Fiat Grande Punto 1.2 Dynamic

Fiat is the leading Italian Auto major which launched its Fiat Grande Punto in Indian market in May, 2005. In May 2012 the face lifted version of the Fiat Grande Punto was launched. The car at present is available in the Indian market in 8 different variants these are Fiat Grande Punto Active diesel, Fiat Grande Punto 1.3 Dynamic diesel, Fiat Grande Punto 1.3 Emotion, Fiat Grande Punto 1.3 Emotion Diesel, Fait Grande Punto 1.2 Dynamic , Fiat Grande Punto 1.3 Emotion Pack 90bhp, Fiat Grande Punto Active and Fiat Grande Punto Sport 90bhp. Fiat Grande Punto has been launched in the Indian market as the Joint Venture between Italian passenger car manufacturer Fiat and Indian Auto Major Tata Motors. Fiat Grande Punto is consistently performing well in the international market since its first Debut at the Frankfurt motor show in 2005 and has won many awards such as “Car of the Year 2008”award in Brazil. Even on the safety point of view, the Fiat Punto has received a 5-star rating in the stringent Euro NCAP safety tests. Now with the launch of this car in the Indian market, the company plans to strengthen the position in the hatchback segment. Interior of this hatchback are designed elegantly keeping in minds the needs of the Indian public, it has red colored display with white dials makes it looks funky and the layout of the dash is neat. The controls and the knobs are ergonomically placed so that they are easy to reach. The steering mounted radio control s allows you to access the music system direct from the steering wheel. In the B- segment cars, Fiat Punto is going to give a tough competition to Maruti Swift, Hyundai Getz, Hyundai i20 and Chevrolet Aveo UV-A.

Exteriors

The new Fiat Grande Punto 1.2 Dynamic is designed on the same platform on which the company’s Linea is designed. The hatch has very aggressive design with lots of Italian flair reflecting in it, which gives it a much better look when compared to many other successful hatchbacks in the country. Front fascia of the car has chrome plated front grille with a red and silver Fait batch at the centre, the grille is enclosed between the leaf shaped headlamps extending up to the front fenders. The rear side of the car has very simple design; the tail lights are placed adjacent to the rear window and rear fog lights on the bumper. The bumpers are in body color to increase the sportiness of the car, the door handles are in silver finish while the outside rear view mirrors are in black. The car also has tinted glass with wheel covers to increase the exterior beauty of the Fiat Grande Punto 1.2 Dynamic. Fiat Grande Punto is a hatchback and has dimensions, length – 3987mm, width – 1687mm and height 1495mm. the wheelbase of the car is 2510mm while the ground clearance is 195mm .

Interior

The interior of the Punto hatchback are very much similar to its sibling Fiat Linea. The interior of the car is designed with gray and black dual tone interior.  Like the Linea, the interiors are clean with decent fit and finish of the plastics and the Punto logo stitched on the seats and the floor mats. The additional features that this car offers are its leather finished steering wheel and gear knob, height adjustable driver’s seat allows the driver to adjust the seat according to his convenience, comfortable position of the pedals, power windows both in the front and rear and steering wheel with Blue and Me audio controls. The most revolutionary feature that the car offers is the hands free system Blue and Me Tm that makes it the first in its class car in the Indian market to offer this feature. The car also comes with a powerful Air Conditioner with Heater, the adjustable steering column and Glove compartment. The Instrument panel on the dash includes the Tachometer, Electronic Multi trip meter, Digital clock and digital odometer.

Engine and performance

Fiat Grande Punto 1.2 Dynamic is powered by a 1.2 L Fire Petrol engine which has 4 cylinders with 2 valves per cylinder in SOHC configuration. This 1172cc engine is capable of generating a maximum power of 67bhp at the rate of 6000rpm and 96Nm of torque at the rate of 2500rpm. The engine is mated with a 5 speed manual transmission to further enhance the output. The power and the torque generated by the car can readily accelerate it from 0 – 100kmph in just 14.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 145kmph. The car is also fuel efficient as it delivers a mileage of 12.0kmpl on the city roads and 16.2kmpl on the highway, the fuel tank capacity of the car is 45 liters so that you can cover an average distance of 630kms once full tank.

Braking and Handling

For effective breaking the front wheels of the car are packed with 257mm disc brakes while at the rear there are 203mm drum brakes . The large diameter disc brakes in the front make it easier to stop the car quickly. As it is not the high end variant so it lacks the ABS with EBD and Brake assist. For handling it is equipped with power steering wheel and power assisted rack and pinion steering gear that readily falls into hand. The Fiat Grande Punto has Radial Tubeless tyres with a wheel size of 14inch and tyre size of 165/80 R14 .

Safety Features

The Fiat Punto is built to offer maximum safety to both driver and passenger. The safety features that this car incorporates are central locking, power door locks, child safety locks, day and night rear view mirror with passenger side rear view mirror, halogen headlamps for better view of the road, front and rear seat belts with seat belt warning, door ajar warning, traction control, adjustable seats, engine immobilizer and engine check warning.

Comfort Features

Along with the safety there are many comfort features in the car to provide you with a comfortable ride. Its pedals, gear knob and instrument cluster is placed at the most appropriate place for easy access and offers relaxed and comfortable driving experience. The car has power steering with front and rear power windows, low fuel warning light, accessory power outlet, rear reading lamp, rear seat headrest and front and rear cup holders, easy to find ignition facing the driver and 60:40 split seats to customized storage space guarantees the most comfortable and relaxed driving experience with Grande Punto.

Pros

Power, fuel economy and wheelbase

Cons

Comfort and safety