The first product of the Fiat – Tata alliance will be the Grand Punto, a premium hatchback which is expected to be launched in the second half of 2007 or in the beginning of 2008. Grande punto will compete with swift diesel, getz CRDi and indica DICOR by the time of its launch. Grande Punto alone saved fiat to go bankrupt and made itself the biggest success in European markets.
Will it do the same for Fiat India? Let’s see
Engine:
Punto may come here by the end of this year but its engine is already here! Punto 75bhp engine is already offered in swift by Maruti. GM, Suzuki and Fiat co-developed the engine. This engine may also feature what Tata’s call next generation indica or indica CRDi (common rail direct injection). This year will be of CRDi year since santro and getz CRDi by Hyundai and indica, sumo, indigo sedan and indigo marina DICOR (direct injection common rail diesel) by Tata will be launched this year. Punto’s 1.3l diesel engine comes in two variants with the one delivering 75bhp active and the other 90bhp dynamic. Performance and power always moves in different directions, if you want to enjoy the both you can opt for 90bhp punto. 90bhp punto is modified from the 75bhp with the VGT-variable geometry turbocharger (available in newly launched indigo DICOR) and refined combustion chamber. This provides the edge for the 90bhp amidst the increased power output it gives you better mileage or fuel efficiency. A carefully developed manual gear box not only gives you comfort and better torque at low speeds but also makes the gearbox more reliable. Fiat claims the mileage as 22.3kpl for 90bhp and 21.2kpl for 75bhp engine. At least we shall hope this engine and power train requires less maintenance, the area where Fiat India is poor.
Design and Comfort:
Exteriors:
Designed by the famous Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign, the Grande Punto is an attractive and spacious car. The Grande Punto uses the same suspensions (Independent McPherson with telescopic dampers and anti-roll bar at the front and Independent torsion axle and cross beam with telescopic hydraulic dampers at the rear) as the fourth generation Opel Corsa. Fourth generation Corsa may not be available in India since GM has announced it’s pulling the brand out of the country. Grand Punto, which is 4030mm long, is expected to be shortened by 30mm so that it can fit for the 16% excise duty. Since many customers never pop the bonnet and look for the practicality and the style. The car is styled to satisfy the both; Styling is driver centric from the visibility to airy environment, from dashboard design to instrument control. The model has faired vertical light clusters incorporated in the two rear pillars, where they are protected and visible. Fiat claims this arrangement serves two functions enhanced aerodynamics and a sporty look.
Interiors:
The punto is preceded with “Grande” to indicate its larger size. Fiat claim the interior represents the epitome of Italian style it means being able to get in and out of the car easily and comfortably, and once you are sitting down, it means being surrounded by an airy environment, enjoying its generous space and greater visibility.
As the name indicates the car is very spacious, in terms of space the car that can challenge punto will be Skoda Fabia which will be launched later this year. Fiat punto provides many possible adjustments for seats and steering. It is possible to raise the driver’s seat and adjust the height and reach of the steering wheel, roominess on the front seats is excellent and every driver will find a position that is ideal for him. Fiat claims comfort that the rear seats is almost independent of the adjustment of the front seats; It can accommodate a front passenger of 186 centimeters tall and a rear passenger of 182 cm tall simultaneously, providing both with a generous amount of space. The task is now with Fiat India to preserve the comfort and make the car fit for small car regulation. Punto offers an impressive luggage or boot space of 275 litres and body coloured interiors.
