Arun Mondal

Exterior

 Exterior is quite good. The look of the car is awesome. I got delivery of this car, FIAT Punto 1.4 Emotion on 24th Aug.' 2009 (Regn. no JH01-AB-1225). I was looking for Honda Jazz. But the price of it disappointed me. Then I looked for Huyandai i20. But the same 1200 cc engine of i10 and that two at exorbitant price did not appeal to me. I have not even taken the test drives of these cars. Then came FIAT Grande Punto. I read in the internet, that it is one of the favourite cars in Europe and virtually turned the fortunes of FIAT. I was taken aback by the great sporty look of the car. I immediately took a test drive of the car. Engine is silent. But as it was a rainy day, and due to incessant rain, I abandoned the drive after running about 12 Kms. I took an another test drive on a shiny day and drove the car at a spped of 120 Km/hr on highway. I immediately took decision to own the car.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort)

 Interior is good though not great. Dual tone dash board / beige interiors would give more appeal to the car. Nevertheless, you can not expect more at such a reasonable price. I read in the reviews before buying the car that rear seat space is little cramped. But I never bothered for that because  I have small nuclear family and I shall be always on driver's seat. So drive quality mattered most to me. But subsequently,people rode in my car appreciated the space and never complained of rear space cramp.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

 Engine is very refined and quiet. You have to listen hard whether engine is on or not unless you look at dash board panel. Gear box is very smooth and gear throw is comfortable. I was never worried for fuel economy because my daily running is about 14-15 km. I never looked to compromise the joy of riding for the sake of fuel economy as I also own a 1998 model Maruti 800. Also I know in City condition, mileage of other small cars like alto, santro, i10, etc are only marginally better inspite of having less capacity engine. Also fuel economy depends on how you drive the car. I get an average of nearly 11 km/litre. In mixed condition, in driving 200 kms, (40 % in city and 60 % on highway) I got a mileage of 13.5 Km/litre. After first service the mileage improved a bit. Since purchase, I have have driven about 2600 Km.

Ride Quality & Handling

 Ride quality is excellent. Suspension system with telescopic damper is superior than other small hatch back cars.  The car springs to life as  revs passes 2000 rpm. And due to linear torque, frquent gear changing is not required. Even I don't have to shift to 2nd gear while crossing a bumper/speed breaker. I was amazed to see that you can comfortably drive the car at 20-25 km/hr in 5th gear. At high speed, the car is very steady as it is heavy having kerb weight as close as to that of a Honda City. The car does not kiss the road, it simply hugs the road.

Final Words

 If you want have a feeling of owning a luxury car but at a price of a hatch back, go for it.  You yourself drive it. You will discover the joy of  a bold new drive. As far as my experience goes, the staff are very cordial and amiable. I am satisfied with the service. Before purchasing Punto, I had taken feed back from my known Palio owners, whoc highly certified of Fiat cars.

Areas of improvement  

 Interiors particularly dash board can be improved with dual tone / beige. Steering wheel, gear shift knob should be leather wrapped in dynamic, emotion model.

 

Greater look, Solid build, excellent ride quality, Huge presence on roadIn accessories, body coloured side rubber door pad (Scratch guard) should be available