Fiat Punto has an over all length of 3987mm that is 13mm smaller than 4 meters and this length fulfills the criteria to term it as a small car. This is beneficial for both the company as well as customers because if any car termed as a small car under the Government's rule, it gets a 16% concession on excise duty. But for a car, its length is not the only criteria to put it in the small car category, it should also, be powered by the engine with the capacity of a 1.2L or less. To get excise duty benefit Fiat India took the chassis of Grande Punto and fitted in the 1172cc petrol engine that is alsl powers its previous hatchback Fiat Palio. Also the 1.2L, 1172cc, 8-valve, FIRE petrol engine is surely cheaper than its 1.4L engine petrol counterpart. Its 1.2L FIRE petrol engine can produce 68PS power @ 6000rpm and 96Nm torque @ 2500rpm.
Fiat Punto has launched in India with three engine option - two petrol and a diesel engine. The diesel variant of Grande Punto is equipped with 1.3L, 1248cc, multijet turbo diesel engine that is currently powering Maruti Swift and Fiat Linea. This engine is well known for is tractable nature and it delivers 88bhp power by its front wheels. The safety features that are available with Fiat Punto include ABS (Antilock Brake System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution), Airbags, central locking, child lock, Power Door Locks, Anti-Theft Alarm, Front and Rear Seat Belts, Seat Belts Warning, Front and Side Impact Beams.
Fiat Punto is available in the International market with two body styles - a three door model and a five door model. However in the Indian market Grande Punto has launched with just five door version. Grande Punto has been launched with eight variants - Active, Dynamic and Emotion and Emotion Pack with both petrol and diesel fuel option.
The dashing interiors are also pleasing and compliment the overall aura of Fiat Punto. The red colored display with white dials makes its look funky and the layout of the dashboard of Grande Punto is neat. The ergonomically placed controls and knobs on the dashboard are easy to reach. The steering mounted audio controls make the drive more comfortable and safe. The elegantly designed interior of Grande Punto is airy and comfortable. Fiat has always been appreciated for its build quality and Fiat Punto continues this trend.
Fiat Punto Petrol Models
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It is the base variant of this car that comes without Airbags, ABS, EBD, Front Seat Armrest, electrically adjustable outside rear view mirror and few more accessories.
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The main difference between base variant and this variant is that it comes with few more features that are Fabric Insert on Door Trim with Door Armrest, Instrument Panel Light Regulation, Central Door Locking, and Power Windows (Front & Rear).
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This variant offers the same features like "Fiat Punto 1.2 Emotion", the only difference is that it comes with more powerful 1.4L engine and a few more features that include.
Fiat Punto Diesel Models
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It offers the same features that Fiat Punto Active carries except its 1.3L Multijet Turbo Diesel Engine.
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It offers the same features that Fiat Punto 1.4 Dynamic carries except its 1.3L, Multijet Turbo Diesel Engine.
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It offers the same features that Fiat Punto 1.4 Emotion carries except its 1.3L, Multijet Turbo diesel Engine.
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It is equipped with 1.3L, Multijet diesel engine with Variable Geometry Turbo Charger that delivers 93 PS of maximum power with 209 Nm of maximum torque. Other features are same as "Fiat Punto 1.3 Emotion Pack (Diesel)"
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Fiat Punto Mileage
The petrol variants of Fiat Punto are equipped with a 1.4L Fire petrol engine with a five speed manual gearbox that offers smooth riding with better fuel efficiency - it offers a mileage 12kmpl in urban areas while on the highway it gives 16kmpl . On the other hand the diesel variants of this car are equipped with Fiat's most popular 1.3L, Multijet diesel engine with variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) that enhances the engine performance along with its fuel efficiency and offers 14kmpl mileage in city and 19kmpl mileage on highway roads.
Power of Fiat Punto
Fiat Punto is available with nine variants out of which its five variants are available with two options of petrol engine – 1.2L, 1172cc FIRE petrol engine that is available with Active, Dynamic and Emotion variants of Fiat Punto and the 1.4L, 1368cc FIRE petrol engine is available with Emotion and Emotion Pack. The rest four variants of this car are available with diesel engine option. The Fiat Punto Active which is the base petrol variant of this car is powered by a 1.2L, 1172cc, FIRE petrol engine that produces 68bhp power at 6000rpm and 96Nm torque at 2500rpm . The rest three variants of this car are powered by the 1.4L, 1368cc, FIRE petrol engine that is able to produce maximum power of 90bhp power @ 6000rpm and 115Nm torque at 4500rpmAcceleration & Pick-Up
The base variant of Grande Punto is equipped with a 1.2L, 1172cc, FIRE petrol engine that offers great acceleration which enables it to cross the mark of 100kmph in just 14.5 seconds and achieve the top speed mark of 155kmph . The other three petrol variants of this model are equipped with a 1.4L, 1368cc, FIRE petrol engine that also offer excellent acceleration that enables it to cross the mark of 100kmph in just 10.9 seconds and achieve the top speed mark of 178kmph . On the other hand the diesel variants of Fiat Punto that comes with a 1.3L, 1248cc, Multijet, VGT (Variable Geometry Turbocharged) diesel engine also offers good acceleration that makes it able to break the barrier of 100kmph in just 13.6 seconds and touch the top speed mark of 165kmph .
