Fiat Punto [2011-2014] User Reviews

Hi friends, I have purchased PUNTO Emotion on 28.09.09. I had done a lot of survey, taken test drive 4 times. and after purchaseing I found that I had taken a right descision. It's VFM car. GR8 plzre in driving, in traffic it eases at lower speed in 3-4 th gear. extremely silent cabin gives feel of Luxurious sedan. features on DASHBOARD are very helpfull and attractive. Music systems is good.

gives a safety feel in cabin. GR8 suspension keeps u in comfort in bad roads. pick slightly less than its rivals but whn rpm crosses 2000 mark  no one can catch punto.

milegae good in city , not tested on highway. (soon will give details on mileage)

Overall a gr8 car to buy.

I bought Fiat Grande Punto Dynamic in October. Overall dealer experience was quite good. The sales people were knowing features and willing to explain in details.

Delivery was made on schedule and no hiccups. Some minor problems were also taken care of post delivery without any issues.

The car has now done 2100 KMs in just 45 days or so. Includes one long drive and usual Home - Office - Home.

 City driving performance in excellent and you always feel in control. Good breaking, smooth acceleration and all. On highways, it runs fantastic steady, smooth full of energy.

Dashboard and instrument features are excellent and really makes one understand the effect of trafic conditions and driving habits on the fuel efficiency. This may help people become better drivers :)

In a high gear on flyovers at low speed, it causes some problems. One has to shift to low gears. The A pillar on driver's side is bit too big for sharp right turns and one has to be careful. The fuel efficiency seems to be very good at average speed between 50-70.. Good for city but on highways if you start driving at higher speed, the efficiency drops and such low speeds for such a nice car jsut to achieve  fuel efficiency is something ridiculous. Fiat needs to do something on this front.

Photos of my Punto

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150669378409373.415782.593829372&type=1

My review..

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150675786984373&set=o.297338130280854&type=1

I have been using my Punto for almost 2 yrs now.. I bought it at 5.2 lacs on road Navi Mumbai Diesel Active model.. I have spent 6000 in 1st service (wheel balancing 2k, Oil change2.5k, 1.5others).. 2nd service is due next month.. 

I have achieved a top speed of 170kmph.. the boot is big and car is spacious and built like a tank.. its a sexy car and looks very up market.. yes there was turbo lag in the begining but it disappeared with time as the ECS automatically programs the car..

At Fortune cars, Nerul.. the dealership and service is very good.. But yes when I had went to purchase a Punto they did tried to convince me to buy the Vista, but I did not like the looks of vista and its tiny boot like the swift which is not sufficient for long trips with luggage for whole family.. I just bought the Punto..

Fiat has significantly lost trust in the mind of Indian customers in the past few decades, but certainly their commitment for the Punto and Linea owners is appreciated.. Also fiat is doing fantastic job by not bringing new new models and focusing on the supply chain & service for Punto & Linea while keeping costs low.. India is a key market and Fiat will slowly but steadily acheive a good market share in India..

Exterior

Its a good looking car. May be one of the best one around in this category 

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort)

Its about average. I guess, FIAT could have made it better. But knowing the still competition in that price segment, each buyer wants to save every penny. So did FIAT. Also, I don't think FIAT scores a lot on this department. They make great cars, which they think should run on the road (all kinds of road, paved, smooth, potholed, non-paved), so they put all their effort to that. Probably, that is why, there is no other hatch in its category, whcih comes even close to its ride, handling, suspension and stability 

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

I went with a lot negative mindset. Having read about this car's review in many magazines and internet portals, I went with the mind set that, this engine will not be anything to look upto. I drove the car for about 10 kms. To my surprise, this engine performed well. More than adequate I would say. May be the lesser power can be felt on the highway. I didn't find any of that in the city. I was pleasantly surprised and also, little annoyed at the reviews given by some auto experts, who at times sound biased. I guess, this was it for 1.2 litre version of Punto as well. Frankly, I didn't find the engine to be that slow and dud, as it is explained elsewhere all over. It was more than adequate and was pulling well. Fuel economy, I guess will be around 11kmpl with 100% AC on. In my test drive report, it showed 10.1 on the mileage indicator. (It was within in CITY with 20% of the drive on 4th and 5th gear, rest on lower gears) 

