The one millionth Grande Punto has just rolled off the production line at Fiat’s factory in Melfi, Italy.Built in right-hand drive form and destined for the UK market, the millionth Grande Punto is a Passionate Red Sporting version equipped with Fiat’s potent 1.4 T-Jet 120 bhp turbo petrol engine.
Grande Punto was launched in 2005, following in the footsteps of two highly popular cars – the original Punto (from 1993 to 1999) of which 3,500,000 were built, and the second series (launched in 1999 and currently still on sale in some markets under the name Punto Classic), whose production exceeded three million.
A successful model across Western Europe, the 2008 Grande Punto has recently been improved with the adoption of several new features aimed especially at younger drivers. The sports line (GP and Sporting) accounts for a quarter of total sales, while 14 per cent of these drivers customise their cars with their own choice of stickers.
Standard Blue&Me hands-free telecommunications and entertainment equipment across the entire UK range, means that Grande Punto is eco:Drive enabled.
Available with 1.4-litre 8v and 16v petrol, and 1.3 and 1.9 MultiJet diesel engines, the 2008 Grande Punto range starts at £9,250 for the 1.4 8v Active, rising to £14,350 for the 1.9 MultiJet 130 Sporting.
