True beauty - and GREAT performance

Like many others, Punto was never on top of our must-buy list. Like many others, we played safe and almost booked a Maruti. Like many others, we went for a Punto test-drive on a lazy Sunday and there was just no looking back after that! Despite the reluctance of family and friends, decided on the Punto because no other car felt and rode like it did. Very comfortable and spacious, yet easy to manouvre and easy to park. The major red-flag has been the after sales service, prompting low sales of this beauty. In the 2 years that I have owned it, not only has the service been excellent, even the cost of service/repairs is very low (comparable to Maruti that I previously owned). I would assign poor service reputation to a bad first-impression that has been hard to change despite great improvements in recent years.

Ironically, the problems, if any, are created by Fiat themselves rather than the (now defunct) Tata JV. The car-maker is often late and tardy in supplying spares and accessories to the dealership, which causes return visits and heart burn. Took me over a year to get Fiat-approved central lock installed; while I was willing to pay for it, just wasn't available. Ditto for AC cooling kit replacement (free recall) that took 2 years for want of supply. Each time, the dealership installed everything quickly, did not charge any extra, and delivered the car on time as promised. The service engineer kept us informed on the progress/delay as needed. 

On a day to day basis, these niggles don't matter and are expected with any car. From a driving point of view, both Linea and the Grande Punto are extremely well-egineered and as a driver you can feel the 'power' and 'refinement' of the beast. 

Now for some specific details:

Exterior Absolutely the best looking car in town. Love the front grille and available in some cool colors, like Tuscan Wine.  

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) This was the practical reason to get the car. Wanted a hatchback, with the boot space of a sedan. Can fit 2 large suitcases and a duffel bag easily in the boot of a Punto. Regularly carry strollers and stuff. The rear seat folds, have carried chests and tables in it.

The front seats have excellent thigh support that make long drives very comfortable. The quality of plastic used could be better, but they've saved on such frills while keeping the metal heavy to keep costs low and safety high. 

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Considering how heavy the car is, quite satisfied with the typical mileage of 10-11KMPL in city driving, going up to 15-17 on highway.  Gear box is very responsive. Pick up is a bit of drag, compared to Swift and Hyundai, but once you get the hang it is a stress free drive. Service interval of 15000KM is very useful and welcome. 

Ride Quality & Handling Despite the weight and size, car is very easy to manouvre in city and weave around auto rickshaws. Excellent brakes allow you to snatch windows of opportunity during gridlocks. The steering wheel design also helps keep fatigue low and pleasure high. Ground clearance is quite decent, though I hear the new 2012 version has even better GC. Cabin noise is almost nil (except when AC is on) and the ride is quite bump-free.

Final Words Since social perception and demand defines resale price, Punto suffers the lack of marketing by Fiat in India. If that's less important for you than pure joy of driving and safety that comes with a heavy car, Punto is an obvious choice. 

Areas of improvement Hopefully, the decision by Fiat to go solo in India will help improve focus on marketing. There is nothing wrong with the cars, but the management at Fiat India definitely needs an over haul. They seem extremely lazy and incompetent, destroying the brand equity of Fiat with their tardy approach. Late comers like Renault and VW have been able to establish a good presence, while Fiat languishes despite best efforts by Tata Motors.

As a person who is not fond of driving, the best compliment to the Grande Punto is that it makes me look for excuses to go long distances on weekends. And even the crazy Bangalore traffic cannot wipe the satisifed smile off my face, after I have arrived in the Punto.

Still India's best looking car, comfortable seats, quality of metal, good suspension, ride qualityNothing really, except the availability of spares and accessories