Fiat Punto First generation

1993–1999
Overview
Production	1993–1999
Assembly	Melfi, Potenza, Italy Mirafiori, Torino, Italy Termini Imerese, Palermo, Italy
Designer	Giorgetto Giugiaro (hatchback) Bertone (convertible)
Body and chassis
Body style	3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback 2-door convertible 3-door van
Related	Fiat Barchetta Fiat Albea Fiat Doblò Fiat Palio Fiat Siena Fiat Strada Lancia Y
Powertrain
Engine	1.1 L I4 (petrol) 1.2 L I4 (petrol) 1.2 L I4 16-valve (petrol) 1.4 L I4 turbo (petrol) 1.6 L I4 (petrol) 1.7 L I4 (diesel) 1.7 L I4 (turbo-diesel)
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed manual CVT automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,450 mm (96.5 in)
Length	3,760 mm (148.0 in)
Width	1,625 mm (64.0 in)
Height	1,450 mm (57.1 in)
Curb weight	830–1,040 kg (1,830–2,290 lb) 1,070 kg (2,360 lb) (cabrio)

Internally codenamed Project 176, the Punto was announced in September 1993 as a replacement for the ageing Fiat Uno and launched in late 1993/early 1994 depending on the market. The Fiat Punto was voted European Car of the Year for 1995, defeating rival Volkswagen Polo by only 78 points.

The Punto was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and was available as a 3-door or 5-door hatchback, and a two-door cabriolet.

Entry level

Entry-level in the Punto range were the 1.1 and 1.2 L petrol engines and the 1.7 diesel engine. The 1.2 engine's actual capacity is 1242 cc, available in three versions. The first, was fitted in the Punto ELX 75 and produced 75 hp (56 kW) at 6000 rpm while the second, fitted to Punto ELX 85 produced 86 hp (64 kW) at 6000 rpm. The third was a 60 hp (45 kW) engine which eventually replaced the 1.1 54 hp engine.

Sporting versions

A Sporting model was also available with an 1.6 8v updated 128 SOHC engine, producing 88 bhp, later replaced in 1997 by the 1.2 16v FIRE engine used in the 85 ELX, and a power drop to 86 bhp.

GT versions

The top of the range model was the 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) 1.4 GT, using an evolution of the turbocharged 128 SOHC engine originally found in the Fiat Uno Turbo Mk II- capable of running over 200 km/h (120 mph) and reaching 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 7.9 seconds and came fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox. During the years the GT was made in three different "series" with power 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) (1993–1995),133 PS (98 kW; 131 hp) (1995–1997) and 130 PS (96 kW; 130 hp) (1997–1999).

Convertible

A cabriolet (convertible) version was also available; built by Bertone (rather than at the main Fiat factory), it featured an electric powered fully retracting roof and was one of the cheapest open-top cars in the world at the time. In Europe, it was also made with a manual roof. Available in both ELX and SX trim, initially powered by the 90 bhp 1.6 Mpi unit (replaced in 1995 by the 86 bhp 1.2 16v FIRE unit). 55,000 cars were built between 1994 and 1999. The last cars were registered in 2000.

Other versions

Particular versions of the first generation Punto were the Punto 6Speed, a 1.1 FIRE Punto 55 with a 6-speed gearbox, the Punto Selecta with a CVT-type automatic gearbox, and the Punto ED (Economical Drive), a 1.1 Punto whose 5-speed gearbox was designed for high fuel efficiency.