Grande punto proves over Hyundai i20 CRDI ,Fabia,Ritz -It is here to rule

Name: Murali Gopal
Item: Fiat Punto [2011-2014]
Rating: 4
Author: Murali Gopal

15 years ago | Murali Gopal

User Review on Fiat Punto [2011-2014]

Detail Review:

Rating parameters

(out of 5)

5.0 Exterior	4.0 Comfort	4.0 Performance
5.0 Fuel Economy	5.0 Value for Money

PURCHASE:

Used

DRIVING:

I was waiting for a good Hatch back Diesel .Why I choose diesel is because , new generation diesel engines are trouble free . Even though my running is low , running cost will be low in city blocks.The expectation levels of an average Indian buyer is being raised by every new launch.It started by Fabia ,then Ritz and now Punto and I20.Fabia has a noisy 3 cylinder engine ,but nicely built , costly spares , and Ritz with very poor interiors and odd shape both gets second preference for me now.And Punto I had a closer inspection and test drive .Good built ,Good drive and nice interiors and at a reasonably good price ,its a nice package.Gear shifts are butter smooth and suspensions takes road dents with confidence .Turning smooth , frequent gear changes in city may not be required .We have to assume that TATA will do justice to their reputation by service support.They claim now Spare parts are not costly and oil change is required only at 30000 Km intervals CRDi and Multi jet are technically the same concept . But Hyundai is gambling with a higher price tag to en cash their service reputation in India .Fiat multijet is well proven , with larger number of engines in operation worldwide including in India .Punto definitly is not a race car in terms of power .But both in city and highway the power and gear ratio combination is just fine.If service support is made user friendly , Fiat can probably repeat their success elsewhere in the world with Grande punto ,in India also .For the time being I have set my mind on Punto .I am taking a test drive on I20 next week and will give my feed back here.
 Up Date 31 Aug
I have completed test drive of various brands and Punto twice .This time I went for a long drive.I also read various reviews published in various sites.After all these I have booked Punto emotion 1.3 The reasons are as follows, if it helps any of you

The views expressed are exclusively based on my study and tastes ,I don't want to put to disgrace any other brands.One concern about punto is its service back up and long term commitment ,Then engine power .I hope Fiat will not miss an opportunity this time .They have a good product, reasonably priced, affordable . I Thank Fiat for this bold new drive.

I expressed my concern about commitment of Fiat to India, at their CEO desk at their site .I am happy , that I got an assurance they are here for long stint .I wish good luck to them .Actually I was thinking of buying a sedan ,But our parking spaces are becoming a problem , world is also going for small cars so I also find hatch backs with a big car drive feel ,that is what punto is exactly I find the power delivery just ok with me in all my test drives .I would like to go with my experience. Handling and drive excellent in all speeds.Shape fine compared to any other brands.Most important is value for money. A sedan with same features ,Fiesta is costing 2.5 to 3 lakhs more.

I took delivery of my vehicle and has driven for the last two days

Excellent control. drive superb , 100 % satisfaction,you have to experience the difference of this european beauty.You feel the tank like built and feather control a rare combination .I recommend this diesel car for anybody looking at 5-7 lakhs range .Go ahead and go for a long test drive now .

Also I would like to give an excellent observation from Mr Kshitij who has written a review here in Car wales , Quote . "Fiat and only Fiat alone can stop the Punto from challenging for the top position " un quote , I add, in its segment , by not attending to service aspects properly and minor to quality details.Is FIAT-TATA listening ? Grande Welcome FIAT, back to India and let us celiberate the return of the emperror of VFM.Through TATA who people in India admaire for their values In Business.

Up date 1300 Km

I should admit I really enjoyed the drive so far PERFECT control and JOY in ride at any speed .I have not felt a satisfaction like this in cars much costlier than this .Forget resale value notions, this car is for the present- this moment enjoy it !!

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Good style ,Good ride ,Proven abroadService concern from Fiat .and Now TATA yet to prove

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