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This Abarth is the top model in the Punto range. What puzzles me is why have 2 different power variants? the 150bhp standard and the 180bhp essesse version. Surely customers who buy and lust after this type of car will require the most powerful quickest version possible? If power and speed isn't a top priority then you might as well stay with the t-jet 120.

Same goes for the golf gti and the edition 30 variant. Why would anyone go for the lesser powerd slower gti? Sure the E30 looks a bit naff with the extra colour coding but for those in the know they will give you extra kudos and respect for having one.

We like our hot hatches hot, not warm.

totally bogus dude:

What puzzles me is why have 2 different power variants?

COST is the main reason. If the standard models of these cars cost an extra £3,000 they would sell alot less. Even if they had extra power. Personally, i think the standard models represent the best value. You can always get the engine chipped at a later date if you really want to

Just read in this weeks magazine (page 63) the road test of Abarth Punto, that it is built at Citroen's Rennes site in France. Where most of Citroens high-end vehicles were made.

1) Is this correct? or just a missprint?

2) I never realised Citroen made high end vehicles? what are these exactly?

 Cheers

 Stuart Munn