Turin, Italy  - Fiat has given the Grande Punto a complete makeover under the new name of Punto Evo with a more elegant design, new engines, start-stop automatic, seven airbags and a Blue&Me-Infotainment system.

The pronounced grille and neat chrome bar between the headlights are lent from the Fiat 500, appealing to the Fiat fan community, but most of the changes are under the hood.

Multi-Air engines replace the old petrol engines with a more efficient valve management that improves fuel consumption by up to ten per cent compared to the predecessor models. The diesel engines are the second generation Multijet power units with fuel consumption and emission figures down two per cent. All engines conform to the new Euro 5 emission standard.

From next year Fiat will in addition offer the Punto Evo with natural gas drive (CNG). Seven airbags, including knee airbags, ABS (Anti-Lock Brakes) and ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) are standard.

The new Infotainment system Blue&Me is integrated with onboard electronics. In addition the driver analysis programme gives advice on economical driving. The Fiat Punto Evo, after making its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, will be available at most European dealers from mid-October. (dpa)