Fiat India launched the Grande Punto Sports 90 HP variant on May 18, 2012 to a resounding applause at its newly opened Fiat Caffe located at Koregaon Park, Pune, Maharashtra. This limited edition version of this highly acclaimed hatchback has been priced at Rs. 7.36 lacs (Ex-showroom Delhi). The manufacturer will be hoping that the introduction of this car will stimulate the sales of the model in the country.
Under the hood, the new version of the Grande Punto runs on the tried and tested 1.3 L Multi-jet diesel motor with Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) configuration. This engine delivers maximum power of 90 hp at 4000 rpm and can generate torque up to 209 Nm at 2000 rpm, thus making Punto the most powerful premium hatchback in India. It will be assisted by a five speed manual transmission system that ensures smooth gearshifts. Excellent fuel efficiency remains one of the defining characteristics of this model as it provides mileage of 20.5 kmpl.
The sporty nature of the car, which is offered by the Italian car maker in Exotica Red, Bossa Nova White and Hip Hop Black colours, is largely centred on its interiors and exteriors. Attractive dual colour styling and sporty stripes, Outside Rear View Mirrors (ORVMs) in decal colours and chrome tipped exhaust pipes and chrome door handles add to the looks of the limited edition Punto. Sporty metallic pedals and decals, premium grade red coloured stitching on the seats, 'Punto' branded door sil are some of the cosmetic additions made by Fiat in the car.
Inside the cabin, the Grande Punto Sports 90 HP has Blue&Me technology, a unique voice command activation system that is connected to the steering wheel. It can be used to regulate the functioning of the media player, to answer phone calls and to read aloud messages received on mobile phones. Besides the new Follow Me Home headlamps, another new addition to the vehicle is the MyCar technology, a digital information display panel. Along with these, the car also consists of digital odometer, external temperature indicator, trip activation analytics, and automatic door lock speed setting. Buyers can also look forward to real-time mileage indicator, service schedule reminder, front passenger airbag deactivation, programmable speed limit buzzer while ordering this car.
Other notable attributes of the sporty version of the Grande Punto hatchback include leather wrapped steering wheel as well as gearshift knob and speed sensitive volume adjuster for audio player. Along with these, the car comes with integrated CD-MP3-FM player with 4 speakers, steering mounted audio and Blue&Me controls and a powerful automatic air conditioner. Power windows with delay and auto down features, height adjustable driver seat and electrically controlled ORVMs have also been assimilated in the sporty model.
In terms of the safety package, the model is equipped with Antilock braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), dual stage front airbags with Early Crash Sensors and fire prevention system. Apart from these, the vehicle also has anti-theft engine immobiliser with rolling code, remote keyless entry and digital door open indicator with specific door notification. Active safety features like crumple zones, collapsible steering column, high tensile steel body and passive safety features like 3-point ELR seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, adjustable rear headrests and seatbelts for all passengers seated in the second row are present in the car.
