for Australia. Australia will be amongst the first countries to see the new car in the metal in a year’s time, with plans being drawn up to display an example at the 2007 Australian International Motor Show immediately following its world debut at Frankfurt. The new Bravo is similarly due down under in the second half of next year, whilst the new Linea C-segment sedan remains an option under consideration, subject to final confirmation of drivetrains and pricing.

by Shant Fabricatorian