Abarth Grande Punto: engine, trims and what to know when buying
The Abarth Grande Punto is the sporty version of the Fiat Grande Punto, produced from 2007 to 2010 with the revived Abarth badge. We look at its engine, trims and what to check when buying a used hot hatch in Lithuania.
Abarth Grande Punto at a glance
The Abarth Grande Punto is based on the third-generation Fiat Punto, which was sold as the Grande Punto from 2005 to 2009. In 2007, Fiat revived the Abarth badge and this car became one of the first models of the rejuvenated brand.
It's a three-door hatchback with a sporty suspension, special bumpers, Abarth badges and a more sporty interior. It belongs to the hot hatch class — small, light and built for dynamic driving.
Engine and transmission
The Abarth Grande Punto is powered by a 1.4-litre T-Jet turbo petrol engine, which produces around 155hp. Thanks to the turbocharger, the car accelerates quite quickly: it hits 0-100 km/h in around 8 seconds, with a top speed of about 200 km/h.
The transmission is a six-speed manual, with front-wheel drive. The car has a sport-tuned suspension.
Trims and the Esseesse package
The base trim comes with the 155hp engine and sporty suspension. The manufacturer also offered the Esseesse (SS) package, which boosts engine power to around 180hp and provides an even sportier suspension.
In 2010, the Abarth Grande Punto was replaced by the Abarth Punto Evo with an updated 1.4-litre MultiAir engine.
What to check when buying a used Abarth Grande Punto
First, assess the condition of the turbocharger and engine: ask for the service history, especially oil change records. Turbo engines are sensitive to poor oil quality and infrequent servicing, so the engine shouldn't make unusual noises when cold, and there shouldn't be blue smoke in the exhaust.
Check the gearbox, suspension, and brake wear — these cars are often driven more aggressively. Look for signs of tuning (modified exhaust, software), accident damage, and ensure the paperwork is in order.
The mechanical parts are shared with the Fiat Grande Punto, so spares are usually readily available, but finding specific Abarth parts (bumpers, badges, sport seats) can be trickier.
Versions
Names and equipment vary by year and market; we list the main versions.
Abarth Grande Punto
2007–2010Base version.
- 1.4 l T-Jet turbo engine, around 155 hp
- Six-speed manual gearbox
- Often — 17-inch light-alloy wheels
Abarth Grande Punto su „Esseesse“ paketu
2007–2010Optional sport package.
- Engine, around 180 hp
- Sportier suspension
- Often — special wheels and trim
Version comparison
| Pagrindinė versija | Su „Esseesse“ paketu | |
|---|---|---|
| Who's it for | For daily sporty driving | For particularly dynamic driving |
| Engine | 1.4 l T-Jet, around 155 hp | 1.4 l T-Jet, around 180 hp |
| Gearbox | Six-speed manual | Six-speed manual |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | €€ | €€€ |
For most buyers, the base version will suffice: it's already sporty enough. The "Esseesse" is worth considering only if the car's history is clear and the package is genuinely factory-fitted.
Pros
- A dynamic, nimble "hot hatch"
- Turbo engine with decent power
- Sporty interior and styling
- Common parts with the Fiat Grande Punto
Cons
- Often driven aggressively, so the suspension and brakes are worn
- The turbo engine requires meticulous maintenance
- Hard to find specific Abarth parts
Frequently asked questions
How does the Abarth Grande Punto differ from the standard Grande Punto?
It boasts a more powerful turbo engine, sporty suspension, unique bumpers, Abarth badges, and a sportier interior.
How much power does the Abarth Grande Punto have?
The base version packs around 155 HP, while the Esseesse package pushes it to around 180 HP.
What replaced the Abarth Grande Punto?
In 2010, it was succeeded by the Abarth Punto Evo with an updated 1.4-litre MultiAir engine.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically





