Ride Quality & Handling

Its already spoekn above. There is no other car in that segment even close. I can only think of Volkswagen Polo to be close. Ford Figo is a distant 3rd. Everyone else is not worth comparing. The car was doing really great in rough roads. One point most buyers ignore is, how will it be after 30,000kms? Trust me, I have driven a FIAT for more than 45,000kms and a Hyundai as well. The suspension remains almost same after so many kelometers. I drive one RITZ (which, as a new car is actually very impressive) which had done 15,000kms. Its RIDE, Suspension was not even close to that of a FIAT which has done more than 50,000kms. I guess, this is where, the European cars differ a hell lot than its Japanese and Korean counterparts. 

Final Words

Please test drive this car for at least 10 kms. Choose both straight road, curves, potholes and rough roads. Do the same for all other cars whcih are in your evaluation category. Then decide, if the engine is DUD and SLOW to the point that, it makes you feel awful. If not, then, do not go by the experts great write ups. Just follow your need. If this engine delivers more than what you would actually need, then, this car will beat all others on the roads I have spoken. Also, on the negative side, the turning radius is high. This is because of the larger wheel base. The bigger wheel base gives you the feel of a big car, great ride and handling and superb stability on the highway. But on the downside, it will not be as zippy as a smaller RITZ/FIGO to take a U turn.

To top it all, it comes with front and rear fog lamps, rear defogger and wiper/washer. It also boasts 175/R14 tyres. Broader tyre means, better road grip and ride quality.

This version comes with an integrated audio system, which is a must for your car anyways.

Not to forget, the 1.2 emotion version also gives you the following.

1. Distance to empty indicator

2. Realtime mileage indicator

3. Fuel economy (average) indicator

4. Date and Time on the display

5. Follow me head lamps

6. My car option which gives service reminders

7. Outside temprature display

8. To top it call, 15,000kms service interval and road side assistance is real boom for this car.

Don't forget to chek out the discounts on offer anyways.

Areas of improvement  

Interiors. It needs alloy wheels. A sun roof in the 1.2 version. This will make this car unique to all others in the segment.

Exterior Beatiful Designed, though you don't have a bold look (Face of the car), its looks very decent. Stong Body Metal Gauze (thick sheet), which actually helps the people in it.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Really good, enough space for 5 to accomodate. In Driver's seat 6'Feet person can make himself comfortable. (Steering and Seat Adjustment).

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox I am really happy after driven my car for 15,000 Kms. On an average i have got 14.5 Kms ( Both City and Highway). Till 10,000 Kms i got 12 kms/litre, Later it got increased. On highways i feel as if i am driving a Big Car. And finally about Pickup its truly Amazing.

Ride Quality & Handling Ride Quality: Excellent ; no words to say. Handling: So smooth and good to handle.

Final Words A VFM car in its segment. Proud to be a Owner of THE GRANDE PUNTO EMOTION 1.3 DIESEL.

Areas of improvement Turning Radius ( i compared it with Ford Fiesta)...

Exterior Bold.Attracts the Fabia,Jazzes,Swifts,Poloes,i20s,Figoes and Ritzes but not much to the Micras and i10 Kappa2s.Bold and modern because not a Linea without a boot.Got a Tuscan Wine Punto 1.4.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Interiors look good,but fit and finish is not great.Fully equipped but a sunroof,parking sensors and Auto Matic(Atleast needed on the 1.4 Punto and a Dualogic AT) needed to be a winner from new i10 Kappa2 and i20.Space is good,comfortable and roomy cabin.It gets lot of equipment.A climate control,audio controls on steering wheel,Bluetooth System and Six Speakers.A Parcle Tray is available.Big Boot,280 Litres.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox 1.4 engine is powerful,has 89 BHP,1 BHP lower than 90 BHP Diesel Punto.Fuel economy is good and gearbox is not plasticky.

Ride Quality & Handling Ride is a class act,Handling is great.

Final Words Fiat is a good company. Great Value. Punto is a Spacious and Cute car. Stylish Design in Rear,Great VFM. Gets ABS,Airbags and lot more features. Buy a Punto Now!!! Fit and finish is not good but.It is a great car.

