First clear images of pre-production prototypes of the mid-life facelift of Fiat's best-selling Grande Punto supermini have broken cover on the internet revealing a very heavily revised front end as well as a new dashboard and some further cosmetic updates to the rear.

The Grande Punto was introduced into the showrooms in the autumn of 2005 and as a key player in the most hotly-contested market segment in Europe, four years after its launch a thoroughly facelifted version is set to debut at the Frankfurt IAA in September before going on sale before the end of the year. Revealed four years ago to much acclaim the Grande Punto then replaced the long-running and much-loved Punto in the showrooms and proved an instant hit with consumers that were seduced in particular by its gorgeous Maserati-inspired front-end styling treatment. Updating such a highly regarded design was always going to be a very tricky proposition, and in reworking the front end the designers at Fiat Centro Stile have ditched the outgoing model's stylish Italian-esque feel, instead choosing to copy the current market fashion for more aggressive front ends and in particular they have modelled it very closely on Ford's new Fiesta. Other cars in B-segment to choose this path include Peugeot's 207.

The photos that have circulated the internet offer a good snapshot of the front end styling which sees larger front radiator grille sections featuring above and below a non-colour coded plastic bumper section, with these new features moulded together to form one distinctive design feature. Sunk into the lower sections of this assembly are round foglights while the bumper wraps round the wing below the headlights where the indicators are positioned. Following current fashion and using a simple non-colour coded bumper and grille section will also reduce component production costs. A curious third grille section has been incorporated into the restyling; it is narrow and curved on the lower side and cut sharply out of the top of the slam panel as it buts up to the leading bonnet edge while the front badge is partially overlaid into this.

A third photo shows one of the rear light units which now incorporate large white internal lens covers. Emphasising the comprehensive nature of this mid-life facelift, and the importance that the B-segment holds for Fiat, the Grande Punto's dashboard has also been replaced with a new unit that retains some cues from the outgoing unit, as well as introducing ideas seen on the C-segment Bravo.

The most significant changes will come under the bonnet with a raft of new Euro V engine upgrades, including a 105bhp 1.4 litre FIRE incorporating the new MultiAir induction technology as well as a capable 135bhp TurboAir 1.4 petrol. The diesel range will be revised with the and 95bhp/230Nm 1.3 MultiJet 2 diesel. Stop-Start technology will be available. The current Grande Punto, with older engines and a more limited range, will remain on sale for a while alongside facelifted version.