Grande Punto (1.4 Emotion Pack), Simply Amazing

 

Before I start with the actual review, a few words on the so badly spoke about Fiat dealership.

I bought my Punto 1.4 Emotion Pack from 'ABS Motors' Gurgaon, and I was totally IMPRESSED by  the way the dealer handled my case.

The way they provided the Test Drive at myDoor Step by a single call, providing me with the best possible discount (I got 1st year free insurance, extended 1+2 year warranty, corporate discount of 8K, free 50 months roadside assistance and few small accessories, all put together comes close to a discount of 45K), smooth documentation for my company lease, support with all additional paperworks, in short it was nothing less than a Maruti Dealer, and speaking about my recent Maruti experience, I approached Apra Motors (One of the reputed Maruti dealer in Gurgaon) in Gurgaon as my other option was Ritz Zxi and when I asked them for some freebies/discount, their answer was not so poliet, and told me that 'NO DISCOUNT FOR RITZ, Take it or Leave it'. Well I can understand the reputation of Maruti in the small car market, but such attitude is not going to do any Good for Maruti.

 

Exterior:

Undoubtdly it is a Style Icon. Even close to an year after its launch in India, I can still see people turn their head when I drive past them or stop at the signals.

BTW, i bought a medium grey color, since i tot that the small scratchs in NCR driving conditions wont be so prominant in medium grey.

I personally feel the White Colour looks best in Punto, especially if you put medium black tint on the glass.

 

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort):

Features are Simply amazing, and the list is very long. For sure any one will love to drive such a car which can read out your SMS, make call from the steering wheel or by just telling the name of the person in address book, has a factory fitted Blaupunkt system with 6 Speakers, Automatic AC and Defogger which can clear your front and side glasses just by press of a button. Which can tell you that you are over speeding, that your are due for servicing, that you have to wear ur seat belt, that you are running out of fuel and which can also show you light in darkness even after you lock your car.

 

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox:

Engine is really peppy, and Gearbox is very responsive.It is well balanced for city as well as highway drives.

Fuel Economy:

I have driven 1300 km in past 2.5 months, and my average consumption is 9.8 km/l. I drive in Gurgaon city limits.

I am not a technical person when it come to speak on mileage and performance, but onething I noticed (since I have instant consumption displayed in my dash) that I get better mileage (13-15 kmpl) if I drive in 3rd gear, and it falls (6-7 kmpl) when I drive in 5th gear. This is irrespective of driving condition (in highway and in city traffic limits).

It will be great if someone can guide me how to get a better mileage out of this amazing vechile, because otherwise I feel this is really a masterpiece from Fiat.

 

Ride Quality & Handling:

Goes without saying 10/10, afterall its fiat. You take it to any speed and take a sharp turn, it will head to where you are pointing without any problem. Also drive it on the worst possible indian road, you will still feel it is gliding tru it without any problem, wheras other cars in the segment will take some time to come out of each pothole.

 

Final Words:

For me, i wanted a pure family car which is feature rich, has good looks, comfortable and without a second tought I chose The Grande Punto.

Mileage was secondary, and 2-3 kmpl low wont make much of a difference for me compared to the comfort and safty it provides to my family.

 

Areas of improvement  :

As of now nothing, after all she is just 3 months old for me (Bought it on December 2009)

 

 

Good Style, Performance, VFM, Comfort, Saftey, Handling, Ride QualityFuel Economy