Safety and special features:
Brakes are ventilated discs in front with drums at rear; equipped with ABS and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) on the higher version. Further safety features include brake pedals that will break on impact, while the front seatbelts have pretensioners, load limiters and a fastened sensor. Another important safety feature is the passenger cannot get away with not fastening his belt — an insistent beep will sound until the seatbelt is fastened. I wish this feature must be offered in India as well. You can monitor your driver there is also a boy beep which you can preset it to a certain speed and if driver exceeds that speed, it beeps at you. Punto has been given maximum rating for passenger safety in Euro NCAP (European agency for safety testing). Fiat provides an extensive list for special features; armrest with storage bin, electric power steering (with a city mode, making the steering lighter for easier parking),air conditioning that can be varied for individual passengers,60:40 rear split seats, electric front windows (one touch up and down on driver’s side) and they work without the ignition switched on. On board computer for fuel range, current and average consumption, etc. These features are excellent but all depends on the price of the Indian version.[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.vicky.in/temp/punto.swf" width="450" height="400" wmode="transparent" /]
Price and service:
Punto 75bhp is priced at Rs6,80,000 and 90bhp at Rs 8,00,000 for the basic version in south Africa. For India the car is expected to be priced between 4.5 – 6lakhs to take on getz, swift and Fabia. Fiat has failed to find a niche market even with excellent products like palio, siena and adventure because of its poor servicing. It was designed to travel 250,000 km without any maintenance to the mechanical components. What is more, the oil change intervals have been extended from 20,000 to 30,000 km. In South Africa the car’s price includes a 5year/90000km service plan. Hope this will be offered in India as well.
Further launches:
Fiat India new cars may replace the blue backed badge by new logo in red. Fiat is likely to launch the new Palio that will incorporate a few exterior changes and could well also be offered with a new engine. New palio is estimated to be priced at Rs 400000. Fiat is also planning a premium saloon Linea which is as big and spacious as the Toyota Corolla. Linea is being developed on a modified Punto platform especially for emerging markets and India is likely to be a key production base for the saloon in the region. Fiat also plans to launch Ferrari, Maseratti and Alfa Romeo in india in coming years. Fiat and Microsoft automotive division collaborated and made a car infotainment system – first of its kind. The system, based on Mobile Windows, allows to make and receive calls and to listen to music. Thanks to the Bluetooth technology which makes the automobile communicates with the outer world through your personal devices like movable telephones and palms. This system will be in India when the fiat launches higher end models
Earlier Fiat and Tata had announced ambitious plans to manufacture cars and engines under a new 50:50 joint venture between the two companies. Fiat’s expertise in small cars helps the Tata in designing the 1lakh dream car. Fiat hopes the alliance with Tata will make a turnaround for it’s Indian subsidiary, we will wish the same
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Hi
Just wanted to know that am planning to buy Fiat Palio-NV.now in the light of the new model Grad punto to be launched somewhere after mid of 2007 shudi go ahead and purchase palio rite away or wait till the Grand punto is launched.
The reason being prices i guess r same as palio’s..
please suggest!!!!
Robin
Hi mittal,
Punto and Palio are great cars.The problem with Fiat india is their after sales support which is very poor.Fiat has now allied with Tata to improve the service. But i believe result of this alliance will only be felt when Fiat launch its next car. Hence wait till the punto launch and then pick either palio or punto
Hey Karthi
Punto would not be launced till 2008 and i am just confused now…what to do!!!
Am just confused that shud i wait for new palio to be launched or shud i go for current version and that too 1.6 would it be wise decision…………do u have any idea when the new version would be released from tata godowns and what could be there prices…please guide me and i would be gr8 full
Hi,
Palio 1.2 is still the best buy in case you are looking for the Fiat Palio.
Palio 1.6 has excellent performance but , 1.6 Palio drinks a lot of Petrol and can be felt on your pocket.
For the current Palio, the company is offering heavey discounts and would be a nice buy, but I would suggest to wait till the new look Palio, when it is launched.
Also Fiat is planning to launch Palio with 1.1 engine, that would give it an increase in fuel economy. It is still the best car in the small car market.
dear friends,
hold on ur breath fiat is launching new palio RST II stile in 1.1 & 1.6 on april 2nd .
so wait for that.
Fiat’s new Fiat Palio Stile comes with two petrol engine options: Palio Stile 1.1 (in three versions- SL, SLE, SLX) and Palio Stile 1.6 (Sport). The Palio Stile 1.1 is priced in the range of Rs 3.49 lakh to Rs.3.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), while the Palio Stile 1.6 is priced at Rs.4.31 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
On May 4, Fiat Auto SpA has launched the much-awaited C-segment car – the ‘Linea’ in Turkey. The C-segment ‘Linea’ will be available with (1.4 8v, 77 bhp and 1.3 Multijet 16v, 90 bhp with a variable geometry turbo) engine options. Both the engines are combined with five-speed mechanical transmissions; the 120 bhp 1.4 16v Turbo from the new T-Jet family may also be available.Linea is expected to be launched in India by 2008.
iam so much exited to see grande punto under my belt.can i get the phoograph of punto which isto be launceh in indian both interiors and exteriors.
