Abarth Punto Evo Esseesse

Just ten months after it was first announced at last year’s Paris Motor Show, the Esseesse upgrade for the Abarth Punto Evo has gone on sale in the UK.

The kit raises power from 162 bhp (121 kW / 165 PS) to 177 bhp (132 kW / 180 PS), although the effect of that extra horsepower doesn’t seem to be particularly dramatic. Compared to the standard Abarth Punto Evo, the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time falls from 7.9 to 7.5 seconds, while top speed increases by just 2 mph (3 km/h) to 134 mph (216 km/h).

Abarth Punto Evo Esseesse (2011) Front Side
Abarth Punto Evo Esseesse (2011) Rear Side

Available as a dealer-fit option on new or used Abarth Punto Evos (up to twelve months old with no more than 12,500 miles on the odometer), the Esseesse upgrade will cost around £3,000 (depending on labour rates).

Although it certainly makes for an appealing hot hatch alternative, that’s still a lot to add to the £16,852 price tag of a regular Abarth Punto Evo, and it faces stiff competition.

The Renault Clio Renaultsport 200, for example, is £17,930 and it’s quicker too: 0-62 mph (100 km/h) takes 6.9 seconds, while its top speed is 140 mph (225 km/h).

However, at 34.4 mpg (8.2 l/100km) the Clio’s fuel consumption is poor, and its CO2 emissions are a high 190 g/km. The Abarth Punto Evo Esseesse, by contrast, manages a much more respectable 47.1 mpg (5.9 l/100km) and 142 g/km.

Related posts:
Renaultsport Silverstone GP
New Abarth Esseesse kits

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