Fiat Grande Punto EVO 1.3 Active

Fiat India has launched the 2014 version of its famous hatchback Punto with both petrol and diesel engine options. Among the various trim levels, Fiat Punto EVO 1.3 Active is the base trim, which is fitted with the same 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine. It has the ability to produce 75bhp along with 197Nm torque output. This diesel mill is incorporated with a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system, which allows the hatchback to generate 17.1 Kmpl in the city traffic conditions. At the same time, it gives a decent mileage of 21.2 Kmpl on bigger roads. Its braking and suspension mechanism are quite efficient and keeps the vehicle well balanced at all times. The front and rear wheels are fitted with a set of ventilated disc and drum brakes respectively. Meanwhile, the front axle has an independent wheel with McPherson strut, while the rear axle gets a torsion beam type of mechanism. The company is selling this hatchback in quite a few exterior paint options, which includes Glitterati Gold, Magnesio Grey, Exotica Red, Hip Hop Black, Pearl White, Minimal Grey and a Tuscan Wine metallic finish option for the buyers to choose from. The overall dimensions are quite decent and can accommodate five passengers with ease. Its length, width and height are 3989mm, 1687mm and 1525mm respectively. The large wheelbase measures about 2510mm and it has a minimum ground clearance of 185mm, which is rather decent for this segment.

Exteriors:

The car maker has made this newly launched hatchback quite stylish with many striking features that gives it an inviting appearance. It has a bold headlight cluster along with front grille that has been designed neatly. It is incorporated with high intensity reindeer lamps and side turn indicators. The body colored bumper houses a wide air dam, which helps in cooling the powerful diesel engine quickly. The large windscreen is made of tinted glass and fitted with a couple of intermittent wipers. Coming to the side profile, its flared up wheel arches are equipped with a sturdy set of 14 inch steel wheels with full wheel covers. These rims are further covered with 165/80 R14 sized tubeless radial tyres. The door handles and outside side rear view mirrors are painted in black color. These external wing mirrors are internally adjustable and integrated with a side blinker. The rear end is equipped with a bright tail light cluster and a body colored bumper. It has a curvy boot lid, which is embossed with variant badging. The windshield is integrated with a high mounted stop light, which adds to the safety aspects of the vehicle.

Interiors:

The dual tone internal section of this Fiat Punto EVO 1.3 Active trim is incorporated with well cushioned seats. These are covered with fabric upholstery and provide ample leg space for all the passengers. Its dashboard is equipped with a few features like AC vents, a three spoke steering wheel, a large glove box and an instrument panel with a few functions. It has a spacious boot compartment (280 litres) along with a rear parcel shelf. The instrument panel comes with light regulation function and houses a number of functions like a digital clock, odometer, electronic tripmeter, tachometer, distance to empty indicator, programmable speed limit buzzer, service reminder notification and many other such aspects. It has a 12V power socket in center console for charging mobiles and other electronic devices.

Engine and Performance:

This variant is fitted with a 1.3-litre diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1248cc . It is integrated with 4-cylinders and 16-valves using DOHC (double overhead camshaft) valve configuration. This power plant has the ability to churn out a maximum power of 75bhp 4000rpm in combination with a peak torque output of 197Nm at 1750rpm. It is cleverly mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which allows the hatchback to attain a top speed approximately 165 Kmph. While it can cross the speed barrier of 100 Kmph in close to 13.6 seconds from a standstill.

Braking and Handling:

Its front axle is assembled with an independent wheel suspension with McPherson strut and stabilizer bar. While the rear axle is fitted with torsion beam type of mechanism. This suspension system is further accompanied by double acting telescopic dampers and helical springs, which keeps it well balanced. On the other hand, the front wheels are fitted with a set of ventilated disc brakes and the rear gets conventional drum brakes. This variant is blessed with a hydraulic power steering system, which is tilt adjustable and supports a minimum turning radius of 5 meters, which is rather decent for this segment.

Comfort Features:

Being the base variant this Fiat Punto EVO 1.3 Active is bestowed with quite a few standard features, which gives the occupants a comfortable driving experience. It has a HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioner) unit with foot level AC vents, which helps in maintaining the cabin air. The company has also bestowed this variant with quite a few utility based aspects, which are cup and bottle holders, front seat back pockets, rear parcel shelf, remote fuel lid opener and many other such aspects. Apart from these, it also has a hydraulic power steering system with tilt adjustable function , front power windows with delay and auto down function, follow me headlamps, clutch foot rest and trip calculator.

Safety Features:

This variant is bestowed with a number of safety aspects like automatic door locks, central locking system, door open indicator on instrument panel, a centrally located high mounted stop lamp, rear fog lamps and fire prevention system (FPS). It has an advanced engine immobilizer with rolling code (FCS), which prevents the vehicle from unauthorized entry. Apart from these, it has seat belts for all passengers that enhances the safety in case of any crash . It also has driver seat belt reminder notification on instrument panel. The car maker has given a full size spare wheel, which is affixed in the boot compartment with all other tools required for changing a flat tyre.

Pros:

1. Roomy internal cabin with a lot of utility based aspects.

2. Good engine performance.

Cons:

1. Lack of music system is a big minus.

2. Many more comfort and safety features can be added.