One of the smoothest diesel power plants I have ever come across.

Hi folks!

Just two days back, I was fortunate enough to get behind the wheels of Fiat Grand Punto Multijet Emotion PK, thanks to a test drive arranged by M/s Lexus Motors of Kolkata at Haldia. This is no doubt a superb car. I am considering to buy one after disposing my old Esteem which has given me very good service for last seven yrs. This time I have decided to go for the diesel version since I seriously want to munch lot of miles in this car.

What I liked about the car are:

i. It feels really solidly built as compared to rattling tinshells made by Maruti.
ii. Excellent road grip.
iii. Overall feel good factor of the cabin along with the controls.
iv. One of the smoothest diesel power plants I have ever come across.
v. Decent cornering ability. It gives enough confidence to the devil inside me to hit the corners hard
vi. Excellent steering feel at all speeds. It feels great to hold.
vii. Unlike my old Esteem, road undulations are hardly transmitted through the steering wheel to the driver.

There are certain points I did not like:
i. The car feels sluggish at 50 Km/hr in 5th gear. For a decent pick-up you need to downshift to 3rd however the engine hardly complains about that it it looks eager to propel you faster beyond 2200 rpm
ii. Fit and finish of some plastic bits have scopes for improvement.
iii. Rear visibility is a problem and factory fitted parking sensors could have been a smart addition.

iv. I personally disliked the amber lighting of instruments and it became an eyesore over long night drives, Although I decided the buy the car after the test drive but now after getting the news of 90 BHP Punto launch, I have decided to wait for a trimmed down version of 90 BHP Punto, preferably in only Emotion trim or in Dynamic trim.

 

Solid built quality, cabin, style, ride and handlingInterior color, amber display, plastic fit and finish, performance below 2000 rpm