Fiat India, which is the fully owned subsidiary of the Italian automaker is apparently going to officially roll out the 2014 version of its premium hatchback Punto very soon. This latest hatchback is re-branded as Fiat Punto EVO and it continues to be available with the same two petrol and one diesel engine option for the buyers to choose from. It is available in three trim levels like Active, Dynamic and Emotion, which will help the customers to select the trim suitable for their needs and requirements. All the diesel variants will be equipped with a 1.3-litre Multijet engine, which is capable of producing 75bhp of peak power and 197Nm of maximum torque. However, its top end variant is equipped with a slightly tuned engine, which belts out 92bhp of power and about 209Nm of peak torque. On the other hand, the Emotion petrol variant is equipped with a 1.4-litre Fire engine, while the base and mid range trims carries a 1.2-litre Fire petrol mill under the hood. This 2014 version of Punto is all about cosmetic updates in terms of both exteriors and interiors. Although, it has the same body structure like its outgoing model, it is bestowed with several new set of cosmetics, which gives it a next-generation appeal. To start with its exteriors, major update has been given to its front facade in the form of a new radiator grille, headlamps and bumper. Its side profile remains mostly identical to be outgoing model, but its wheel arches are now fitted with a set of diamond cut alloy wheels. Its rear profile received minor tweaks in the form of updated bumper and improved taillight cluster. All these cosmetic changes have certainly brought a distinct new look to the vehicle. Coming to the interiors, this facelifted version gets completely refined interiors, which resembles the design of Linea sedan. At the same time, this hatchback gets a newly design seats, which are quite wide and have been integrated with head restraints. Coming to the comfort aspects, the company has retained all the features from the outgoing version. It has aspects like a hydraulic power assisted steering, a heating, ventilation and AC unit, follow me home headlamps and front power windows.
On the other hand, it is integrated with important safety aspects like an engine immobilizer, fire prevention system and automatic door locks. Its top end variant is also incorporated with front airbags featuring early crash sensors and 3-point seat belts. The braking mechanism as well as the suspension system are quite proficient and keeps the vehicle stable and well balanced on any road condition, which adds to the safety standards as well. This latest version will lock horns with the likes of Hyundai i20, Volkswagen Polo, Maruti Suzuki Swift and upcoming Tata Bolt in the most competitive hatchback segment. On the other hand, Fiat India is offering this premium hatch with a standard 3 year or 100,000 kilometers warranty, whichever is earlier. This can be further extended at an additional cost, which is quite good for the buyers.
Exteriors
The refurbished version has a spectacular external appearance featuring distinct exterior features. The car maker has revamped both the front and rear profiles, while making minor tweaks to the side facet. To begin with the front, it comes with a modified headlight cluster with a swept-back design, which is equipped with powerful halogen lamps and turn indicators. Its radiator grille gets slightly bigger and comes with a refreshing new design with chrome surround. The bonnet too gets a slight modification with four expressive lines, and is accompanied by windscreen washer. Its front bumper gets a major overhaul, as it now has a wider air intake section along with a pair of refined fog lamp consoles. The overall look of the front is complimented by the stylish company's badge, which is now placed above the radiator grille. Its rear profile has a same structure like its earlier version but the updated bumper and taillight cluster gives it a refined look. The rear bumper is in body color and is affixed with a pair of brake lights. It is further designed with expressive chrome strips, that makes it look distinct. The taillight cluster has been placed on the C pillar, which is now powered by LED lights. The windscreen is quite small and is incorporated with a defroster along with a wiper. Furthermore, there is a spoiler fitted above the windshield that houses third brake lights. Its side profile remains mostly identical to the earlier version, but its wheel arches have been fitted with a set of stylish diamond cut alloy wheels. However, its entry level variants might get conventional steel wheels including full wheel covers. Its top end version is also expected with trendy aspects like chrome door handles, body colored ORVMs and black B pillars.
![Fiat Punto EVO Interior]( "Fiat Punto EVO Interior")
Interiors
Interior Comfort:
This latest version of Punto Evo comes in three trim levels, which are Active, Dynamic and Emotion. According to the details, its entry level trim comes with aspects like a manually regulated air conditioning system along with a foot level AC vent for rear passengers, which helps in cooling the cabin in quickly. It also has standard features like tilt adjustable power steering, clutch foot rest, follow-me-home headlamps and front power windows with delay and auto down function. This trim is also equipped with aspects like a 12V power socket, digital clock, programmable speed limit buzzer, real time mileage indicator, seat belt warning light, and regulation of instrument panel light. In addition to these, the Dynamic trim has aspects like desmodronic foldable key, outside temperature display, electrically adjustable external mirrors, driver's seat height adjustment and rear power windows. On the other hand, its top end Emotion trim has features like a fully automatic AC unit, rear defogger, ambient lighting on dashboard and a leather wrapped multi-functional steering wheel.
Interior Measurements:
As said above, this hatchback has a huge cabin space with excellent leg and shoulder space. However, its head space is just decent as its overall height is about 1495mm.