Fiat Punto Exteriors
Fiat Punto that is Italian designed comes new dynamic, fluid and stylish exteriors that include its aggressive front grille and flawless design that gives it a bold and aggressive look in the front. Its low slung, compact body, with muscular frame and arches gives it an overall solid and masculine look. The curvaceous rear with sporty 15" alloy wheels makes the Grande Punto to die for.
Exteriors Measurements
The dimensions of the Fiat Punto are - its length is 3,987mm, width is 1,687mm, its height is 1,495mm and the wheelbase of this car is 2510mm with the fuel tank capacity of 45 litres.
Fiat Punto Interior
The Fiat Punto that comes with the essence of Italian design has attractive interiors especially its dual tone dashboard. The other exciting features that this car offers are its leather finished steering wheel and gear knob, height adjustable driver’s seat, comfortable position of pedals, power windows (both Front & Rear Door), and steering wheel with Blue and Me audio controls. The most revolutionary feature that Fiat Punto offers is its hands free system Blue and Me TM that makes it the first hatchback car of its segment in the Indian market to offer this feature in its segment.
Interior Comfort
Whether you are in the driver’s seat or seated as the passenger the new Fiat Punto takes you off to another world of comfort. Its pedals, gear knob and instrument cluster is placed at the most appropriate place for easy access and offers relaxed and comfortable driving experience. Grande Punto's dual tone dashboard and interiors, automatic climate control AC that is adapted for tropical climate and polien filter, electrically controlled outside rear view mirrors, automatic foldable key , 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.
Interior Measurements
Fiat Punto is an ultra spacious car from inside and it offers generous headroom of 87cm and maximum rear leg space of 86cm with 131cm width of rear seat which is enough even for the six feet tall person.
Fiat Punto Engine and Performance
Fiat Punto is available with both petrol and diesel engine option with the option of 1.2L and 1.4L for the petrol variant. Its base variants which are equipped with 1.2L, 1172cc, FIRE petrol engine offer better engine performance in comparison to other cars of the same segment. Its 1172cc, FIRE petrol engine produces maximum power of 68bhp at 6000rpm and 96Nm torque at 2500rpm. While the other option of petrol Grande Punto is its 1.4L, 1368cc, FIRE petrol engine and that also offers excellent engine performance as well, which makes it a powerful car in its segment. Its powerful 1.4L, 1368cc petrol engine produces maximum power of 90bhp power @ 6000rpm and 115Nm torque at 4500rpm. On the other hand diesel variants of Fiat Punto variants are equipped with 1.3L, 1248ccStereo & Accessories in Fiat Punto
Fiat Punto is packed with the advanced integrated MP3 Audio System with FM and Steering Mounted Audio Controls. Its advanced music system with six speakers comes with in-built USB port that can be used to connect equipments like pen-drive, mobile phone or iPod which takes entertainment to the next level.
Grande Punto is equipped with an effective and powerful air conditioning system with climate control and heater that offers required atmosphere to the passengers.
Wheels
The wheels in Fiat Punto have an option of both steel wheel and alloy in them. Its lower variants Active, Dynamic and Emotion comes with steel wheel with full wheel cover while its top end variant Fiat Punto Emotion Pack comes with the sporty alloy wheels . The Grande Punto comes with puncture resistant tubeless tyres that facilitates off-road driving too. The tyre sizes of Fiat Punto are 165/80 R14 for Active and Dynamic, 175/70 R14 for Emotion and 195/60 R15 for Emotion Pack.
Braking & Handling
The front wheels of Fiat Punto are packed with the 257mm disc brakes while its rear wheels are equipped with 203mm drum brakes. The larger diameter disc brake of Grande Punto at its front wheel makes it easier to stop the car quickly. Emotion Pack, the top end variant of this car is equipped with ABS (Anti lock Brake System) and EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) that enhances the safety in case of instant brakes applied slippery road.
Handling & Safety
The Fiat Punto is built to offer maximum safety to you and your family. The active safety features that Grande Punto offers are its Dual Front SRS Airbags , ABS (Antilock Brake System) with EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution) that guarantees that it will never skid in case of instant braking, FPS (Fire Prevention System) that automatically cuts-off the fuel-flow in case of collision and minimizes risk of fire, FCS (Fiat Code System) that uses Immobilizer with Rolling Code which provides more protection against theft, CSA (Crash Severity Algorithm) recognizes the severity of impact and deploys the Dual Front SRS Airbags accordingly and ECS (Early Crash Sensor) that allows airbags to unfold completely before the occupants can hurtle towards the steering wheel.
Espresso Coffee
Espresso contains more caffeine per unit as compared to most of the other beverages, and so is the horsepower of the hatchback here in question— the Fiat Grande Punto 90HP. With 91bhp of power under the hood, Grande Punto 90HP is the most powerful diesel B+ hatchback on paper. And both of these have Italian origin.
