Review: The New Fiat Grand Punto Evo

The New Punto EVo 2014, India

Introduction

Few days ago just when Honda just launched their MPV called Mobilio, there is an upcoming competitor which is going to be strong contender in league of i20, Ritz, Brio and Swift. Its called EVO from Fiat which is a redesigned Punto Grande. The  look are fresh & cutting edge. In last couple of years, the car did receive some facelifts but overall the car just looked the same when it was launched initially from design perspective and hence it  was one of the key reason for its poor sales. As wise men say, learn from your own mistakes, Fiat India has redesigned a new Punto  christened as the Evo.

Getting to know about Fiat Punto Evo 2014
One of the most visible change of the care is its exterior. The classic Italian front of the older Punto has now been changed to a modern avatar. Fiat engineers redesigned the headlamps and bumper and many other aspects – like the bonnet is blessed with a bulge neatly detailed with two prominent lines running down to the Fiat logo placed on the upper part of the front bumper, the bumper as before integrates the front grille but is much larger now and is chrome outlined and split. 

The rear view of EVO

Design & Specifications
Evo comes with headlamps in an all-new design and are much larger too because of the extensions on the sides. The regular variants get chrome detailing inside the headlamp. The new front end gets a rigorous update and Chrome surrounds around the rear fog lamps and reflector look loud & also surrounds around the rear fog lamps while the reflector grabs attention.

The steering wheel of EVO

Its only when somebody peeps into its interior would recognize the fact thats its Punto facelift. The USP are the new-design alloy wheels.The Emotion variant gets an Abarth style diamond cut alloy wheel that contrasts well with a lighter shade like red or white on the Punto. The more powerful Punto 90 receives a little less shade rim and a different design but is larger (16-inch). The door handles are chrome coated. The rear end is almost the same as before but now gets a new bumper that also features chrome surrounds like in the front for the fog lamps and reflectors. The LED tail lamps are the same as the ones seen in the international Punto. The wheel however is the same

Dashboard is all new and goes well with the new styling, finish has improved too. Step inside and one is welcomed by an all-new dashboard, similar to the one seen in the new Linea. All the Puntos (with the exception of the Punto 90) receive a dual-tone interior (black/beige) and a matching fabric wrap for the centre part of the dashboard. The centre console is finished in piano black, it gives premium feel. To go with the sport theme, the 90 receives an all-black interior. Rest all other features are similar to the outgoing car. Quality of materials has improved in the dashboard area but there are a few sections like the steering wheel housing between the wheel and dashboard that are either not finished or don’t fit well.

The Dashboard of EVO

More about engine
Evo is powered with  1.3-Multijet which comes in 4 variants. All four engine options (1.2-litre petrol, 1.4-litre petrol, 1.3-litre 76PS diesel and 93PS) have been carried over . It would have been nice if Fiat could have updated the gearbox with the smoother shifting . Also the car isn’t as smooth or fast as its rivals despite producing 93PS.However the ride and handling is quite appealing. The car will be available in three trim levels as before and offers similar features too. Two new shades will also be available, the shade seen here and  Glitterati Gold is one of them. Prices are expected to be slightly higher than the existing Punto, the car is slotted to be launched in next two days.

The multijet engine of EVO

 
Cheat-sheet & General observations

The new Punto EVO seems to be a trend-setter. We would have anticipated more changes in the interiors however we were little disappointed. Though the car is overall a good investment and its critical success will lie on the price factor. We too are eagerly waiting for 5th Aug when we shall see this new car launch.

Engine	Engine capacity	1,368 cc
	Engine type	4-cylinders Transverse Forward
	Compression ratio	11.0 : 1
	Bore x Stroke	72.0 x 84.0
	Power (HP)	77 (at 6000 rpm)
	Torque (Nm)	115 (at 3250 rpm)
Performance	Acceleration	13.2s (0-100kmh)
	Top Speed	165kmh
	Fuel consumption	-
Misc Technical Data	Transmission	5-speed
	Drive type	FWD
Measurements	Dimensions (L x W x H)	(4065 x 1687 x 1490)mm
	Wheelbase	2,510mm
	Min turning radius	-
	Kerb weight (kg)	1025 (3-Door), 1040 (5-Door)
	Fuel tank capacity	45L
Brakes	Brakes (Front)	Ventilated disc
	Brakes (Rear)	Disc
Suspension	Suspension (Front)	Independent, McPherson, telescopic shock absorbers, stabiliser bar
	Suspension (Rear)	Interconnected wheels with torsion beam, telescopic shock absorbers

Variant-wise prices of 2014 Fiat Punto Evo (Prices are ex-showroom, Delhi)

Petrol variants

Evo Active 1.2 - 4.55 lakh

Evo Dynamic 1.2 - 5.12 lakh

Evo Emotion 1.4 - 6.65 lakh

Diesel variants

Active Diesel - Rs. 5.27 lakh

Dynamic Diesel - Rs. 6.21 lakh

Emotion Diesel - Rs. 6.83 lakh

Sport 90HP diesel - Rs. 7.20 lakh