I am about to buy a car in the price range of 4 – 4.5 lakhs. May extend upto 5 lakhs. I am confused between the Palio stile, UVA & Top end spark. The car will be used by my wife as I stay abroad. If someone can tell me how the after sales service of Fiat is after their tie up with TATA’s I dont have to think twice before buying a palio. Chevy UVA & Spark are much expensive for what they offer as it seems from the opinions in this forum. I do not want to buy Maruti’s anymore as I have had enough of them. Looking for a change. Can someone tell how the behaviour of older Palio’s has been & do they need servicing or repairs quite often?
Can any one tell, when is grande punto going to launch in India??? and what would be approx price of it.
I am presently confused between U-VA/Getz Prime/Swift, my prime requirement is mileage. can any one suggest me??
hi
I am planning to buy Palio 1.1SLX. Now I heard that Grande Punto is lauching by mid 2008. Bit confused whether to wait or go ahead with Palio Stile.
go for stile slx.its very beautiful and value for money car.
palio stile slx is best only.
only palio stile slx only…………!!!!!!!
drive PLIO 1.6SPORT BEFORE YOU CHOOSE ANY OTHER B PLUS SEGMENT CAR.IT IS REALLY CAR OF THE NEW GENERATION……..
hi !
i am currently using palio diesel….
and i am very proud to own this car….
since last 3 yrs i am driving and waiting for grande punto…
hope this car is launching soon in india…
have no other choice to buy car…since all the other brands cars r not trust worthy….so hoping to get over the wait for punto soon….
thanks
Hi
pls tellme when punto lounch in india i am witing for buying
please tell me when punto is launhing in india i am waiting
HI,
I have driven Uno, Now I am having Palio 1.2. Now I want to change the car as it is 7 year old. Even I am confused whether to go for aveo UVA/Getz/Palio 1.6 /fabia.Idrive alot and fuel efficiency and safety is my first critera. Ican go for CNG fitment. But can any suggest me what to do at the moment?Is any one of the above cars permitted to use CNG as alternative fuel or will there be an option to use CNG in the new launch Grnde punto? What is going to be the future of sales Service of fiat?Even after taking over by Tata it has not been improved?
Any idea what will be price of PUNTO ? Will it be any better than STILE ?
Hi ,
Need to know, when grande Punto will be available in India? also the expected prise range for the same?
Way too expensive for a fiat hatchback.
HI all
any idea abt when wil the new diesel palio wil roll out?
Yeah… I believe Fiat is a good Co. but that’s outside India in European markets, I bought the Palio its an excellent car but, believe me the after sale support was just horrible it made me cry when I got it to service it there no proper mechanics, no spare parts available, it prompted me sell off the car within a year with Tata’s support I hope they have a better after sale service network for new cars like Punto and Linea.
Hi guys,
sorry to change the topic, but is it worth waiting for theFiat Linea or should i just go for the SX4?
Hi Guys, there is not need to wait for the next car to be launched to feel the fate of FIAT in india. I have a Fiat Siena. Their cars are awesome, but getting service and parts was always the problem. The tie-up with Tata is one of worst and most foolish move a company like Fiat can make. The service is still pathetic and mechanics who work on crude cars like tata can never work on fine cars like fiat. They have no idea of what needs to be done. They dont have parts and just keep fooling around.
SO NO MATTER WHAT CAR COMES TO INDIA FIAT WILL STILL FAIL IN INDIA.
Sunil
hi friends i just want to know the price and launching date of fiat linia
@ Kiran the Punto will be coming after the Linea, around September as per what the news is going around.
@ Kiran the Punto will be coming after the Linea, around September as per what the news is going around.
Cheers
http://thecarsandmore.blogspot.com/
Hey……….any idea what month in 2008 will the Punto be launched in India as im planning to buy a premium hatchback in may be six months time………i have options like Swift and Getz but i think Punto beats them in every parameter……..can anyone comment?????
very good design, milage,price
I kept on waiting for this car, till now i do not know when its going to be launched.so i switched my mind to get a swift.
