[hemanth.anand]

Originally Posted by RavenAvi

Fiat India has postponed the launch of the Punto Evo Abarth in India from October 10th to October 19th, 2015.

OnCars

RavenAvi, I'm sorry to say this, but your statement is misleading.
It cannot be called as postponement when the earlier date was just a speculation.
As far as I remember, October 10th was an approximate date given by the dealers who were pre-booking the vehicle.
IMO, Its just that the speculations were not correct

[MM-58]

Originally Posted by PatchyBoy

It is still the same 5 speed manual C510 gear box as found in existing FIATs. No six speed, AFAIK

You are correct, it would seem. I assumed that Fiat would up the game by offering the six speed manual that they do in other markets, but I suppose cost cutting factored in whilst making this decision.

[sweetvar26]

Originally Posted by MM-58

With a sub 10 lakh sticker price, Fiat have a chance to hit the nail on the head here. The Polo GTI is also slated for launch, and it has a 1.8 litre turbocharged engine also seen on the Octavia and the Superb, but I can't see how it will cost less than 15 lakhs. Plus, it will most probably be offered only with a DSG gearbox in India. Enthusiasts will, therefore, make a beeline for the Abarth with its six speed manual and VFM factor.

The easy things are going for Volkswagen, it wouldn't be a surprise if their Polo GTI launch will be delayed indefinitely.

[nkrishnap]

Originally Posted by MM-58

Enthusiasts will, therefore, make a beeline for the Abarth with its six speed manual and VFM factor.

The Punto Evo Abarth is getting the same 5 speed box from the Linea Tjet and there is no 6 speed box available.

[sultanofswing]

At one moment we had speculations of how FIAT with >10L price will be suicide for the Abarth Punto and now amidst speculations of 15=17L GTI it's being mentioned in the same sentence as VFM.
I understand both points of view, please do not misconstrue this in any way, I just wanted to juxtapose the two (relatively valid) points of view...

[Vik0728]

A spec comparison by Motorbeam between:

'Hottest Hatch in Production today' (GT TSI)


and the
'Hatch that is going to Whizz by soon' (Punto Abarth)


Link


Snapshot:




IMO Punto Abarth cannot be pitted against GT TSI, barring the fact that there is actually no other hatch out there that will come close.

Just going by numbers alone, Punto Abarth is actually in the league of Laura/Octavia TSI

[freedom]

Originally Posted by Vik0728

A spec comparison by Motorbeam between:

'Hottest Hatch in Production today' (GT TSI)
and the
'Hatch that is going to Whizz by soon' (Punto Abarth)

Just going by numbers alone, Punto Abarth is actually in the league of Laura/Octavia TSI

I am seeing a lot of Polo GT TSI these days. It would be interesting to see how many Punto Abarths can I see on the road from next year. I hope the market buys enough of these "special" hatchbacks and keep manufacturers interested in giving us practical and powerful hatchbacks.

Only time will tell how many can use this as their daily drive.

OT

For an enthusiast Abarth Punto has enough juice to keep him happy on
highways.

Atleast for me, the Punto and Lineas driving postion is very uncomfortable. I really hope Fiat fixes these ergonomic issues (though I have heard nothing has changed).

[Jr Godzilla]

Originally Posted by freedom

Atleast for me, the Punto and Lineas driving postion is very uncomfortable. I really hope Fiat fixes these ergonomic issues (though I have heard nothing has changed).

I enjoyed the driving position for 5 years it may be related to personal physique as I found the lower spine support the best, steering to seat at its lowest point, perfect.

and for short drivers steering to seat at its highest point may even allow one to see the front bumper hahaha

[sultanofswing]

Originally Posted by Jr Godzilla

I enjoyed the driving position for 5 years it may be related to personal physique as I found the lower spine support the best, steering to seat at its lowest point, perfect.

and for short drivers steering to seat at its highest point may even allow one to see the front bumper hahaha

I agree.. Been driving the linea (2009 Emotion) for 5 years now and I have to agree that if one takes enough time to adjust the seat according to one's height then one can get a commanding view of the road. I love the steering wheel and the clutch (despite long travel... it's a matter of getting used to, it's not a racecar) Only quibble is with the gearshift itself.. (but then again other members have mentioned this..)

