Opening
Fiat Grand Punto 2007
The first car from Tata-Fiat Alliance is all set to roll out on Indian roads in 2007. The car has been reported to be premium B- segment hatch back model in the small car segment. The new model comes in diesel model with 1.9 multi-jets giving more than satisfactory performance. It is being manufactured by Tata-General Motors-Fiat alliance engine plant. Engines in all Fiat models have been known for being mechanically robust. Fiat has also been known to keep on improving the quality of their automobiles and remove the niggling faults in each model.
Driving & Performance
Fiat Punto has always been known for the city rides. This new model is very well accompanied by a 'city' button that lets you drive with safety and precision on A-roads and B-roads with equal ease and comfort. It is well designed to give you stiffer and wider stance than its older versions. You can be quite comfortable despite its increased size. The gear changes are smooth and slick with brakes giving you good feedback and a relaxed feeling.
Comfort
The complete design has been such that it gives quite roomy feeling for four people. Although the front seats are designed for six foot people however, taller ones may experience cramped feeling sitting in the rear. The new model has been given more options to be more practical. The boot size is 275 liters due to rear seats but can be easily folded to make it up to 1000 liters. You can even choose to buy a boot organizer for better storage areas. The back seat can be folded up to so that the back areas can act as storage box and you can put your valuables in the back seat. Interiors are definitely more up-market and the hard plastic moldings are quite attractive as well.
Safety & Reliability
Safety features in the new Fiat Punto get five star ratings quite easily. It also carries pedestrian safety features in its new model that can be attributed thee- star ratings. The more powerful models come with electronic stability program that are quite standard. It also has child protection element that is capable of analyzing the performance of the recommended child seat. It also carries the safety feature for left-hand drive cars to reduce the risk of knee injuries to the car driver. Seat belts come with a new unique feature of instant beep system. The beep shall sound insistently until the passenger fastens his seat belt. You can even put a check on driver's speed limit. A boy beep shall sound as soon as the drover touches the maximum speed limit.
The Power Machine
Fiat Punto 2007 also comes out with all other regular features like electric front windows, remote central locking, driver and passenger airbags, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver's seat, 'follow-me-home' headlamps, ABS with electronic brake force distribution, CD/radio, steering wheel audio controls, electric door mirrors, etc. You can also opt for MP3 player, leather covered steering wheel, heated door mirrors and 15-inch alloy wheels. You can opt for additional features depending upon the price of the Indian version.