Tata Suck
As the information i have TATA was not allowing FIAT to bring Punto to India The were saying it will have to face completion from there partners only .
But for now as the information fiat is launching Linea first than punto in 2009 Feb…..
Hi,
I am planning to buy a good car. palio multijet , swift desire and indica xeta are my options which one of these is really good,only occasionly i may go out in the car. based on this tell which is a good car to buy.
both cars are very good and are unfairly discriminated against in india
visit the website wornoutyres.co.cc
The Grande Punto was to be launched during 2007, but still no sign of it till Mid 2008. It seems Fiat are not confident in themselves as the Co. had faced failures earlier in India.
when fiat will laucnh punto or grand punto in india.. plz let me kmow..as i am planning to purchase a new car.
Hi,
i am using Fiat Uno-1999 model and i am very happy.but spare parts is very difficult to find the original. so let me know the right place to buy the oroginel parts. thanks.
I have Fiat Palio Multijet.The only word,I want to say that……….I Love u Fiat
well to only to fiat company officials
just to say y the hell u always wait others to come first before u ,`if u are officlaily prepared to launch fiat punto and linea then y the hell are u not lauching it ,just for the simple reason that others are launching too their vehicles in india , in india currently 2 options are available in diesel that is getz and swift ,launch ur punto and capture the market with ur name and fame because till today ur company is not reliable and u dont have any name in indian automobile industry so y the hell are u wasting your time
go for it
u r company is `just for nothing u always make mistakes and others conquers u
when punto&liena will be launched.expected price &engine capicty
Hey guys & gals,
Drive a Palio Sport 1.6; You have to drive it to be convinced of the performance. A wee bit thirsty, at 10kmpl. with A/C on in stop & go traffic. But feel the vroom……… to believe it.
sssss
I am European with an older Punto. Because I am trading up I searched for Punto review and found your site. I hope that the Punto is successful in India! aybe next time I visit India I can hire a Punto! Lovely car at a great price
When is it launcing?
Alrite there
i jus wanna know when will the fiat’s grande punto will launch in India, i love that car. Fancy to buy one. And will there be a Sports Model as Well Of this car. regards phil.
“Fiat claims the mileage as 22.3kpl for 90bhp and 21.2kpl for 75bhp engine. ”
Howcome a 90bhp gives a better mileage ?
i drove palio 1.2elx for 6 years and 70,000 km.yes the expirence was grt.i sold it 8 mnts back because i didnt wanted to pay on maintainance.i drive a honda now,but after driving this italian make,all other indian cars are like modes of transport without any thrills.its really upsetting that we are given such a limited choice by fiat.when can we own a grand punto or idea.
i am also wait for lauch of fait Puntoi in india
kindly tell when is it launching i am also interested to buy one
Gande Punto will be launched in June. It may be launched on june 17th.
Grande Punto is going to shake the B segment…. nice review and photos here…. check this out…..
http://autos.maxabout.com/cvid0000351/fiat-grande-punto-petrol.aspx
Punto gonna be a real wroom .I am sure its going to finish off unstable and unsafe over priced cars like Ritz, swift,Jazz for sure.
Hope Tataservice will change the mind set and give a better
ambiance for the buyer.
My brother owns Plaio multijet and uncle owns swift.Palio multijet
gives better road grip and mileage and safe driving .However
swift is little fast in first gear but loses thrust above 60 mainly due to faulty injector nozzles ,Swift lacks room waste of big outer body shape.,lousy suspension and rear side window.
But good after sales service (Parts keep getting changed for better turnover )
I hope Punto will change this rule.
Hi Experts,
I am planning to book PUNTO diesel basic model.
Can u pls share both plus and minus of buying punto.
any suggestions.
guru
Punto seem to have conquered the multijet bandwagon.Suzuki inspite of shamelessly using Fiat JTD engine drwaings which they got after break up with GM-suzuki alliance under table dealing have made them get the tech.Surprising why Fiat not taking them to court for copying the techs of original JTD(Multijet).
