Don't go by the figures in the book. Drive it on road, and off it to know this version of the car.

Exterior

Its a good looking car. May be one of the best one around in this category 

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort)

Its about average. I guess, FIAT could have made it better. But knowing the still competition in that price segment, each buyer wants to save every penny. So did FIAT. Also, I don't think FIAT scores a lot on this department. They make great cars, which they think should run on the road (all kinds of road, paved, smooth, potholed, non-paved), so they put all their effort to that. Probably, that is why, there is no other hatch in its category, whcih comes even close to its ride, handling, suspension and stability 

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

I went with a lot negative mindset. Having read about this car's review in many magazines and internet portals, I went with the mind set that, this engine will not be anything to look upto. I drove the car for about 10 kms. To my surprise, this engine performed well. More than adequate I would say. May be the lesser power can be felt on the highway. I didn't find any of that in the city. I was pleasantly surprised and also, little annoyed at the reviews given by some auto experts, who at times sound biased. I guess, this was it for 1.2 litre version of Punto as well. Frankly, I didn't find the engine to be that slow and dud, as it is explained elsewhere all over. It was more than adequate and was pulling well. Fuel economy, I guess will be around 11kmpl with 100% AC on. In my test drive report, it showed 10.1 on the mileage indicator. (It was within in CITY with 20% of the drive on 4th and 5th gear, rest on lower gears) 

Ride Quality & Handling

Its already spoekn above. There is no other car in that segment even close. I can only think of Volkswagen Polo to be close. Ford Figo is a distant 3rd. Everyone else is not worth comparing. The car was doing really great in rough roads. One point most buyers ignore is, how will it be after 30,000kms? Trust me, I have driven a FIAT for more than 45,000kms and a Hyundai as well. The suspension remains almost same after so many kelometers. I drive one RITZ (which, as a new car is actually very impressive) which had done 15,000kms. Its RIDE, Suspension was not even close to that of a FIAT which has done more than 50,000kms. I guess, this is where, the European cars differ a hell lot than its Japanese and Korean counterparts. 

Final Words

Please test drive this car for at least 10 kms. Choose both straight road, curves, potholes and rough roads. Do the same for all other cars whcih are in your evaluation category. Then decide, if the engine is DUD and SLOW to the point that, it makes you feel awful. If not, then, do not go by the experts great write ups. Just follow your need. If this engine delivers more than what you would actually need, then, this car will beat all others on the roads I have spoken. Also, on the negative side, the turning radius is high. This is because of the larger wheel base. The bigger wheel base gives you the feel of a big car, great ride and handling and superb stability on the highway. But on the downside, it will not be as zippy as a smaller RITZ/FIGO to take a U turn.

To top it all, it comes with front and rear fog lamps, rear defogger and wiper/washer. It also boasts 175/R14 tyres. Broader tyre means, better road grip and ride quality.

This version comes with an integrated audio system, which is a must for your car anyways.

Not to forget, the 1.2 emotion version also gives you the following.

1. Distance to empty indicator

2. Realtime mileage indicator

3. Fuel economy (average) indicator

4. Date and Time on the display

5. Follow me head lamps

6. My car option which gives service reminders

7. Outside temprature display

8. To top it call, 15,000kms service interval and road side assistance is real boom for this car.

Don't forget to chek out the discounts on offer anyways.

Areas of improvement  

Interiors. It needs alloy wheels. A sun roof in the 1.2 version. This will make this car unique to all others in the segment.

 

Looks, Ride, Handling, Suspension, StabilityShould have been alloys, blue&me in the 1.2 emotion version as well.