Areas of improvement Sunroof,parking sensors needed and fit and finish.

Exterior Side View as well as the front & back views are aero dynamically designed, tail lamp design as well.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Very practicle interior, looks well packed & loaded, (excluding music system in 1.3 active).

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Engine perofmance feels better after 2500-3000kms & it is directly proportional to mileage & Noise level. (better mleage & low noise) gear shift is Ok. but not comfortable like Palio S10model.

Ride Quality & Handling Here Fiat Punto wins in all respect even with higher end cars, Only the speedo meter says it is travelling in 150/Kmh + above, inside we feel very safe & solid (We request the company to introduce Punto with 120bhp/150bhp D engine).

Final Words These Cars are good in all respect in terms of engineering, like engine, suspension, & design. We like the performace charector of these cars. (pls compare with the upper segment).

Areas of improvement Fiat company to come with the direct sale,sevice & after sale support. also the company to introduce their powerful features in Indian market with affordable price.

Exterior Good, Tuxon wine attracts dust.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Comfortable like any other hatch, not comfortable for 5 people. Blue and Me is excellent. My Car has some intersting feature. Its body is the most heaviest in its section, so feels safe.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox No review needed for FIAT Diesel engines, they are outstanding in performance. There is a torque lag but you will adjust to it with time. Awesome pick up. Fuel economy, it gave me just 11 km till the first 1000 km, but it has increased and reached 15 km after that(that is in City). Gear box is not great, has a bit vibration and the clutch also is not very oputstanding, its not smooth but mind you its a Diesel so dont compare it wil Petrol engine gear box.

Ride Quality & Handling 90 HP scores 10/10 in this department. The ride quality and handling it excellent. I have done most sharp edges at 120 KM with out any effort. It stay grounded

Final Words Excellent for people looking for power in Hatch back section and also the looks goes for a kill. I will not recommened it for middle age people who looks for comfort for the whole family. I 20 would be a good choice in that case.

Areas of improvement Improvments needed in gear box. Interiors should be more attractive and quality should be improved. USB port should be added in the Music player it self. GPS navigation should come as an option. The cup holders should be bigger and should be designed intelligently. The Linea style alloys wil look cool instead the current ones

Exterior Great styling, ultimate looks.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Ultimate features like:1. Huge boot space 2. Electronic controlled side mirrors 3. It has 2 trip meters 4. Both trip merters shows Average mileage, instantaneuos mileage and trip duration 5. It will display lot of details on the console display like: How many kms. you can go with the remainig diesel, Temp, Date, Stereo info, Service reminder 6. It will also display in written like fornt right door open, if any door including boot is open 7. The folding key has in built center locking. 8. Auto down in all four power window and auto up in driving side. 9. Nice blaupunkt music system with a feature like volume increase & decrease with speed. 10. Driving seat height adjustment. 11. Stearing height adjustment. 12. Front and rear fog lamps.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Fuel economy: My daily travel Rohini to Noida Avg Fuel consumption 22-23 in winters and 19-21 in summers depending on traffic jams. Mileage increased after 10000 Kms. You will forget to visit Petrol pump. Filled once for 1450/- drive atleast 750 Kms. It will show you mileage the best thing.

Ride Quality & Handling Handling is cool, Ride quality is superb only one thing a bit low ground clearnace need to take care of ditches.

Final Words Must buy, I have driven it 18000 Kms. Best thing service interval 15000Km (cost 4000/- approx.) , very warm welcome at TATA service centers and special attention for FIAT customers. Service centers are every where. Happy customer till now. Parts easily available eg: My wheel cap was broken once I got the original one from service center for only 210/- for emotion. One more thing I liked is that it has some seperate air filter for AC which is for only 35/- you just replace that after 15000KM and your car AC will chill you out thats the best thing no need for AC servicing every alternate year. I had drive it from DELHI to SHIMLA wonderful performance on hills with mileage of 16-17 on hills and 25.5 on highway. Its true you own it and you will love it.

Areas of improvement This car is not for rough & tough use may be because of ground clearance but otherwise its a value for money pack.