First of all, happy-150th-anniversary-of-your-unification Italy!

Now that we've gotten that out of the way, it's now time to see just how Italy's automakers decided to celebrate the country's 150th year anniversary of its unification starting with Fiat->ke30's release of the special edition Punto 150°.

It's not the most fashionable car in the company's portfolio, but you have to give credit for the thought that went behind dressing up the Punto->ke1897 to commemorate Italy's very special anniversary. There are a number of aesthetic additions to the Punto's exterior to go with a choice of three Euro 5 engines.

Unfortunately, this limited run Punto will only be sold exclusively to the Italian market beginning sometime in April 2011. That means that people who may have had interest in the car will have a hard time getting one unless they either import one of these - too much trouble - or they move to Italy.

But if you can't do either, there's no harm in appreciating the car from these pages, even if you won't get to see it up close and personal.

Details on the Fiat Punto 150° after the jump.

2011 Fiat Punto 150°

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Fiat Punto 150°
  • Engine/Motor: 1.4-liter engine
  • Horsepower: 77 horsepower
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

The Punto 150° may its share of aesthetic additions, but for the most part, it still retains its true standard form, give or take a few new items. One of the more prominent changes is the "Azzuro Italia" special metallic paint finish. The exclusive body color goes well with the new grille, which now sports a bespoke honeycomb structure, a set of stylish fog lamps, two-tone lightweight alloy wheels, and special round commemorative badges featuring an Italian flag and the "150" logo above it. These badges can be found on the car's B-pillars.

Inside the Punto 150°, Fiat comes with a radio-CD audio system with MP3 compatibility and a standard A/C unit.

Performance

Fiat is offering the Punto 150° with a number of engine options, including two petrol variants and a diesel option. The petrol versions come in either a 1.2-liter engine that produces 69 horsepower or a 1.4-liter version that produces 77 horsepower. On the flip side, the diesel variant comes with a 1.3-liter Multijet II engine that produces 77 horsepower. All variants are equipped with a start/stop system.

Pricing

The Fiat Punto 150° will be sold in Italy beginning in April for a pretty affordable price of just €9,900, or about $14,000 based on current exchange rates.

Joining the Punto 150° in celebrating Italy's 150th year of unification

From what we've seen only one other Italian automaker has released a special edition car to celebrate the country's 150th year of unification. But since it's the Lamborghini Gallardo Tricolore Edition, it hardly seems fair for both cars to be compared given the ridiculous difference between the two models in every which way you look at them.

So instead of comparing these two models, we'll just join both cars and their respective manufacturers - Fiat and Lamborghini - in celebrating Italy's special anniversary. If it wasn't for this unification, who knows how history would have changed the Italian auto market.

Ala Tua Salute, Italia!