The Punto Evo thus gets significant makeover for the Model Year 2012 as Fiat desperately aims to reconnect its most important model with European consumers who have deserted it in droves since its unloved midlife facelift two years ago. However age counts heavily against its chances of success as all the Punto's rivals have been replaced with newer models.

Fiat's designers have worked to improve the visuals of front end and the cheap feeling of the Evo is likely to be consigned to history. There are also new exterior colours and the seat upholsteries as well as the introduction of the 85 HP 0.9 TwinAir turbo and the evolution of the 85 HP 1.3 Multijet. The new Punto MY2012 will debut at the 64th Frankfurt IAA next month before going on sale at the beginning of 2012.

While the Grande Punto was an instant looks-winner, the Punto Evo surrendered the dazzling style of the B-segment supermini as Fiat instead tried to follow current fashion trends rather than boldly setting the standard. The highly equipped and competitively-priced MyLife series has helped steady the ship although at a high cost to margins, but in terms of styling the designers have worked to give Punto MY2012 version a much more integrated feel, colour coding the bumper inserts to eradicated the downmarket feel of the Evo, and fitting a new honeycomb grille. The turn signal indicators remain below the headlights, however the clumsy chrome-finished whiskers on either side of the front badge, which were drawn from the Fiat 500 in an effort to create a family feel, are dropped. At the rear the unpainted plastic bumper insert is now colour-coded to continue the more integrated feel.

Inside, new fabrics upholstering the seats and inserts of the dashboard that emphasize its stylistic elegance are distinguishable. The changes of the Punto MY2012 are completed with a new design of the 15" alloy rims and new three metallic bodywork colours: Turquoise, Ruby Red and Graphite Grey. In addition, as for the 500 model, the TwinAir name on the Fiat Punto 2012 will indicate not only the revolutionary two-cylinder engine, but also a new trim level with a unique and recognisable look.

The Punto counts among its records that of being the first car of its class equipped with an advanced infotainment system (Blue&Me) or useful instruments for the customer so he can analyse his driving style in real time (eco:Drive info) and receive tips on how he can reduce environmental impact and optimising fuel consumption. The Fiat Punto also continues to be a constant point of reference when it comes to engine innovation. They are increasingly livelier and thrifty both with diesel (MultiJet) and petrol (MultiAir) formats. Eco-friendliness comes with the inclusion of methane or LPG engine, in addition to extending the Stop&Start with Gear Shift Indicator technology to all the Euro 5 engines. This system automatically cuts out the engine and prompts the best gear in order to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 15% for an urban route. Fiat hopes that this tradition of innovation will be reinforced by thre Punto MY2012 following introduction of new two engineering gems to the range: the 85 HP TwinAir turbo and the evolution of the 85 HP 1.3 MultiJet.

85 HP 0.9 TwinAir turbo

The  TwinAir engine, which has won numerous awards in the industry - including "International Engine of the year 2011", "Best New Engine 2011" and "Best Green Engine 2011" - has now arrived in B-segment B. The TwinAir project combines all the most modern technology designed by Fiat Powertrain (MulitAir) with the "downsizing" concept and is manifest in a small, low-weight engine that ensures excellent performance with low fuel consumption. The special engine tuning and its combination with a 6-speed gearbox confers to the car a perfect balance between eco-friendliness (98 g/km CO2) and driving pleasure (85 HP at 5500 rpm of power and 145 Nm at 2000 rpm of torque). The ECO button is also available. With a specific engine control calibration, it reduces fuel consumption to guarantee truly eco-friendly driving. The Punto Twin Air customer therefore can choose between two driving modes: "normal", with full engine performance to enhance driving liveliness and vivacity, and "eco" for driving more attentive to economy.

85 HP MultiJet

The 85 HP 1.3 16V Multijet (with a torque of 200 Nm at 1500 rpm) - already today on the cutting-edge thanks to the IRS (Injection rate shaping) technology of the MultiJet II and to the special eco turbo-matching of the turbocharger assembly - takes a further step forward with the introduction of two new technologies (Intelligent Alternator and Intelligent Flow) that let it reach the level of 90 g/km of CO2 emissions. The first technology optimizes the recharging battery strategy during the "engine cut-off" phases, while the second is obtained through an oil pump with variable displacement and optimisation of the cooling circuit. These technologies, together with the use of low-viscosity gearbox oil, make the Punto one of the diesel cars in its segment boasting the best CO2 emissions.

The 2012 range

The Punto 2012 is also revamped in its range structure, made clearer and slimmer, optimally epitomising the editions currently on the market - the Grande Punto and Punto Evo - with the goal of giving the Punto model only one identity with a single styling and enhancing the winning combination of "style and technology".

In detail, the range comprises three trim levels (Pop, Easy and Lounge) available on the different engines, plus a dedicated trim level combined with the TwinAir engine, each featuring a different offer of contents with the goal of satisfying different needs. The Pop trim level represents the entry level, offered as an accessible, essential, simple and functional version. The second trim level (Easy) is the "feature model" of the range thanks to its wealth of equipment, and it offers an outstanding price to accessories ratio. Available in 3 different combinations of interior fabrics (red, blue and grey), this version is the expression of a colourful, youthful, casual, modern, contemporary and technological soul. The top-end is on the other hand represented by the Lounge trim level, which offers both rich and high-tech equipment to provide both ultimate comfort and a strong personality combining elegance and sportiness in an expert aesthetic union.

Finally, the TwinAir trim level was created to enhance the introduction of the 2-cylinder engine by reflecting its lively and agile soul, as the bright and vivid launch shade of Verde Lime combined with the glossy black roof demonstrates. Added to this exclusive body shade are other distinctive styling features such as the burnished alloy rims with dedicated design and diamond treatment, glossy black pillars and mirrors and burnished headlights. The version is also immediately recognisable thanks to the TwinAir logo on the rear tailgate. Internally, the car is personalised with new interiors featuring grey and black "Sportex" fabric and a grey embroidered TwinAir logo on the front headrests. Another TwinAir logo is placed on the dashboard near the climate control system.