FIAT Punto 3 Doors 1999-2003 Photos, engines & full specs

The Italian carmaker introduced the second generation of the Punto in 1999 after a successful first generation that brought back Fiat into the big European carmakers' world.

Fiat was one of the biggest carmakers for small vehicles, and the Punto is proof of that. The second generation of the Punto relied on the first's generation success, and it was better in everything. It offered a roomier interior and more powerful engines. Fiat offered it in a three-door version either as a van or as a sporty little hatchback.

The Italian carmaker introduced the second generation of the Punto in 1999 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Its design was daring for its class, with sharp-looking headlights and flowing lines. Even though it was just a regular vehicle, it tried to show some eye-catching styling. In the three-door version, its side beltline was curved upwards toward the thick C-pillar.

Unlike its five-door version, the three-door lineup was often criticized for its thick C-pillar that impeded the rear, three-quarter view. The rest of the interior was fitted with good materials and supportive seats at the front. In the back, a folding bench helped to increase the trunk size, which was, otherwise, small.

Under the hood, the carmaker installed a choice of five engines. The base-level was powered by a 1.2-liter engine that provided only 60 hp, while the full-option model was the Punto Sporting with its 1.8-liter and 131 hp. For better fuel-efficiency, Fiat introduced a 1.9-liter diesel engine with or without a turbocharger.