Fiat gives Punto another facelift

First launched in 2005 as the Grande Punto, the third-generation model has grown a little long in the tooth. Fiat has done its best to keep it fresh, however, launching the updated Punto Evo in 2009. That update has apparently worn a little thin, however, so Fiat's coming back with another tweak or two for the 2012 model.

On the new Punto, the exterior styling has ditched the cheap-looking black plastic cladding and 500-derived chrome whiskers on the nose. The interior has also been updated and two new fuel-sipping 85-horsepower engines – one 900cc two-cylinder unit and another 1.3-liter MultiJet diesel – have joined the range.

The revised model will launch alongside the new Panda and Doblo Work Up at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, along with a trio of new Abarth specials.