Other points:
• Rom's test-drive report of the 1.2 L petrol can be found
here.
• T’was a long 650 kms drive (round trip). Covered each type of driving condition - Congested city traffic (Delhi), long empty straights, fast corners, ghat section et al. Even after 650 kms of torture, not a single rattle in the car.
• Mpower points out "
Little known fact is that this baby has German blood. Grande Punto is based on the latest Opel Corsa platform (not the regular Punto) from where it probably gets its Autobahn blitzing ability. Happened during the brief FIAT-GM relationship in the early 00s."
• Fiat consciously didn’t get the 1.6 100 BHP engine, as it was this engine that contributed to the Palio’s fuel guzzler image. @ Fiat : Please launch a more powerful version of this car for us enthusiasts. The brilliant dynamics + high speed behaviour deserve a 100 - 120 free revving horses
at the least! Fuel efficiency be damned.
• I wish (and communicated the same) that Fiat had launched the Linea-spec 1.3 MJD in the Punto. That additional power would be welcome, and a key differentiator in the national engine market!!
• I’m happy with the wide 195 mm tyres that Fiat provides on the top-end variant! This is pretty much the widest stock tyre on any hatch.
• 2 year unlimited mileage warranty. Extended warranty available (IIRC for 4 years 1,50,000 kms warranty) and highly recommended. Fiat’s way of garnering trust?
• It will be interesting to see how the Tata-Fiat combo handles the Vista & Punto in the same showroom. Either car is of high importance to its respective parent.
• Top variant Blue & Me : Integrates entirely with your phone via blue tooth. Handsfree conversations, reads out SMS and downloads phonebook.
• Tilt power steering + central locking standard across all variants. Power windows too (even entry level variant has front power windows). One-touch down power windows on all doors, one-touch up only on the drivers.
• No adjustments for steering reach or lumbar support. I'd have loved to see this in the Punto. Also, you can feel the steering rack moving (on your foot) if you press the clutch pedal entirely and turn the wheel.
• Ground clearance stats read as 173mm & 171mm for the petrol & diesel variants respectively. With 3 on board & a full load of luggage, we didn't scrape anywhere. However, we didn't encounter XL size speed breakers either. I will hold further comment on this until the owners start reporting.
• Diesel understeers a little earlier than the petrols, thanks to the additional weight upfront.
• Super cool windscreen washer arrangement. All of 6 effective spray jets!
• Starter protection won't allow a careless crank when the engine is already running.
• Rear windows roll down to only about 60 - 65% level (see picture in the next post).
• Another example of messed up ergonomics = Expect to brush elbows with your co-passenger when shifting gears.
• Front seat travel has a vast range.
• Nice horn!
• While we used up almost the entire petrol tank in the 330 kms drive, on the way back, same driving style + distance, the diesel tank was just slightly below the halfway mark.
• I noticed a lot of drivers fumbling when engaging the 5th gear. Certainly takes effort + attention.
• Someone else mentioned that the fuel gauge takes 5 - 7 minutes to show the correct reading, right after a tank fill. I haven't verified this statement.
• Car has mod potential (externally). Nice alloys & subtle body kit = unreal heat! For the MJD, a power tuning box would become a must-have accessory.
• If the Palio has developed a fan club that runs nearly into 10 years, I can only imagine what the “Punto effect" will be like.
• The Palio really ought to be discontinued now. Sales are woefully dismal too. What's the point of having a 10 year old hatch standing next to the modern Linea + Punto?
•
Disclaimer : Fiat invited Team-BHP for the Punto test-drive. They covered all the expenses for this driving event.