fiat punto

Solidly built hatch looks stunning but performance is only average.Just like the Linea, it looks superb, is solidly built and comes with class-topping ride and handling. But it doesn’t take the game as forward in the hatchback segment as the Linea has done  in the saloon class. Performance, fuel efficiency and refinement are not the class best and even the interiors left us disappointed. The Grande Punto makes up with the value it offers. With the base 1.4 version starting at around Rs 5 lakh (we haven’t driven the even cheaper 1.2) and the fully-loaded diesel not exceeding Rs 6 lakh, it may not be the cheapest hatch around but to take a line from partner Tata, the Grande Punto is a lot of car per car and pretty good value for money.
The mile-high cumulonimbus rain clouds just over the horizon are amassing like an invading army, steadily turning the sky to slate grey. But we aren’t paying attention. We’ve clapped our eyes on the pair of Grande Puntos we’ve just been given and can’t get over how stunning Fiat’s brand-new hatchback looks. The long nose wouldn’t be out of place on a Maserati and the compact rear with those angled, high-mounted lights gives the Fiat hatch a sporty look. Sure these cars look good on these pages, but wait till you see them in the flesh.
STORMING DRIVE
Our appreciation of master designer Giugiaro’s gorgeous lines comes to a quick end. The cool buffeting breeze and swirling leaves are disturbed by a massive crack of lightning, soon followed by loud thunder and large drops of rain. With no chance of getting any pictures and to avoid getting soaked, we dive into the cars. There’s nothing to do except go for a drive. So with headlights on and wipers flapping, we set out to see how if the Grande Punto drives as well as it looks. At first, we take it easy to get ourselves acquainted with the car and the extreme weather. Large puddles are already forming and visibility at times is bad.
Immediately the Grande Punto impresses. The doors shut with a weighty thud you only get in European cars. You feel nicely cocooned from the outside elements and insulation from the road is pretty good; the sound of pouring rain is distant now. In the half-light, the dash looks quite attractive with the glow from the chrome-ringed dials.