Abarth Punto Evo Esseesse revealed

By Eliott Farr

07th July 2011

Abarth has revealed that its popular Punto Evo model will now be available with the performance-focused ‘Esseesse’ tuning package. The upgrade comprises a range of technical and performance tweaks as well as enhancing the model’s already aggressive looks.

Power comes from the same 1.4-litre turbocharged engine found in the standard car, but changes to the engine’s electronic control unit (ECU) mean it now delivers an additional 15bhp, meaning a healthy180bhp on tap. The additional power has seen the benchmark 0-62mph sprint drop by four-tenths of a second, down to 7.5 seconds. Top speed is 134mph.  

Abarth Springs and Koni FSD dampers have been fitted front and rear, resulting in a lowered ride height, while stopping power will come from all round disc brakes with Brembo M4x40 front calipers. The six-speed manual transmission found in the standard Evo remains, but the Esseesse will benefit from Abarth’s driver control that allows ‘normal’ and ‘sport’ set-ups to be selected.

Abarth fans will be pleased to learn that the kit stays loyal to the brand’s heritage, being delivered to customers in a wooden crate, which can be retained by the customer afterwards. Owners of standard Punto Evos will be able to specify the Esseesse upgrade within 12 months of their car’s purchase with the upgrade being undertaken at an Abarth approved dealership.

Crucially, Stop&Start remains, along with Fiat’s MultiAir technology and a gear shift indicator meaning combined fuel returns of 47.1 mpg and an impressively low CO2 figure of 142g/km, placing the model in tax band F and meaning a year’s disc will cost £130. Available later this year, the Esseesse kit will add £3000 to the £16,852 on-the-road price of a standard Abarth Punto Evo.