Fiat Punto

Expert Review by Maxabout

Overview

Fiat has been in the mainstream automobile market for many decades and is nowadays making its presence felt in India. The Italian automobile major is considered as a major player across Europe and in India, though it has only a few models on the ground but even then those very models are in high demand. Amongst those, Fiat Punto and Linea are the primary highlights. Fiat Punto takes the pole position as the flagship hatchback of the Italian major whereas Linea takes charge of the flagship sedan. Punto ever since it was launched has been in the limelight ever since then. What is it that makes it one of the most revered diesel hatchbacks?

Fiat India launched the upgraded variants of Punto and Linea on 3rd January, 2012. All Linea models now features automatic headlights and rain sensing wipers. Both Linea and Punto gets updated and improved air-conditioner unit. The ground clearance has also been increased, it is now 185mm. The base model of Punto now comes with factory fitted music system. New Shade 'Oceanic Blue' has also been introduced in both the cars.

Fiat India launched limited edition sport variant of Punto 90HP recently . It is powered by the same 90 bhp diesel engine which powers the previous 90HP diesel Grande Punto. It is available in three shades: Exotica Red, Bossa Nova White & Hip Hop Black. It comes with unique features like Premium Red Stitching on Seats, Sporty Metallic Pedals, Sporty Decals, Chrome Exhaust Tip, Door Sill and Chrome handles. The ex-showroom price of Grande Punto Sports in Delhi is Rs. 7.36 lakhs.

Fast Facts

• Available in seven variants: 3 petrol and 4 of diesel plus limited edition Sport variant
• Improved air-conditioning and increased ground clearance
• Available in 8 shades: Oceanic Blue (New), Hip Hop Black, Medium Grey, Tuscan Wine, Fox Trote Azure, Boss Nova White, Exotica Red and Minimal Gray
• Ex-showroom prices start from Rs. 4.95 lakhs for the base model of petrol

Exterior

The exteriors have been designed in a stylish manner and the whole outlook gives a fluidic appeal. Fiat Punto comes with a belligerent front grille as well as an impressive rear fascia. We can say that the whole design is quite curvaceous and the 15’’ alloy wheels add glam to the style quotient of the car. Thus altogether Fiat has put up a good show in designing the exoskeleton of Punto which is the reason why the hatchback has received such an overwhelming response from the Indian hatchback-oriented enthusiasts.

Interior

The Italian say they have their own way of designing cars and making them the epitome of elegance. Fiat Punto's interiors are laden with loads of features starting with the dual-tone dashboard to the leather-finished steering wheel as well as the gear knob. Power windows have been provided both for the front as well as rear doors. The outside mirrors are controlled electronically and the car comes with an automatic foldable key which makes ignition easier. The seats have been split in 60:40 which ensures more space for passengers.

Comfort and Convenience

The driver’s seat can be adjusted as per convenience. The position of the pedals has been done in such a manner so that it gives the driver a chance to spread his legs and relax while on a long drive. The instrument cluster, gear knob and the pedals have all been strategically placed in order to make sure that not only the driver but the co-passenger can also sit in a relaxed position. The air-conditioning system in the car comes with automatic climate control feature that monitors the humidity inside the cabin and adjusts it to a temperature which makes the passengers feel comfy.

Music System

The steering wheel has been equipped with Blue & Me which is a set of audio controls. This is one of the first and most avant-garde features available only in Punto. Fiat Punto is equipped with an advanced MP3 integrated audio system with FM feature and adding to that, there are six speakers which come with in-built USB port.

Engine and Gearbox

Fiat Punto is available with 3 engine options: The 1.2 litre petrol variant of Punto is available in Active and dynamic; it generates maximum power of 68 Bhp at 6500 rpm and maximum torque of 96 Nm at 2500 rpm. The 1.4 litre petrol engine is available in Emotion; it generates 90 Bhp at 6000 rpm with maximum torque of 115 Nm at 4500 rpm. The 1.3 litre Multijet diesel engine is available in Punto Active, Dynamic and Emotion. It generates maximum power of 76 Bhp at 4000 rpm with maximum torque of 197 Nm at 1750 rpm. The Punto 90HP generates maximum power of 90 bhp with maximum torque of 209 nm.

Acceleration and Performance

The base variant of Punto with 1172cc 1.2 L engine is capable of covering 0-100 km/hour in 14.5 seconds with a top speed of 155 km/hr. The other remaining variants of petrol cover the same in 10.9 seconds with a top speed of 178 km/hr. On the contrary, the diesel variant of Fiat Punto covers 0-100 km/hour in 13.6 seconds with a top speed of 165 km/hr.

Mileage

The petrol variants of Fiat Punto give a mileage of 12 Km/L in urban roads 16 Km/L on highways. On the contrary, the diesel variant of Punto gives out a mileage of 14 Km/L for urban roads which goes up to 19 Km/L for highways.

Safety Features

Fiat Punto comes with a plethora of safety features in it starting with Dual SRS Airbags for the driver as well as the co-passenger. Other safety features include ABS with EBD, Fire Prevention System (FPS) and Fiat Code System (FCS), Crash Severity Algorithm (CSA) and finally Early Crash Sensor (ECS).

Suspension and Brakes

The front wheels of Fiat Punto boast of 257mm disc brakes whereas the rear ones have 203mm drum brakes. The diameter of disc brake on the front wheel assists the car to stop swiftly. Adding to this, Fiat Punto is laden with Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) which ensure that the car does not swerve off its path.

Shades

Fiat Punto is available in eight shades: Oceanic Blue (New), Hip Hop Black, Medium Grey, Tuscan Wine, Fox Trote Azure, Minimal Gray, Boss Nova White and Exotica Red. Fiat Grande Sports 90HP is available in three shades: Exotica Red, Bossa Nova White & Hip Hop Black.

Variants

Fiat Punto is available in seven variants: Active, Dynamic, Emotion, Diesel Active, Diesel Dynamic, Diesel Emotion, Diesel 90HP and Diesel 90HP Sport (Limited Edition).

Reasons to Buy

The pros of Fiat Punto are its comfort level, Power of engine, Fuel economy, Large Wheelbase and looks whereas the only con is regarding the servicing that follows after sales.

Value for Money

Owing to its exteriors, interiors, ergonomics as well as safety features, Fiat Punto gives a good value for money as the company has not left any stones unturned to provide optimum level of comfort to its customers at a reasonable price.

Verdict

Altogether, Fiat Punto has embarked an impression upon us with its striking and conspicuous exteriors as well as interiors. Also, Fiat has pumped powerful engines for both the petrol as well as the diesel variants of the car.