Looking to buy a punto 1.4 Emotion Pack Petrol --Need Frank Advice from Users of the SAME version

 

Exterior Good and the car gets a second look on the roads.Witnessed it while i went out on the test drives

 

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) FEATURES are commendable, hats off to the Punto Emotion Pack on this. I liked the Blue Me AND the insides look awful when you see the other cars like the Polo, Fabia etc.The rear leg room is very uncomfortable.Look at the Figo. It has plenty. While reversing you are not able to see the rear side of the car.Need to fix a reverse cameara at additional cost if I buy this car.

 

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox The petrol engine sounded OK, heard the mileage was awful--- around 9 kms per litre in city conditions in Chennai and 12 km on the highways.I find my Opel Corsa ( petrol ) which is 11 yrs old , a 1.6 fully loaded GLS gives me the same.Frankly it is still doing great even though i have done only 72,000 kms on this car with NO MAJOR REPAIRS OR REPLACEMENTS during this 11 yrs.I wonder if the punto will last me this long with no major headaches.The Gearbox was really not smooth.

Ride Quality & Handling FANTASTIC.

 

Final Words With all these limitations i still would like to buy this car.Possibly let my heart rule my mind.The more i see this car the more i need to buy it.Debating and looking at this since the past 8 months.I like the Petrol refinements over the diesel engines.I do know that only 20% of the Puntos sold are the Petrol versions and the Diesels are great to ride and reputed as well. My running is roughly 1200 kms in city and 300 kms on the highways every month.

 

Areas of improvement As suggested above PLUS Take TATAS out of picture and let FIAT handle everything-- from sales, service and spares. TATAS are no more the old TATAS of the yesteryears.

 

Good Style, The Ride Solidity,Safety Angle,FeaturesPoor Mileage, Service/ spares availability,Poor rearleg room Poor rear view during reversing,