Fiat Punto Abarth Evo EsseEsse scooped in Coimbatore

BHPian ece2k2 caught the super-hot Fiat Punto Abarth on test in Coimbatore. The EsseEsse version of the Punto was wearing Coimbatore license plates and surprisingly, all badging was unmasked.

The hatchback was sporting EsseEsse and Evo logos denoting that it is the high-performance tuned version of the Punto Abarth! A sticker denoting special fuel was also spotted inside the hot hatch.

The Punto Abarth Evo EsseEsse is at the apex of the Punto family. The EsseEsse is essentially an upgrade on the Punto Abarth Evo.

Weighing in at 1185 kg, power sees a bump up to 180 BHP (165 in Evo), 0-96 kph in 7.5 seconds and a top speed in excess of 210 kph. The reworked suspension on the EsseEsse sees revised Abarth Springs, Koni dampers and Brembo discs all round. The Punto Abarth is sold only in two door versions abroad, so the EsseEsse could make it as a CBU, if & when it comes to India. 

It is much more likely that Fiat India will launch a more sedate Punto Abarth version using the existing four door Punto. It will come with the 1.4 liter T-jet motor taken from the Linea. The engine can easily be tuned for more power. Fiat has had a difficult time selling its cars, managing to move merely 2,405 units (Punto 2033, Linea 372) between September 2012 and February 2013. Fiat’s previous import option - the Fiat 500 - sank without a trace in the market.