Fiat Grande Punto Multijet Emotion PK

Drove to Gujarat on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway over the weekend. Unlike in August when the car was new with just around 2200kms on the odo, this time the car was over 6,400kms so it was time to test the 'underpowered' engine. If there ever was any doubts on how much effect driving pattern has on mileage, these two trips proved it. The car returned 23.5kmpl in August. Since it was new, the max speeds I did was 100kmph. This weekend, I decided to do some hard driving. Speeds were maintained at a constant 110-120kmph with a few bursts to 130kmph. Mileage dropped to 20.6kmpl. What was clear was that the engine isn't as underpowered as it's being made out to be. Keep the engine in the turbo zone and it rewards you with a big grin. And keeping the engine in the turbo zone is true of any turbo charged car. The car was worthy competition to a Baleno on the highway. On the straights, the Baleno zoomed far faster then me and many times disappeared out of sight too but soon enough, a tap on the pedal and the Punto's diesel torque propelled it from 90 to 120kmph in no time and the Baleno was soon in my sights. On the curves, the Baleno slowed down considerably and this is where the Punto's far superior suspension carried it ahead of the Maruti. So good is the suspension and the 15" tyres that the cornering is absolutely flat and confidence inspiring. On the twisties the Punto just ate up the Baleno. After a long time of us alternating overtaking each other, the Baleno gave way and off I zoomed ahead. This isn't about making the Punto look good and the Baleno bad. It's a worthy car and really fun to drive but how much of a help a better chassis , suspension and steering makes to a comparitively underpowered car was proven on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway. A special note on the interiors. Sure the plastics aren't the best around and fit and finish could be much better, but the interiors are very youthful and sporty, very inviting. They make you want to get in and drive the car. PS: Picture uploading should be simpler here. I just feel there are too many menu's and what not to scroll through!

Pictures from my August trip. Distance and mileage. Note Odo reading at 2205 Kms

Latest drive with distance and mileage. Note odo reading at 6437kms.

Great review Amit.

How would you compare between the S10 and Punto in terms of drivebility and other factors. Which one is the "better" car and gave you more pleasure to drive ?

Hi Shanker. Thanks for the compliment.

With regards to your question, when I bought the Punto, I thought it wouldn't be anywhere remotely as good as the S10 specially in the engine performance front. It isn't. I always called the S10 a simulated A/T - the torque and power was relentless - any speed , any gear just tap the throttle and the S10 would pull. For a NA engine, the S10 was simply put - AMAZING! The GP however, needs to be worked through it's gears. Once the turbo is spooled up, it will leave a big smile on your face - for a grin , we have to wait for the 1.6l MJD.

Having said that, on the overall rating front the GP has the S10 beaten comprehensively. To start with the ride and handling are a tad better in the GP. I don't know about the Palio 1.2 but the S10 had a tendency to jar over road joints. The GP is more balanced in this area.

Seating comfort in the GP is way better too. The S10 left me tired after a 3 hour drive, in the GP I am fresh as a daisy. The Palio's seats were hard and stingy when it came to support. The GP does retain the eccentric Italian seating posture but again it's vastly improved over the Palio. It can take a few weeks to get the most comfortable position in Fiat's but once you get it, it's as comfy as in any car. GP's seats hug you into position - considering the power and performance of the S10, it's the S10 seats that should have done that!

Anyway, seats weren't the only reason the S10 left me tired. It was a handfull of a car to drive. The clutch, steering were both heavy. It did take effort to drive the car. The GP retains a bit of that but for someone that has owned a Palio for a few years, he will find the GP as easy to drive as a Japanese car! The clutch is smooth and the steering is lighter but at the same time very accurate and 'alive.'

When Fiat brings in the Grande Punto 1.4 TJet, they would have launched the perfect petrol hatchback in India. I hope they are listening!

Great Review, Amit

How is Mumbai-Ahmedabad road now? As I might be taking my Linea on a looooong drive this month

Amit.... "Fiat-Injurious to the health of the Eardrums"

Fantastic review Amit!! Keep the Punto experiences going .

I have booked the Electric Blue Emotion From Wasan, Chembur. I read in your posts that even though you live at Chembur, you are getting it serviced at Fortune, Nerul. Any particular reason?

Cheers,

Naveen

VP, the Maharashtra stretch specially from Virar to Mumbai is pretty bad.  Also, the highway going towards Gujarat from the Ghodbunder Road turn off to almost Manor has deteriorated compared to August. Gujarat roads in comparision are like Autobahn's!

Hi Naveen, there are two reasons for servicing from Nerul.

1.) I work in Vashi.

2.) I didn't have a very good expereince servicing my Palio from Wasan Chembur. A lot of Fiat owners say that Fortune, Powai is the best Fiat ASC in Mumbai.

Are you close to Chembur? I stay at Chembur. Maybe we can meet up sometime.

Amit, Would love to catch up.

I actually live in Powai very near to Fortune Powai. But Fortune guys never responded on time and I had to book the Punto from Wasan, Chembur. I hope to buy it from Wasan but get it serviced at Fortune, Powai. Hope that should be fine?

Cheers,
Naveen

Fortune Powai has taken over most of the Fiat Mechenic from Angad & Shaman Moters. Hence they are much Known to FIAT cars then any other dealer.

I also get my Palio serviced from Fortune guys & quite happy with the service.

Good things in life are never too expensive.....So called Best things May be.....

There was some information that most mechanics at Fortune Powai are from Anuroop Fiat which was located at Goregaon. I had the best service expereince with Anuroop when I had my Palio.

Naveen, When are you getting your car? Let's catch up after you get delivery.