Espresso was patented by an Italian named Angelo Moriondo, which was registered in 1884, while the Grande Punto isn’t just manufactured by an Italian auto giant, but also is Italian in every other aspect. We have already reviewed the 90HP; and this time around, we take the Sport version for a more long-ish drive.
Design:
Crafted jointly by the legendary-designer Giugiaro of Ital Design and Fiat Style Centre, the Grande Punto carries a very Italian flair. It is based on the SCCS platform- a co-operative assignment between Fiat and Opel engineers in Turin. This same platform is even shared by Grande Punto’s elder sibling, the Linea. Grande Punto is a stunning piece of art work to look at. The snout is somewhat similar in styling to that of Linea’s— though shrunken— as the front grille is smaller and the headlamps aren’t triple barrel like that on a Linea, but family look is retained. One can easily connect between the hatchback and the sedan.
The tear-drop shaped headlamps melds well into the wee-bit-crowned hood that further continues to the steeply raked windshield. Shallow greenhouse, overhung front end and flared wheel arches are the key design highlights of the sillhouette. Like the Linea, Grande Punto's mirrors are also mounted below the beltline instead of others where it is located a tad higher. The rear is majorly dominated by small tail lamps and a jot-chunky lower rear end. The new model year 2012 Grande Puntos have a higher ground clearance, which is also implemented on the Sport. This version of the Grande Punto gets body decals, and different colour ORVMs. Smoked-effect head and tail lamps, and larger wheels would have further added more charm.
Interiors:
The interiors on the range topper variant of the 90HP live up to the Sporty name of the version. Metal pedals, Punto logo embroidered seats, red stitching on the gear knob are the new additions when compared to the conventional Grande Punto. Albeit we wish, that the Sport came with the panoramic roof, like the one displayed at the 2010 Auto Expo in New Delhi. Interior ergonomics are good, and even the plastic quality feels more plush as it has the soft-feel carried forward from the 90HP- an extra coat of paint is sprayed for this feel! Other bits remain the same. The twin-dial instrument panel, the three-spoke chunky steering wheel, integrated music system with Fiat’s very own Blue&Me are all present on this variant.
Front row seats have sufficient head and leg room. These seats are comfortable with sufficient thigh support. The more glass-in area on the front windows, make it feel more airy and roomy. For some reason, the position and the size of the dead pedal felt perfect as if just built for me, if not for everyone. Crawl into the rear seats and you will feel space to be a bit tight for your knee room, especially if you are six-footer. The thigh support for the rear seats, could have been better. Slip behind the wheel and you shall like the thick steering wheel, with grip-ons at 10 minutes to 2 position of the clock. The overall visibility is good with large ORVMs except for the thick C-pillars that affect whilst reverse parking.
Engine and transmission:
Grande Punto 90HP comes with a 1.3-litre multijet mill that produces 91bhp of maximum power and 209Nm of peak torque. This is the same multijet engine that finds its way under 75HP’s hood, except for the addition of the variable geometry turbo, which bumps up the power by 16 sweet horses. The NVH levels are low while refinement is high. Crank the engine and it springs to live without the slightest of hesitation or melodrama. The turbo in the 90HP whirls at a lower rpm producing more thrust, as the turbo-lag has been reduced drastically on this version of the hatchback. Low-range kick and the throttle response make driving easier in the crawling city traffic. Though the effect isn't very prominent, but you do feel the difference when you drive both the cars back-to-back. One may not find the extra power in the city, as it is the highway where the car shines.
The shifts on the gearbox aren’t very slick, and it is a wee bit notchy than our liking. But the shifts on the gearbox are positive and even the stick is easy to hold. This engine and gearbox set-up isn’t all about 0-100km/hr, it is more about drivability and in-gear acceleration; especially the pull in the third gear.
Driving Characteristics:
Fiat cars are generally known for their phenomenal driving characteristics and the Grande Punto is no exception. If you are a driving enthusiast who in search of a B+ segment hatchback, then look no further than the Grande Punto. This is where your quest should end. The Grande Punto shares its platform with its elder sibling Linea and hence it gets the same underpinnings, struts at the front and torsion beam at the rear. The ride on the hatchback is smooth and composed as the suspension absorbs most of the jolts and shocks from the road, without affecting the ride suppleness of the occupants. Grande Punto is one of the best handling hatchbacks in the B+ segment. Chuck it around a hairpin bend, and you shall be surprised by the balance of the chassis. The handling prowess is such that one may not easily lose control, unless something stupid is done. Even the response from the steering wheel is phenomenal and this further inspires confidence. The increased ground clearance hasn’t affected the ride and handling characteristics, but it does feel a bit jittery when driven on a bumpy road. The tyre profile remains untouched, but Apollo Acelere is another option that comes with Goodyear GT3. Our personal pick being the GT3. Until now, the 90HP was the flagship variant of the Grande Punto portfolio. Now it has been replaced by the 90HP Sport. The Sport gets some additional cosmetic upgrades to make your car look unique amongst the Grande Punto range. Hence, if you are looking for a fun to drive hatchback, with loads of embellishments, then look no forward than the 90HP Sport.
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