Very good VFM FIAT cars LINEA and PUNTO deserve to be the best sellers (LINEA is 2 largest seller in catagory, Punto just launched 2 weeks back). However, FIAT is haunted by the past. Dubious working by PREMIER group, after Indian Auto industry opened up, almost killed FIAT. UNO that was selling well in Europe in 1990s got Indian record holding (not yet beaten) 2.95 Lakhs initial booking..!! But Premier, got into JV with French Peugeot-Citroen Group in PAL-PEUGEOT. Collected huge money from Uno buyers, also from French co and invested for personal gains. By the time FIAT took over Indian operations in 1999-2000, it had long court cases for UNO refunds, network that was in shambles etc. Above all management that was legacy from Premier top to bottom plauged by Premier style working. Poor service etc.
As a result Uno, Siena, weekend etc. got hatred from buyers.For Palio Diesel they opted for very heavy 1.9 that damaged front suspension, lacked mileage nad power (just 65 Bhp). 1.6 Palio could beat many of "D" segment cars in cruising but was never properly marketed.Very good car got killed.
Then came financial troubles for FIAT, Italy in early 2000s. FIAT India was put to back seat. Then in 2006 present management took control of FIAT Group. FIAT is among the best turn around story in global auto industry, may be in last 50 years or so. Came Grand Punto, Linea, new Alfa models. Today, it is the only auto maker making higher sales in Europe, when the market is sinking. Grand Punto is leading FIAT on slaught from front.
In India, FIAT is with "Jewel of Indian business" Tata group. There are short term issues with tata group. Things are getting better. 1.3 MJD engine is wonder. Its small only on papers. Practically, its a giant killer. Maruti buys engine from FIAT India for SWIFT, D Zire, in Maruti emphasis is on mileage. Performance, A/C, Comfort featues etc. are not given sufficient power from the engine. 1.3 MJD best value you get in Tata VISTA, best driving pleasure in heavy, good ground handling and road grip Punto and Linea.
FIAT Punto..Honda (Jazz) must learn lesson. Very honest pricing for this mini LINEA. Power, style, comfort, no match from competition at this price. (click link below)
http://www.carwale.com/research/comparecars/carcomparison.aspx?car1=1566&car2=1450&car3=1549&car4=1335
MILEAGE should not be a worry (compared to competition in Rs.4-6 Lakhs) as TORQUE comes at very low RPM. That is, Less load on engine. However, Network is still a concern. Tata must be more serious with FIAT. There should be exclusive Tata ouitlets for FIAT, Alfa, Jaguar, Land Rover, Maserati, later Cryseller can alsojoin the elite club.
The niche features like Service reminders (although service intervals are long, so its hassle free), BLUE & ME are first in segment, even cars with double the price do not have such features.
But this car has a very risky COST CUT. There is only 1 side Reverse Gear lamp,that too very low placed, not visible. GP tail lamp cluster is big enough for Reverse gear lamps on both sides. Hope FIAT India will see to this.
Overall Grand Punto will be grand killer in the segment, be it powerful 1.4 Petrol or tried and well accepted 1.3 MJD
Happy Driving
Saurabh KG @ 9211668878
