Actress Evelyn Sharma launched Punto’s upgraded models in August 2014. During the launch event, Fiat Chrysler India’s CEO assured Fiat lovers that Punto Evo variants are designed after considering Indian road conditions. All the variants have managed to impress certain percentage of buyers, but still not able to reach the top position in the chart. Here are some points that can help you to know more about Fiat’s Punto variants.
Engine and Braking
Fiat claims its engines are Eco-friendly, exciting to drive, and fuel efficient at the same time. Punto’s Emotion, Active, and Dynamic variants are fitted with 1.3 liter diesel engine that offers mileage of 21.2 KMPL.
Punto’s petrol version is fitted with Fiat’s F.I.R.E engine that offers good efficiency for day to day commute. Petrol version of Dynamic and Active variants consists of 1.2 liter engine that offers mileage of 15.8 KMPL. You can also choose 1.4 liter petrol engine with Emotion variant. This engine offers mileage of 14.4 KMPL.
The car gives out 93Ps of power and despite that it lacks the punch than its rivals as it is not very quick. The gearbox could have been updated in this new model as in the same version cars sold in other countries.
Braking system is adequate enough to control this Italian beauty. Drum brake manages rear wheels, while ventilated disc brake manages front wheels. Torsion beam manages rear suspension and McPherson Strut system controls front suspension to offer perfect balance. Its 195 mm clearance is good to prove that the vehicle is tall enough to match India’s rough roads. But, this feature is only available on Dynamic and Active variants. Car’s 15 inch alloy wheels offered in some variants also contribute in car’s grippy performance and smoothness.
What’s inside the car?
When it comes to car’s interior, most of us require comfortable pedal position, adjustable driver’s seat, luxurious seat covers, smooth dashboard and space good enough to stretch legs. Fiat Punto offers all that, combined with great music system (in Emotion variant), and front airbags for your safety. Its early crash sensors and reinforced bodywork assures added protection in-case of collision.
Automatic temperature control helps you to save those minutes wasted on adjusting temperature in Emotion variant. Emotion variant also features voice command control system that allows you to use music player, read your text messages and also make phone calls with voice command. Adjustable AC vents, bottle holders, glove compartment, sleek push buttons, and ambient lighting take care of all the travelers needs.
Perhaps, Punto’s “My Car” digital interface is something that will attract tech lovers. This interface can be used to control and change settings for airbags, speed limit buzzer, clock settings. It also allows you to keep track about external temperature, real-time mileage, and some other settings.
Style
Fiat has offered impressive Italian design combined with high ground clearance and spacious interiors. Latest models of Punto consist of redesigned bonnet, front bumper and headlamp. Compared to Punto’s previous models, Punto Evo’s design has been updated with lighter shape rim. Updated version also introduces LED tail lamps that were already present on international models.
After the launch of Punto’s latest version, car experts compare the vehicle’s new interior design with that of new Linea. Reindeer headlamps in new version not only make the car appear stylish, but also offer better visibility while driving. Music system offered by Fiat in certain Punto variants perfectly matches dash board’s design. LED lights in the rear end of this Italian designed car make sure that the car retains its shine even after traveling in city traffic.
Competition
Punto variants are compared with Honda Brio, Hyundai i20, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Volkswagen polo, etc. When compared with competitors like Volkswagen polo, user reviews suggest that passengers feel more comfortable due to ample space in Punto. However, some users suggest that Hyundai i20 and Polo offer better suspension compared to Punto.
The car maker was recently in the lime light when it declared huge discounts on Punto and Linea models. In December the company declared discounts of up to Rs 30,000 and extended warranty of two years.
Diesel variants come with price tag of around Rs 5.27 lakh and Rs 7.19 lakh, while petrol variants are available between Rs 4.55 lakh and Rs 6.65 lakh.
You can choose from colors like hip hop black, pearl white, exotica red, tuscan white, minimal grey, or oceanic blue. These premium colors are only available with Emotion, Dynamic and Active variants.
Safety
Fiat offers some of the best anti-theft safety features in this car. Antitheft engine immobilizer seems to be the most impressive one around. Features like brake force distribution, and antilock braking system offer great control over the car.
You can also program car’s headlights to remain on for few minutes after locking the car. This allows you to exit your car and walk some distance in car’s light. Reports suggest that Fiat plans to launch Punto’s new models again in 2017. Hope Fiat manages to get back to their popularity level achieved during Padmini days.