Page 6 of 271

REFUELLING
Only refuel with unleaded petrol with octane rating
(RON) not less than 95 conforming to the European
specification EN 228.
The use of petrol that does not conform to the
above-mentioned specification will cause the EOBD
warning light to come on and the irregular operation
of the engine.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Make sure that the handbrake is engaged; set the
gearshift lever to neutral; fully depress the clutch
without pressing the accelerator, then turn the ignition
key to AVV and release it as soon as the engine has
started.
PARKING ON FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
The catalytic converter develops high temperatures
during operation. Do not park the car on grass, dry
leaves, pine needles or other flammable material: fire
hazard.
RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
The car is fitted with a system that allows continuous
diagnosis of the components linked to emissions to
ensure better respect for the environment.ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES
If, after buying the car, you decide to add electrical
accessories (with the risk of gradually draining the
battery), contact an Abarth Dealership. They can
calculate the overall electrical requirement and check
that the vehicle electric system can support the
required load.
CODE card (for versions/markets where provided)
Keep the card in a safe place, not in the car.
Make sure you have the electronic code written on
the CODE card with you at all times.
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Correct car servicing is essential for ensuring it stays in
tip-top condition and safeguards its safety features, its
environmental friendliness and low running costs for
a long time to come.
THE OWNER HANDBOOK CONTAINS…
... important information and warnings on the correct
use and maintenance of your car over time as well as
safe driving tips. Pay special attention to the symbols
"(personal safety) #(car safety) !(environmental
protection).
VERY IMPORTANT
K
001-028 PUNTO Abarth GB 1ed 17-07-2012 12:04 Pagina 2
Page 93 of 271

89
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
This system is an integral part of the ESP system and it is
provided to facilitate starting on slopes.
It is automatically activated in the following conditions:
❒uphill: vehicle stationary on a road with a gradient
higher than 5%, engine running, brake pedal
depressed and gearbox in neutral or gear other than
reverse;
❒downhill: vehicle stationary on a road with a gradient
higher than 5%, engine running, brake pedal pressed
and reverse gear engaged.
When setting off, the ESP system control unit maintains
the braking pressure at the wheels until the engine
torque required for departure is reached, or for a
maximum of 1 second, allowing your right foot to be
moved easily from the brake pedal to the accelerator.
If the vehicle has not departed after this time, the
system will deactivate automatically, gradually releasing
the brake force.
At release, the typical brake disengagement noise
indicating that the car is going to move will be heard.Failure indications
A system fault is indicated by the switching on of the
warning light áand by the dedicated message on the
reconfigurable multifunction display (see section
“Warning lights and messages”).
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is not a parking
brake; therefore, never leave the car without having
engaged the handbrake, turned the engine off and
engaged first gear.
For the correct operation of the ESP and
ASR systems, the tyres must be the same
make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the type, make and
size specified.
WARNING
069-108 PUNTO Abarth GB 1ed 17-07-2012 12:08 Pagina 89
Page 137 of 271

133
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to STOP while the engine is idling.
IMPORTANT After a taxing drive, you should allow the
engine to “catch its breath” before turning it off by
letting it idle to allow the temperature in the engine
compartment to fall.
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
A quick burst on the accelerator before
turning off the engine serves absolutely
no practical purpose, it wastes fuel and is
damaging especially to turbocharged engines.
F0U124Abfig. 124
PARKING THE VEHICLE
Proceed as follows:
❒Stop the engine and engage the handbrake;
❒Engage a gear (on a slope, engage first gear if the
vehicle is faced uphill or reverse if it is facing
downhill) and leave the wheels steered.
Block the wheels with a wedge or a stone if the car is
parked on a steep slope. Do not leave the key in the
ignition switch to prevent draining the battery. Always
remove the key when you leave the vehicle.
Never leave children unattended in the
car. Always remove the ignition key
when leaving the car and take it with you.
WARNING
131-140 PUNTO Abarth GB 1ed 17-07-2012 13:20 Pagina 133
Page 213 of 271
Rack and pinion with electric power steering
11
self-ventilated discs
discs
Controlled by hand lever, acting on the rear brakes
209
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
Torsion beam with interconnected wheels
Independent wheel MacPherson-type with anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Service brakes: front
rear
Parking brake
IMPORTANT Water, ice and antifreeze salt sprinkled on the roads may deposit on the brake discs reducing braking efficiency
the first time the brakes are applied.
SUSPENSION
Front
Rear
STEERING
Type
Turning circle (kerb to kerb) m
205-220 PUNTO Abarth GB 1ed 17-07-2012 13:26 Pagina 209