Just test drove the VGT Punto. Was basically an EP version with the Linea's engine thrown in, and of course with the red stitching with the chrome door handles. So, hw did it go??? Lemme dwelve upon two important parameters which are our main concerns right now.
Interior:
As mentioned earlier, there was absolutely no change in the interior to the FGT EP version except for the chrome handles and red stitching on the seats. There was no white speedo dial facia though. More than tht however, after going thru Sid's pics, specifically checked for the awkward panel gaps. I was surprised not to find them as glaringly bad as the ones depicted earlier. The quality was definetely acceptable if not class-leading. The interior seemed well built with no loose beadings or falling plastics. All in all, its much better put together than Puntos of the yore. I think its unfortunate tht Sid got a lemon as far as the interiors go. The steering was meaty and great to hold as usual. The dead pedal and clutch seemed too close for comfort.
The Drive:
So, Hw was it to drive???
I drive a Verna and a S10, which except for the power are as opposite as cars can get. And I had also driven my friend's Swift diesel extensively and also an FGT Punto a few times. So, there were a few cars to be benchmarked against which gave a fair idea wrt drivability.
Firing up the engine, the first immediate thing that hits you is the refinement and NVH levels which are definetely better than the FGTs of Swift and Punto but not probably on par with the Hyundai's diesels. The ODO had 95 kms btw. Slotting into first, the turbo lag was just like any other Multijet...it was the 2nd gear where the lag was noticable.
It was only at around 2000 rpm tht the car actually took off. So, crawling speeds were a slight bother where gear changes were required but was manageable as its the same story with most of the modern vgt diesels. The Verna/i20 were jst a bit more responsive below 2000 rpm i felt. No probs once we were in the powerband...the car jst took off smoothly. There was no mad surge felt in the Swift or even the fgt punto for tht matter, jst a linear wave which just takes you to speeds pretty quickly. A long winding road with not much traffic showcased the Punto's true talents where it would ride on the wave and exhibit class leading dynamics. Nothing would make it budge and hardly felt a thing taking some curves on the wrong side of century. Compared to my Verna which wud become nervous n twitchy, this was a revelation. One important thing I noticed here was despite being hardly run in, the revs build up smoothly upto 3500 rpm after which it gets a bit gruffy. Even with jst 95 kms on the odo, it felt as eager to build speeds as a Swift diesel and did it with grace while at it. Believe me...this engine would be great once its run in properly. The gear box was neutral, neither notchy nor as sporty as swift's. It would work for me. Braking was good and up there with them all.
First Impressions: Lets face it...Its not in the league of an S10/Palio GTX as far as hot hatches go, they are still the benchmark, until the Polo 1.6 arrives atleast. But this is the only Fiat car at present which comes closest. Dynamics are class leading, Power could have been better, but not as bad as ppl have made it out to be. In fact, its pretty good and shall get better once run in. Its a properly loaded car which is built like a tank and goes like a torque train. Just becoz we had higher expectations doesn't make it a bad car. It wud end up doin 0-100 runs in late 13s or 14s as against 12 we had expected it to do. But as many have already stated, what is power when it cannot be effectively used? This car would post the best track times than any other production hatches at present and tht for me is wat constitutes a hot hatch.
Summing Up: Now, let me ask which other manufacturer is trying to atleast make an effort and give it a shot for the enthusiasts? Among the hatches, Fiat is the only one till now who've attempted to give us an GTX/S10 and now the VGT Punto. I don't remember any other car maker, who despite knowing tht Indians crave for mileage, cudnt get to manufacture 'Made for India' light bodied cars but instead gave rock solid tank like hatches and suffered on FE. I don't know of any other car maker who despite knowing the avg joe prefers light, easy to maneuver steerings, still always gave us heavy, meaty and communicative steerings. I dont remember which other car maker took customer feedback and enthusiast's cries and tried to atleast improve upon its products. Autocar, Motoroids and some other websites have already mentioned tht the quality of the plastics is much better than earlier. And do u think this almost 8 lacs OTR car is going to sell in great no.'s??? No!!! I don't think this model would bring any significant difference to Fiat's sales charts. They cud hav done without it too. This was simply an 'attempt' to bring a relatively more powerful engine without compromising on the FE . An attempt by Fiat to get back to the enthusiast community. An attempt which not many manufacturers are doing right now except put some gaudy decal and call it sport while it handles like a boat.
And for this, I give it to Fiat! Get on the Linea Tjet then.... Note from the Team-BHP Support Staff :
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Last edited by bblost : 19th July 2010 at 15:38.
Reason: Please check the post. Thanks.
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