Fiat Punto 1993–1999 car dimensions: 3770 mm long, 1625 mm wide and 1450 mm high. Unladen weight is 832 kg. Braked towing is 900 kg.
The cabin on the 55 S is basic and functional with cloth seats, a simple dashboard featuring an analog clock, and manual window winders. Height-adjustable front seatbelts and pretensioners are fitted, with driver airbag becoming available later in the run. No power steering, electric windows or central locking as standard. Heater and ventilation system only. air conditioning was not offered on this entry trim at launch. No electronic driver aids of any kind.
Boot holds 275 litres with the rear seats in place. Fold the bench flat and capacity rises to 1080 litres for larger loads.
Braked towing limit is 900 kg and unbraked is 420 kg. Payload sits at 468 kg with a 75 kg roof load limit. Suitable for light trailer work or occasional loads but no heavy-duty cooling or reinforced suspension packages were listed for the 55 S.
The cabin feels roomy and bright for its size with ergonomic controls and soft-touch rubber grips on switches and vents. Instruments light from behind for easy night reading. Heating and ventilation include bi-level function plus recirculation. It ranks as the quietest in class at 74 dB(A) at 120 km/h. Rear seats fold to expand luggage from 275 to 1080 dm3. Height-adjustable front belts and fixed front headrests come standard on the S grade.
Petrol 1.1-litre engine with single-point injection
Combined fuel use 6.4 l/100 km
Euro NCAP 2 stars in 1997 test
Front seat-belt pretensioners standard
Side-impact door beams standard
Fire Protection System with inertia switch standard
The 1.1-litre petrol unit returns 4.7 l/100 km at steady 90 km/h, 6.5 l/100 km at 120 km/h and 7.9 l/100 km in town. Tank holds 47 litres.
Safety kit centres on a rigid passenger cell, programmed crumple zones, height-adjustable front belts with pretensioners, anti-submarining seat bars and an energy-absorbing steering wheel. Driver airbag is optional. passenger airbag costs extra. ABS is not available on the 55 S. High-mounted rear lights aid visibility. The 1997 Euro NCAP test gave two stars, noting cabin intrusion and lower-leg risks in the frontal impact plus weak chest protection in the side impact.
Keep the car by checking fluid levels, tyre pressures and lights every 1000 km or before long trips. The galvanised body sections help resist rust. Folding rear seats and a low load lip make everyday carrying easy.
Length 3770 mm, Width 1625 mm, Height 1450 mm, Wheelbase 2450 mm (Punto 1993–1999)
Sources: manufacturer data, Fiat Punto sales brochure, Fiat Auto Nederland, bestelnr, 0046249106, September 1994, Technische gegevens: shared body figures and the 55 S column, Dimensioned drawing prints length.