The Abarth Punto Evo takes the familiar Fiat Punto hatchback and gives it a dynamic performance boost. Bold styling and a lively turbocharged engine ensure this well-equipped supermini packs far more punch than your average city car.
The Abarth Punto Evo is a hot hatch designed for drivers who want more than just everyday practicality. Launched in 2010 as an update to the Abarth Grande Punto, it offers a blend of Italian flair, strong performance and everyday three-door usability. With energetic handling and sharp looks, the Punto Evo stands out among other compact cars. Compared to similar-sized rivals like the Ford Fiesta ST or Renault Clio Renaultsport, the Abarth stands out for its style and distinctive badge. Standard kit includes sports seats, a racy body kit and upgraded suspension, distinguishing it from basic superminis.
Nippy turbo MultiAir engine outputs 163bhpRoomy three-door hatchbackStreamlined sporty design
Ride can feel firmLow-quality cabin plastics let the interior downLimited advanced safety kitThe Abarth Punto Evo includes driver and passenger airbags, ABS, electronic stability control and traction control. However, like many cars from this period, it lacks modern active safety systems such as automatic emergency braking or lane assist. While the car has basic safety essentials, later rivals offer more advanced equipment.
Every Abarth Punto Evo is powered by a 1.4-litre MultiAir turbocharged petrol engine – there aren’t diesel or lower-powered alternatives. Earlier Abarth Grande Puntos had a similar unit, but the Evo’s engine offers better response and efficiency. A choice between Normal and Sport modes lets you tweak the suspension and throttle.
The Abarth Punto Evo comes well-kitted for its age with automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, USB input and cruise control. Some models will have the Blue&Me infotainment package with voice controls. However, there's no touchscreen or any of the advanced multimedia features found in more recent small cars.
Official economy for the 1.4 turbo engine is up to 47mpg, but in real-world driving, expect figures closer to 35-40mpg – especially if you make the most of its spirited performance in Sport mode. Running costs are reasonable for a hot hatch but higher than a regular Punto. Insurance groups and tax rates are also higher than standard city cars.
Check for bodywork and alloy scuffs from city parking, along with worn interior trims or seats, as these cars are often used enthusiastically. Ensure the service history is complete, especially for regular oil changes and turbo care. Look for clutch or gearbox wear if the car has high mileage. For added confidence, consider booking The AA Vehicle Inspection.
Abarth Punto Evo models share many parts with the regular Punto and are generally dependable if well-serviced. Some owners report issues with cooling systems, electricals and interior trim, but the engine itself is robust if looked after properly. Reliability scores for the Fiat brand and Punto are average in most surveys.
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