The bookings for Fiat's much-awaited powerful hatch Punto Abarth have reportedly been opened in the country.

A report of Shifting Gears says that the soon-to-be launched Fiat Punto Abarth is now open for bookings against a down payment of Rs 20,000. The bookings amount is fully refundable in case of the cancellation. With localisation of the model, Punto Abarth is likely to be priced at around Rs 10 lakh.

Punto Abarth is expected to make its debut in the country during the festive season this year. To be powered by 1.4-litre T-JET turbocharged petrol engine that can churn out 145bhp power at 6,000rpm and 200Nm torque at 1,750rpm, the Punto Abarth will be produced along with Punto hatchback. The engine will come mated to a 5-speed gearbox and is likely to clock 0-100kmph in eight seconds.

Visually, Punto Abarth will remain almost the same as the current Punto Evo in the market, except for minor tweaks like contrasting wing mirrors, 'T-Jet' badge on the bootlid and side body decals.

Apart from these, the Fiat logo, which is seen in the current Punto Evo, will be replaced with the logo of Abarth and inside the cabin, the upcoming hot hatch will get fabric upholstery with contrast stitching in red and yellow and sportier steel pedals.