The Grande FIAT PUNTO

Here comes another winner from the Fiat factory of style. The Grande Punto with its low slung compact body, strong muscular wheel arches, dual-tone dashboard and interiors, exudes boldness and strength.

Inspired by the Maserati in its styling, the Grande Punto is here to make a style statement.
 

Fiat India Automobiles has launched its premium hatchback, the Grande Punto in India. The all-new international bestseller comes to India in three engine options - the 1.4-liter FIRE Petrol and the 1.3-liter MultiJet diesel were expected options, but Fiat has also thrown in the surprise 1.2-liter petrol option to reap in the excise benefits. The car will be available in four varying trims - the Active, Dynamic, Emotion and fully-loaded Emotion PK.

Price :

The pricing reflects this too. The 1.2-petrol will be available only in the basic Active trim and will go for Rs 3.99 lakh ex-showroom Delhi. The 1.4 FIRE petrol has been priced between Rs 4.66 lakh and Rs. 5.61 lakh between variants. The 1.3 MultiJet diesel is also set to give established Indian hatches a good run for their money with pricing between Rs 4.85 lakh and Rs. 6.11 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi.

1.2 Petrol (Active)                                                Rs.3,99,000/-

1.4 Petrol (Dynamic)                                             Rs.4,66,000/-

1.4 Petrol (Emotion)                                             Rs.5,06,000/-

1.4 Petrol (Emotion PK)                                       Rs.5,61,000/-

1.3 Diesel (Active)                                                Rs.4,85,000/-

1.3 Diesel (Dynamic)                                            Rs.5,16,000/-

1.3 Diesel (Emotion)                                             Rs.5,56,000/-

1.3 Diesel (Emotion PK)                                       Rs.6,11,000/-

The Grande Punto is finally rolling and it should be Fiat India's mainstay for the next three to four years. While the Palio was conceived in the same mould as a car for emerging markets, the Grande Punto is a departure from this line of thinking because no longer do growing aware markets like India want watered down versions. Thus, the Grande Punto, which clearly exhibits the correct line of thought and action from Fiat India. Its three engine options are another detail which would further help its cause but the thing which everyone at Fiat India would have to be cautious about is cutting too close to the bone in terms of offering the right engine performance compared to the competition.

Great at :

• Ride & Handling
• Solid build
• Styling

Ouch at :

• Weight blunts performance
• Interior fit & finish
• Rear legroom

The Grande Punto is the car that saved Fiat’s hide. It took the European car market by storm as soon as it was launched in 2005 and gave Fiat a platform from which to launch its recovery. Can the Grande Punto propel Fiat to similar glory in India.