Acceleration & Pick-Up
To start with the petrol version, Active and Dynamic variants are expected to come with a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder engine that is mated with a 5-speed manual gearbox. It helps the vehicle to achieve a top speed of approximately 145 Kmph, while breaching the 100 Kmph mark in 14.5 seconds. The petrol Emotion trim would be coming with a 1368cc FIRE engine that allows the vehicle to zoom towards a top speed in the range of 150 to 155 Kmph. At the same time, it allows the vehicle to breach a 100 Kmph speed barrier in about 13 to 14 seconds. Its 1248cc diesel mill has 4-cylinders and is mated with a five speed manual gearbox. Its Active and Dynamic variants can break the 100 Kmph speed mark from a standstill in 13.6 seconds and can reach a top speed of approximately 165 Kmph. While the top end Emotion trim is blessed with a slightly powerful engine that can accelerate from 0 to 100 Kmph in just 12 seconds and can achieve a top speed of about 170 Kmph.
Engine and Performance
The diesel versions are going to be powered by a 1.3-litre Multijet engine that has a common rail fuel injection system. It is based on a double overhead camshaft valve configuration with 4-cylinders and 16-valves that displaces 1248cc. It can produce a maximum power of 75bhp at 4000rpm and results in a peak torque of 197Nm at just 1750rpm. The diesel Emotion trim carries the same engine, but it can belt out a commanding power of 92bhp at 4000rpm along with a mammoth torque of 209Nm at 2000rpm. The Active and Dynamic petrol versions are speculated to be powered by a 1.2-litre FIRE engine that comes equipped with an SOHC valve configuration. It comprises of 4-cylinders and 8-valves that displaces 1172cc. It is integrated with a multi point fuel injection system, which allows it to pump out 67bhp at 6000rpm along with a superior torque of 96Nm at 2500rpm. While the top end petrol trim is equipped with a 1.4-litre FIRE engine that has a displacement capacity of 1368cc. It has 4-cylinders each of which have four valves and is based on a DOHC valve configuration. It can produce a maximum power of 88.7bhp at 6000rpm that helps in generating a commanding torque output of 115Nm at 4500rpm. All these engines have been mated with a five speed manual gear box that delivers torque to the front wheels.
![Fiat Punto EVO Mileage]( "Fiat Punto EVO Mileage")
Mileage
This Fiat Punto EVO is going to come with two petrol and one diesel engine options. Its base and mid range petrol variants will be powered by a 1.2-litre engine that is incorporated with a multi-point fuel injection system. It can deliver a mileage in the range of 12.3 to 15.7 Kmpl, which is quite good. The top end petrol version sports a powerful 1.4-litre FIRE engine. It can deliver a minimum mileage of 11.3 Kmpl in city traffic, while producing a maximum of 15 Kmpl on highways. The entry and mid range diesel variants are speculated to be powered by a 1.3-litre Multijet engine that is incorporated with common rail injection system. It can produce a maximum mileage of 20.3 Kmpl (on express ways), while giving away 17.1 Kmpl (under standard driving conditions). While the top end diesel version is expected to come with a slightly powerful 1248cc engine that produces a mileage in the range of 17.5 to 20.5 Kmpl, which is somewhat good.
Power of Fiat Punto EVO
As said above, this refurbished version of Punto EVO is going to come with three engine options for the buyers to choose from. The diesel variants will be fitted with a 1.3-litre Multijet engine that has four cylinders and is based on DOHC valve configuration. This mill can belt out a peak power of 75bhp along with a commanding torque of 197Nm. The high end diesel variant will sport a powerful 1248cc engine that unleashes 92bhp of commanding power and 209Nm of hammering torque. There will be two petrol engine options 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre FIRE. Its 1172cc motor is based on SOHC valve configuration that can pump out 67bhp of maximum power and 96Nm of superior torque. While the 1368cc FIRE engine comes with dual overhead camshaft valve configuration that develops a mammoth power of 88.7bhp and yields 115Nm of torque.
Braking & Handling
This vehicle is expected to come with conventional front discs and rear drum brakes, which are highly reliable. Here, the mid and top end variants are rumored to have an anti lock braking system along and electronic brake force distribution, which will further reinforce the braking mechanism. As far as its suspension is concerned, the company might retain the same independent wheel McPherson strut for front axle and torsion beam to the rear axle. It will be further assisted by helical springs and double acting telescopic dampers and stabilizer bars. On the other hand, it might also be incorporated by a hydraulic power assisted steering system, which helps in providing an effortless driving experience.
Safety & Security
This upcoming Fiat Punto EVO is expected to get the same safety aspects like those in its predecessor. As per the details, its entry level trim will get aspects like automatic door lock, fire prevention system, automatic door lock, engine immobilizer with rolling code and door open indicator. In addition to these, the mid range variant is expected to get, height adjustable driver's seat and ABS with EBD as standard. On the other hand, the top end variant is said to have sophisticated aspects like 3-point ELR seat belts with load limiter and pre-tensioner, front air bags with early crash sensors, front fog lamps and passenger airbag deactivation.
Wheels
Both the entry and mid range variants are expected to come with a set of 14-inch steel wheels including full wheel covers. These rims will be covered with a set of tubeless radial tyres of size 165/80 R14. On the other hand, its top end Emotion trim is speculated to come with a stylish 15-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, which could be covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres of size 195/60 R15.
Pros
1. Leg and shoulder space inside is impressive.
2. High ground clearance helps to deal with uneven roads.
3. Petrol engine performance and acceleration is good.
4. External appearance is quite attractive.
5. Improved interior design adds to its advantage.
Cons
1. Front windscreen view is quite cramped and visibility is rather less.
2. There is no reverse parking assistance like camera, alarms or sensors.
3. Fuel economy is below par when compared with other competitors.
4. Lack of automatic transmission is disappointing.
5. No updates have been given to both its engines.
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