Hopefully the Abarth Punto will have enough adjustment options to find the most comfortable/preferred driving position.

[Rubbertramps]

Originally Posted by Vik0728

A spec comparison by Motorbeam between:

'Hottest Hatch in Production today' (GT TSI)


and the
'Hatch that is going to Whizz by soon' (Punto Abarth)


Link


Snapshot:

Attachment 1424935


IMO Punto Abarth cannot be pitted against GT TSI, barring the fact that there is actually no other hatch out there that will come close.

Just going by numbers alone, Punto Abarth is actually in the league of Laura/Octavia TSI

Whats with the ground clearance. 155 MM seems too low.

[Mad Max]

Vik, thanks for the stat comparison. Looks so very darn tempting.

Is there any view of the hp vs. weight comparison. That would be a more true measure of at least lower gear performance.

[nkrishnap]

Originally Posted by Rubbertramps

Whats with the ground clearance. 155 MM seems too low.

155 mm with stiffer suspension setup should not cause much of a concern. Earlier the higher ground clearance was a problem, now 155 mm ground clearance will turn out to be a problem

[Rubbertramps]

Originally Posted by nkrishnap

155 mm with stiffer suspension setup should not cause much of a concern. Earlier the higher ground clearance was a problem, now 155 mm ground clearance will turn out to be a problem

You have mistaken, since i was not clear in my comments. I would be happy with 155 mm GC for the sporty feel of it. I was just doubtful if the information was authentic. All i heard was the GC was reduced to a similar GC of the 2009 batches. But if its 155, its time to celebrate !

And if i am not wrong, the 2009 batch had a 165 mm GC.

[nkrishnap]

Originally Posted by Rubbertramps

You have mistaken, since i was not clear in my comments. I would be happy with 155 mm GC for the sporty feel of it. I was just doubtful if the information was authentic. All i heard was the GC was reduced to a similar GC of the 2009 batches. But if its 155, its time to celebrate !

And if i am not wrong, the 2009 batch had a 165 mm GC.

The pre GC facelift ones had 171 mm for diesel and 173 mm for petrol but the suspension was much softer making it scrape due to lengthy front over hangs.

It should not be a concern on the Punto Evo Abarth.

[Vik0728]

Originally Posted by Rubbertramps

Whats with the ground clearance. 155 MM seems too low.

Hey Rubbertramps I know you were not arguing or bashing FIAT for this, but isn't this what we all enthusiasts always wanted?

A low slung, tarmac burning hot hatch which was AFFORDABLE!!

Originally Posted by Mad Max

Is there any view of the hp vs. weight comparison. That would be a more true measure of at least lower gear performance.

Hey Mad Max, I am only using some miscellaneous source for the numbers on FIAT EVO Abarth here, nevertheless here is what it may look like:

Punto EVO Abarth

Kerb Weight - 1185 kg

Engine Output - 145 bhp

Power to Weight ratio - 122.4


Torque - 212 NM

Torque to Weight ratio - 178.9



Polo GT TSi

Kerb Weight - 1140 kg

Engine Output - 105 bhp

Power to Weight ratio - 92.1


Torque - 175 NM

Torque to Weight ratio - 154


Whichever way one looks at this, GT TSI is no match for this Italian Scorpion . Going only by the numbers, I will even go so far to say that even a Brilliant driver in a GT TSI may find it hard to beat an Amateur driver in a Punto EVO Abarth in a straight line drag.

BUT, and that is a real "Big BUT", if FIAT messes up with the gearbox on the final version, we may have to re-look at these stats.


P.S - With an astounding 0-100km/hr time of 8.8secs, I am very confident that FIAT has conquered the notchy Gearbox on EVO Abarth.