Fiat Grande Punto 1.3 Dynamic (Diesel)

Fiat India is the Indian ancillary of the Italian automobile manufacturer with a few impressive cars in its fleet. One such brilliantly designed hatchback is Fiat Grande Punto, which was first unveiled in the Indian automobile market place in May, 2005. Since then this remarkable car has been doing inspiring sales for the company. The latest prevailing version of this hatchback was launched in September, 2011, which replaced the earlier version of this car. This latest version is termed as 2012 Fiat Punto and it has been blessed with a new power packed engine along with a new design. This hatchback is being offered in both petrol and diesel variants with performance packed engines that give impressive mileage. The petrol version has two options, one with a 1.2 litre that delivers 66.64bhp of power and 96 Nm of torque and the other more superior 1.4 litre FIRE power train that gives out 88.2bhp of peak power along with 115Nm of torque. The diesel mill of this hatchback is well known and is equipped in several other cars of different automobile companies. There are a couple of options in this as well; there is a 1.3 litre multijet DOHC engine that generates a power of 91.14bhp along with a 209Nm of torque. The other option is a similar 1248cc engine, but with a power of 74.48bhp and 197Nm of maximum torque . Apart from these performance packed engines, Fiat Punto has been bestowed with some refined safety and comfort features to make it more premium for the buyers.

Exteriors:

The exteriors of this elegant Fiat Punto are sleek and lustrous with a brilliant aerodynamic overall bodyline. The body colored bumpers with a neatly done up front grille, which is flanked by a luminous stretched out powerful headlamp cluster gives an enigmatic look to this hatchback. A pair of bright fog lamps has been affixed into the front bumper for enhanced visibility in the dark. The side profile has body colored door handles and outside rearview mirrors, which add to the classiness of this car. While the sturdy wheel arches house a muscular set of steel rims with smart wheel covers with tubeless tyres of size 165/80 R14 . The rear end has a bright and neatly shaped tail lamp cluster and a boot lid with the company’s prominent insignia. The number plate is fitted on the rear bumper, which is flanked by a pair of reflectors as well. The overall dimensions of Fiat Punto are quite good with a total length of 3987mm along with a total width of 1495mm and an overall height of 1495mm. The wheel base is of 2510mm and has an impressive ground clearance of 185mm with a turning radius of 5 meters. Fiat Punto has a fuel tank capacity of 45 litres and a boot space of 280 litres , which makes it one of the best in its segment. Apart from all this the chiseled lines and well developed contours along with a high stance, which boost the driving dynamics and gives a pleasurable drive.

Interiors:

The interiors of Fiat Punto have been finished with elegance and are luxuriant with impressive features. The brilliant dual tone interiors in black and grey sets a lighter tone along with spacious leg room and comfortable seating arrangement makes it very comfortable for the occupants. The air conditioning unit is efficient and powerful and cools the cabin within no time and it has an automatic climate control to keep the passengers absolutely comfortable. Another added feature to this latest version of Fiat Punto is the rear foot AC vents, which is added comfort for the rear passengers. The 60:40 split double foldable backseat ensures space optimization whenever there is something more to carry. The electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors and the power windows with a delay feature add to the classiness of this hatchback. The dual tone dashboard is fitted with some impressive instruments and other features, while the fabric inserts on the door trim as well as the door arm rests add to the beauty of the inside cabin. The boot lamp makes it easier to operate the boot, while the rear parcel shelf gives space to keep small utility things at hand. With such impressive interiors, this Fiat Punto certainly takes the driving pleasure and experience to a different level altogether.

Engine and Performance:

The Fiat Grande Punto 1.3 Dynamic is fitted with a powerful multijet diesel engine, which is extremely fuel efficient and peppy. Apart from being energetic and lively this engine is also eco-friendly. This engine has won several awards and laurels and is also fitted in quite a few other vehicles from other car manufacturers. This 1.3 litre Dual Over Head Cam-Shaft (DOHC) power train can displace 1248cc and it has been fitted with 4-Cylinders and is coupled with a 5-Speed manual transmission gear box. This engine can deliver a peak power of 74.48bhp at 4000rpm in combination with a maximum torque of 197Nm at 1750rpm. The mileage is expected to be around 20.3 kmpl under standard test conditions, which has been certified by the Siam Fuel Economy Consumer Information. The top speed of Fiat Punto is around 165kmph, while it can cross the 100kmph barrier from a standstill in just about 13.6 seconds, which is pretty decent .

Braking and Handling:

Fiat Punto comes with front ventilated disc brakes while the rear tyres are fitted with drum brakes . Along with this, Fiat Punto also has an Anti Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) to enhance the braking abilities. While the robust suspension of this hatchback is independent for both the front wheels with Mc Pherson Struts with double acting telescopic damper and helical springs with a stabilizer bar. The rear wheels have a Torsion beam, Helical springs and double acting telescopic damper. This sound suspension makes sure that the passengers get a smooth driving experience without any unwanted jolts and other jerks.

Safety Features:

This sturdy hatchback Fiat Punto comes with certain top quality active and passive features such as automatic door locks and central door locking. The instrument cluster has a door open indicator, while the seats have a three point ELR seat belts that have pretensioners as well as load limiters. Then there is an anti theft engine immobilizer with a rolling code and a fire prevention system as well. This variant doesn’t have an option of airbags, but the features that are integrated into this trim are quite apt for the Indian roads. Other passive features of Fiat Punto also includes crumple zones, a collapsible steering column, a strong chassis with a high tensile steel frame, double crank protection system and a few other remarkable protective features for the safety of the car as well as of the passengers.

Comfort Features:

The comfort features of any car are one of the main aspects, which is capable of tempting the customers into buying a vehicle. Fiat Punto 1.3 (Dynamic) has some impressive features, which will certainly make an impact on the buyers. This hatchback has been blessed with front and rear pair of fog lamps, height adjustable driver seat, a digital clock, odometer, tripmeter and a distance to empty indicator as well. Some advanced features like follow me home head lights, external temperature display, a programmed service reminder as well as a speed limit buzzer, which can also be programmed enhances the utility of this car. A seat belt warning lap with a real time mileage indicator helps the driver to know the mileage along with the help of a trip calculator. Apart from all these, there is a clutch foot rest, a Desmodronic foldable key with lock/unlock buttons that gives a remote keyless entry to the owner, power adjustable external rear view mirrors, a power steering and all four power windows with auto down and delay functions. The rear windshield gets a washer, wiper as well as a defogger that operates on a timer for better visibility during rains. The integrated music system has a CD/MP3 Player along with FM Radio and four speakers that have a speed sensitive volume adjuster as well. The powerful air conditioning unit with rear foot level AC vents helps in maintaining a comfortable temperature inside the cabin .

Pros:

Classy looks, Roomy interiors, ample boot space, excellent mileage, plush interiors.

Cons: 

After sales service can be improved, price can be made more competitive, interiors plastics can be improvised.