It looks like the launch of the Abarth Punto from the house of Fiat has been almost confirmed as the emerging reports on the web suggest that the Italian auto maker will pull the wraps off its powerful hatch Punto in India on 19 October.

A report in NDTV Auto says that the Abarth Punto will be launched in India on 19 October. It has to be noted that several other dates have also been linked to the launch of Abarth Punto; however, all suggest October as the probable launch period.

The dealers of Fiat have already started accepting bookings for the Abarth Punto against a down payment of Rs 50,000 and the model is expected to be priced around Rs 10 lakh.

The powerful hatch, Abarth Punto, is powered by 1.4-litre T-JET turbocharged petrol engine that dishes out 145bhp power at 6,000rpm and 200Nm torque at 1,750rpm. The same engine will also power the Abarth Avventura, which is expected to see the light of the day later this year.

Abarth Punto with fuel efficiency of 16.3kmpl can accelerate from 0 to 100kmph in eight seconds and will come coupled to a five-speed gearbox. To be offered in two colours, black and white, the Fiat Abarth Punto will feature upholstery with contrast stitching in red and yellow, Scorpion decals on roof, 16-inch alloys and sportier steel pedals.

On the safety front, Abarth Punto is expected to get dual air bags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and electronic stability programme (ESP).