Master winner on the road

Exterior The Italian design is superb and head-turning. The headmaps are eye-catching. The red stripes look good on black colour but on the white they seem to be gaudy and loud.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Space and comfort are excellent. Sound system is excellent in clarity. The feel is big-car like and confidence raising on the highway. The safety features like SRS airbags, black ambience etc. upto the mark.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox The real master of the show in this car is its powerful engine. It is really hot performer. There is no coarseness at any speed. It can compete with any three box car of 25 lac value. The engine has been made for real enthusiasts. Naturally that 145 bhp elephant will ask for more fuel. The ARAI fuel economy is 16.3 kmpl but in the real world situation it is absurd. If you are too much concerned with fuel economy, don't look at this car. This type of performer cannot be considered on this ground.

Ride Quality & Handling Praise... praise... praise. Nothing else. I drove this car on Pune-Mumbai expressway at 170 kmph. Even at that pace the speed is not perceived. The rock-solid stablility of this car is highly commendable. The old-school hydraulic steering is really made by God. It gives you excellently perfect feedback. People have complained about the gearbox but there is no problem. One can live with it. In the course of time and operation it gets improved. Everything depends on our attitude. Even the 'one crorewala cars' are not perfect. FIAT has provided disc brakes ok all fours with a good reason. The controlling is top-notch.

Final Words This is a driver's car. We cannot expect much in the amount we pay for it. It is a real value for money car. You cannot enjoy driving this car on all Indian roads but on open highways it is a fun in driving and result in smile on your face.

Areas of improvement Gear-box, clutch, ORVM.

The engine performance, space, interior, 16 inch alloy wheels, ride and handling, sturdiness,some ergonomic issues, fuel economy