Fiat Punto EVO: It has better ride quality than Swift, Polo

Premium hatchback segment is one of the most talked about segment today. As Maruti Swift, Volkswagen Polo and Hyundai i20 already in-line of getting facelift in this year, Fiat will not sit and watch as a silent spectator.

The Italian automaker is all prepared to launch the facelifted version of its sole hatchback in India, the Grande Punto.

Internet is flooded with leaked spy shots and the car has been spotted several times undergoing testing.

The new name ‘Punto EVO’ sounds sporty, isn't it? We have summed up this car in five crucial points for quick grasp. Have a look.

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Exteriors

As all the major automakers are focusing on design aspects, it’s now high time for Fiat to do some magic in this field.

The leaked images show that the front face of Punto is highly inspired from Fiat’s crossover concept car Avventura, showcased at the Auto Expo 2014.

The majority of the cosmetic changes comes at the front with inverted trapezoidal grille and new pair of swept back headlamps

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A lot of chrome has been used throughout the profile to impart a premium look yet retaining the sport nature.

The grille and the air dam are treated with honeycomb mesh.

Side profile has hardly any changes except a new set of dual-5-spoke silver alloy shoes, carrying the 15-16-inch radial depending, notice the segment-first 16-inch radials!

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Rear section gets major overhaul with new LED taillights, updated bumper with chrome accents and rear spoiler.

As there was new orange shade in the leaked images, expect some new colour options in the upcoming Punto.

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Interiors

Interiors will make you feel sitting in the 2014 Linea sedan. But as per the interior spy shots, the Punto EVO cabin features all-black with central console adorn in Piano Black finish and the brushed metal accents emphasis premiumness.

Ambient lightning introduced in Linea makes its way into the sibling hatch, a segment-first feature.

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The new hatch also sports leather wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake puller.

Other than this, expect all the luxuries like automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, follow-me-home headlamps, adaptive headlights and updated stereo system with Bluetooth/USB/Aux-In/CD playback.

Besides this, the new Punto EVO will perhaps become the second hatchback (next to Grand i10) in the country to offer rear AC vents.

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Powertrain

Under the hood, the power mechanics would remain the same with both petrol and diesel variants.

But recently there has been a lot of advancement in this field from other engine manufacturers like Tata’s newly developed Revotron 1.2L engine and Polo GT TSI's 1.2L turbo petrol engine.

Likewise, Fiat could also introduce 1.4L T-Jet turbocharged petrol engine which is currently doing duty in Linea.

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This engine yields power of 112bhp and max torque rated at 207Nm. Besides this, the traditional 1.4L and 1.2L will continue to give power to Punto.

On the other hand, diesel variant of Punto will sport the ongoing 1.3L Multi-jet which produces two different outputs; 75bhp and 197Nm of torque with fixed-geometry turbocharger and 92bhp and 207Nm of torque in association with variable geometry turbocharger.

The transmission system of all the variants retains the 5-speed manual.

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Safety

As more and more manufacturers are adding ABS and EBD as standard features in their cars, Fiat will also do the same with new Punto EVO.

Currently this feature is only available in top variants while there will be dual SRS airbags, FPS (Fire Prevention System), advance engine immobilizer, automatic door locks, 3-point ELR seat belts and some other features that will make this car an affirmative option to choose.

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Mileage & price

The current engine line-up gives standard average. Punto with 1.4L petrol engine with multi-point-fuel-injection technology delivers 14kmpl while the 1.2L engine gives a couple of kilometers more in mixed driving conditions.

The 1.4L T-Jet petrol engine could deliver around 16-17kmpl. The 1.3L diesel variant with DOHC technology and common rail injection system returns an excellent mileage of 20.3kmpl.

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Currently, Fiat Punto is available at a base price of Rs 506,000 and the top-end variant comes at Rs 775,000.

As other rivals are placing competitive price tag on their vehicles, we can’t expect drastic change in this section.

Also the sales of Punto have been steadily growing, so the Italian manufacturer will not jeopardize its current growth chart.

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