Fiat is launching a new range-topping variant of the Punto as the firm celebrates the car becoming the number one best-selling in Europe.

Fiat Auto recently moved up to third place in the manufacturers' overall European sales league.

This sustained sales performance coincides with the UK importing company's 75th anniversary, and the introduction here of a new Punto version – the Punto HGT Abarth – at the top of the UK range. It has just become available here throughout the company's dealer network.

After 19 months' production the second generation Punto, 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.

Punto's success story is mirrored in the UK, where Punto sales last year totalled 54,840 units, the best ever on record. By the end of February, Punto had reached the overall number 10 position here, with sales of 7,064 units.

Based on the Punto 1.8 16v HGT, the new HGT Abarth, featuring the latest phase three version of the company's twin overhead camshaft 1747cc 130bhp engine, is equipped with a full Abarth sports pack.

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, ABS anti-lock brakes, a satellite navigation and audio system, remote central locking, air conditioning and the latest Fiat Code immobiliser.

The Punto HGT Abarth is available in just two colours – Broom Yellow and Black and is priced £13,395 OTR.