Fiat returns to Australia in Grande style

Fiat will offer the Grande Punto for sale mid-year, joining the Fiat Ducato commercial vehicles and its Alfa Romeo cousins in the market.

The Grande Punto is a brand new model, setting a trend for all Australian-market Fiats to be all-new models from the Italian maker.

As with Alfa Romeo, Fiat will launch its models in Australia as they are launched in Europe, and the initial dealer network will largely comprise established Alfa Romeo dealers.

There will be a full range of Grande Punto versions, including a diesel, and all will be uniquely specified for the Australian market and priced to match their Japanese and European rivals in the premium small car sector.

Grande Punto is aimed at buyers moving into smaller cars, but not willing to give up the style, equipment and performance they are used to in larger cars.

Judging by the enthusiastic reception received by Alfa Romeo when it returned to Australia just over seven years ago, Fiat can expect to be one of the top show attractions for Italian car enthusiasts.

Along with Italian supercars from Ferrari and Maserati - corporate relatives within the Fiat family - the Grande Punto delivers a distinctive Italian flavour that sets it apart from its rivals.

Melbourne International Motor Show runs from Thursday 9 February to Sunday 19 February at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, and is organised and promoted by the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce through its dealer division the Australian Automobile Dealers Association (Vic).