Fiat has launched a sporting flagship version for the Punto range, the HGT Abarth, pictured.

Based on the Punto 1.8 16-valve HGT, the new £13,400 HGT Abarth, featuring the latest version of the company's twin overhead camshaft 1747cc 130 horsepower engine, is equipped with a full Abarth sports pack.

The Punto Abarth

Standard features include aluminium gearknob and gearlever surround, aluminium handbrake, Abarth branded kick plates, Abarth styled front and rear spoilers, Abarth branded side skirts, aluminium sports pedals, Abarth steering wheel and Abarth alloy wheels.

Standard equipment also includes driver, passenger and side airbags, anti-lock brakes, a satellite navigation and audio system, remote central locking, air conditioning and the latest Fiat immobiliser.

The Punto HGT Abarth is available in just two colours - Broom Yellow and Black.

The second generation Punto has been a huge success story. After just 19 months' production, a build total of one million units was achieved, compared with 22 months for the original Punto launched in 1993.

The company sold some 543,000 units of the latest Punto in its first full year, compared with 482,000 for the original car in its first year.