Fiat Punto 1.3 Active

Punto 1.3 Active Review

Fiat is a name that is synonymous with quality. The automobile giant, through its elegant offerings, has been able to accumulate a sturdy fan base. Its latest offering— the Fiat Grande Punto Active (Diesel) is a true masterpiece on almost all counts. The car has a very sporty yet sublime look that is certain to grab eyeballs. The interiors are laden with many impressive features that create the right type of environment for a comfort filled ride. The presence of some safety features act as the proverbial icing on the cake and establish the car as a top-notch luxury car.

Top notch technology has gone into the designing of the engine for the Fiat Grande Punto Active (Diesel) . It is because of the technology that the car is able to generate an impressive torque of 197Nm at 1750rpm and accomplish a top speed of 155 Km/hr. The convenience features like power windows and tilt enabled steering help adding the much needed automation to the car. The exterior has an elegant feel to it and justifies its classification as a luxury car. Independent wheel front suspensions and torsion beam rear suspensions act as shock absorbers ensuring a bump free ride. With a height of 1495mm, a length of 3987mm and a width of 1687mm, the car can certainly boast of some impressive dimensions. A 2510mm wheelbase ensures that the base of the car is sturdy enough when it comes to factors like weight distribution and aerodynamics. There are ample features to ensure driver safety.  All in all, this is one of the finest offerings from the Fiat family.

Exterior

The Fiat Grande Punto Active (Diesel) has a very graceful and sporty feel to it. Its exterior offers many features that enhance its looks and, at the same time, serve an important purpose. Firstly adjustable headlights give the car a hi-tech look in addition to its ability to adjust according to the lighting conditions, thereby helping in making the driver’s job easier. Wheel covers gel with the sporty nature of the car and protect the wheels from being damaged. Tinted glass comes across as a good last minute addition and helps in building a mysterious aura around the car.

Interior

To begin with, the seats are very comfortable and the rear seats are equipped with fixed headrests which enhance passenger comfort.  A highly effective AC is provided which helps in making driving , during the heat, easy and comfortable. A heater is also provided that offers a good performance and adds comfort to driving in cold conditions. A glove compartment, digital clock and digital odometer are some of the other praiseworthy features present in the interior.

Engine and Performance

The Fiat Grande Punto Active (Diesel) is equipped with an in-line 1.3 L multijet diesel engine that offers a peak torque of 197 Nm at 1750 rpm. When it comes to power, the engine is capable of generating a peak power of 75 bhp when operated at 4000 rpm. As far as the architecture of the engine is concerned it is comprised of four cylinders, with each cylinder itself being comprised of four valves, and offers a displacement of 1248 cc . The brilliant technology used in the engine allows the car to offer an impressive top speed of 155 Km/hr. Mileage often serves as the difference maker between a good and an ordinary car and mileage is exactly where the car excels. The car offers a city mileage of 13.7 Km/l and a highway mileage of 17.8 Km/l.

Safety Features

Realising the need to ensure passenger safety, the car designers equipped the car with plenty of impressive safety oriented features. To mention a few, the child safety locks prevent accidental opening of doors while the car is on the move. Seat belts are provided which help in protecting passengers from back and spinal damage in case of sudden braking. A warning system is installed which informs passengers about incorrect locking of doors . Adjustable seats make it feasible for aged people to enjoy journeys without putting their comfort at stake. A traction control mechanism helps in reducing wheel spin during acceleration. Impact beams are provided at the front and side to reduce the damage suffered by the car in case of crashes and collisions. The car is also equipped with a fire prevention mechanism that comes across as very handy during mishaps.

Comfort Features

Many novice drivers find it difficult to move the steering while taking sharp turns or reversing. The power steering feature, offered by the car, adds a certain amount of automation to the otherwise cumbersome task and makes driving easier. The steering also possesses a tilt feature which makes it possible for the driver to adjust it according to his/her height and convenience.  The front windows possess a power operation feature which enhances their usability. Front and rear cup holders aid passengers in enjoying drinks, in a spill free manner, while on the go. A low fuel indicator is also provided which helps in monitoring the fuel consumption of the car. The entertainment aspect is taken care of by an integrated CD/MP3 and FM player that is equipped with four speakers and offers an excellent sound quality. The presence of a 45 litre fuel tank comes across as an impressive feature especially because it helps in making the car suitable for long journeys.

Braking and Handling

An effective braking system often serves as the hallmark of greatness in the automobile world . Keeping the view in mind the makers equipped the car with a robust braking system. At the front end disc shape brakes are used. These offer a good performance and easy to maintenance. The rear end employs drum shaped brakes which add the bit of vitality to the braking system. Handling the car is simplified through the usage of power windows, power steering and semi-automatic rack and pinion gears.

Cons

The car could have done better with a few more comfort features such as leather seats and central locking.