First week with my Punto

This is going to be a long posting. So allow me to divide it in to two major parts -

1] First Look / Impression

2] Actual Experience

First Look / Impression

I got my Punto on 24/10/2009. Within 4 hours I was on my way to my native place. Since this is my first car, and the drive was long ( > 300km) I arranged a driver. Before we started I asked him not to drive her too fast or with very high rpm and he followed it religiously.

We took NH3, thanks to the new 4 lane and thanks to GP, the journey was super smooth. My driver did noticed the difference and he was very happy to drive Punto. The color, the finishing, the design, tail lamps every thing was so atractive, I noticed admiration, praise on the face of many onlookers. - be it at Petrol Pump, or by pedestrians or even the fellow carwalas, travelling that time.

Here are some of the snaps: -

yes nitin,be prepared for a bombardment of querries regarding the car from every one on road,be prepared for a lot of stare and admiration(envy and evil eyes too)

congrats,happy motoring

Congrats Nitin on the buy! Waiting for the rest of the reports and do drive safe.

Actual Experience

Well, today, after 8 days and running around 1000km, here is my experience.

Let me clarify first that I've learned driving only few months back and after that have not driven any 4 wheeler. So on first day, I didn't touched my Punto!

On second day, I took her on highway. The first hurdle was to get the car moving in the first gear. In fact my friend did point out that Punto is not easy to drive (compared to his Vista, Multijet). Surprisingly my control on Reverse gear is much better. So parking was not a major hurdle, at least to me. After putting the car in second gear - it runs like knife on the butter. When I drove it on 4 lane NH3, yesterday, I did noticed that pick-up of my 1.2 is not that great. So I've to be very very careful while overtaking other vehicles. IRVM, ORVM views are perfectly ok, Yes, the A section piller did block some views on your right side. But I believe that can be taken care, once I get used to.

Mileage - From Thane to my native place - @16-17 km/L, without AC. - Driven by Pro-Driver

Within city / highway - @ 15km/L - when I drove

On highway with AC - @14km/L

Nicely written Nitin. Being new to driving. just be a little careful while you drive.

Cheers,
Naveen

Thanks Naveen, I'll.

So when are you taking the delivery?

As the car is new the gears are hard.It will get smoother after 1st service

Nice review & photos. Thanks Nitin.

Do keep updating the thread from time to time - with your observations & experiences.

Drive safely & steadily.

Thanks Omkar & Pankaj for writing in.

There is in fact one more part of this thread which I forgotten initially: - Accessories

With the inputs from the carwale members I went ahead with Pioneer 2190UB HU + 4 Pioneer Speakers (Don't remember the type) Anyway, I'm happy with the Music system. Its ok for the music which I like - 60% old hindi classics + 30% old Marathi songs (Bhavgeet) + Some English songs + Gazals + very very few New Hindi songs. Cost - Rs. 9250/- (including fitting) - with B & W

SunFilms: - Garware TD65 - Rs. 2500/- (I know guys, the picture is badly needed now. Give me some time.)

Seat covers : - Simple, Velvet, got it stiched for Rs.2000/-

Body Cover (for keeping away the evil eyes and scratches from envious neighbours, when parked) : - Rs. 800/-

Probably last imp thing remaining is Security system. I'm still not sure what to do with it, Well I want it, no doubt, but the Fortune guys are telling me that the warranty will be void.

BTW at what price Autocop 9970 is available. I got a quote of Rs.5200/- (including Fitting charges) with 3 years warranty.

Good Pictures and nice write up. Take care of her and drive safe .