Any way Swift sales are down buyer is moving over to Ritz
A star seem to be not in production due to faults reported in K-series engine.Suzuki engineers are working how to solve the problems related to over heat and bad vibes.
But Ritz body roll is quite dangerous as qualis
Hi,
I am planning to buy punto emotion 1.2. Well the company claims that he car can give 15 KMPL in city and 17 KMPL on highway. I it really true or is it just a gimmick to sell a car.
HI I AM ABHISHEK AN ARCHITECT WITH PROFESSION
AND I AM CONFUSED BETWEEN
FAIT PUNTO AND SWIFT
PETROL OR DEISEL VERSION
PLEASE HELP ME IN THAT BECAUSE I AM GOING TO DO PURCHASE WITH IN 10 DAYS
I bought a punto 1.2 petrol around a month back. As far as I am concerned – I am extreamly happy with my decision to go with punto.
I am getting 12 kmpl in city and got 16.5 kmpl on my last highway trip, with full ac. I am sure the figures should improve from here.
i want to buy a car ,,which is better to buy , wheather to buy alto , or swift , or another , u can tell me
I am intrested in buying a Punto, but am confused which one to go in for as I don’t have any idea about the performance of these cars. Can you pl advice me as regards performance of Punto diesel. Also what would be the mileage of Punto 1.2 and 1.4 in the city. There is a lot of difference in price of 1.2 and 1.4. Also I feel 1.2 is the same old technology that was used in Palio and with a 1.2 litre engine , punto would be highly under powered.
The Punto diesel is a great car. Mileage
in the city is 18 on my car, and 21 on
long drives, both with the ac on. The car’s
got amazing stability, though slightly
underpowered.
Hi,
I want to buy car confused between Fiat Punto and Swift, can you pls suggest.
Regards,
Nikhil.
test drove RITZ petrol version. The control around corners is really good. Driving comfort is good. The best part is it is not sluggish when run with AC. Many times t feels like the engine is not running. Good car to buying..
Go for Ritz,without a second thought! I am owning it for the last 2 month back,and believe me its gem of a car and one of the best offerings from Maruti Suzuki! Superb engine refinement,with excellent drivability both in city traffic and on highway,its an experience to drive this car.Interior quality and space is also quite good.
I have purchased a Fiat Grande Emotion Pack on dated 16/04/2010 from ABS mercantiles pvt. Ltd, Gurgaon, firstly the buying experience was very bad, they called us at 6:30pm to deliver the vehicle and it was delivered at 8:45pm. I along with my family had to wait there for more than 2hrs.
But misery starts after that, exactly after car’s A.C. stopped functioning and we were asked to bring vehicle to service centre and they repaired it and again after 6-7 days A.C. stopped and they kept vehicle there for 2 days to repair. A new vehicle repeatedly giving trouble and dealer was also very unserious about delivery timing.
Again on 1st service dealer service centre, but black paint spots on the whole car and sent the car. After repeated reminder and requests for 8 days they told us this is paint from nearby car which was being painted for antirust and again they picked up vehicle and half of the paint was removed still spots are their.
Even paint of the car is coming out from many places near door handles, bonnet etc. Today on 2nd July Car’s central locking started giving trouble out of the four doors only three are getting locked, 4th remains open even after locking. Now after calling at the service centre they are saying bring it to the service centre.
My name : Anil Kumar Wadhwa
H.No. 2058, Sec-4, Gurgaon
Mob : 9899600402
9811214268
Car Reg. No. HR 26 BC 2072
Anil I really regret for the inconvenience caused to you because of on the TATA dealer.
You can directly write to FIAT itself instead to approaching to the TATA dealers again and again, and since its not there product so they don’t bother much once the product has been sold there responsibility ends there.
As it comes to the problems you are facing I am 100% sure that they have sold u an 2nd Hand/Used cars and this is more likely sured if the have provided you RC by themselves.
This shouldn’t be much surprising as you know the type of gambles happen in Delhi, NCR and gurgaon areas.
Hi!!
I want to buy a Fiat Punto but have heard that the spares are not easily available & when available are more expensive than Hyundai.
Is this true & how much more expensive are they than Hyundai?