The Irish motorist has fallen out of love with Fiat, but could the flame re-ignite with the new Punto? ‘Grande’ by name, grand by nature, the new Fiat Grande Punto is bigger than ever, but is it any good?
This year 185,000 new cars will be registered in Ireland. The supermini ‘B’ sector will account for 18% of that market so there is no denying that this is a very important car for the Italian brand. Designed in Italy by Giugiaro, it is a handsome machine that features the new Fiat corporate front-end look.
The exterior is the first in class to measure over four metres in length; only Renault’s Clio has a longer wheelbase (the distance between front and rear wheels). Head on the Grande Punto looks super and quite posh, but move to the side and you’ll see a massive front overhang. Thankfully the corners have been angled off, lessening the effect slightly. The side view is strong while the rear looks chunky and fresh. The body not only looks tough but delivered top marks at Euro NCAP with five stars.
Inside the base model is full of plastic similar to the outgoing car. It is not only uninspiring, but also positively dated compared to Suzuki’s Swift or Toyota’s Yaris. The main dials are small and could be easier to read. The other controls are pretty much where you would expect them. The steering wheel is a gorgeous shape to grip and leather covered on some higher trimmed models. It is a real joy to use. There are four trim levels: Active, Dynamic, Emotion and Sporting. Prices range from €14,795-€20,395, while the ‘price walk’ between 3 or 5-door versions is just €500.
On the go the Grande Punto is comfortable. The entry level 8-valve 1.2-litre petrol version (only €150 cheaper than the equivalent 1.4) is nippy, with 65bhp on tap. As ever the ‘city’ mode power steering button makes low speed maneuvering effortless.
The 1.4 (8-valve) petrol version may be more powerful, but through the gears it lacks refinement (until fifth), not to mention poke, which is surprising for a modern 1.4. So stick to the 1.2 and you can’t go wrong. The real diamond in Fiat’s armoury is the ‘Multijet’ 1.3-diesel. This blows the competition out of the water in every respect and turns the Grande Punto into a super frugal performance car.
Fiat is rebuilding its market share at the moment following a “dreadful year” in 2005. Fiat Ireland openly admits it “lost the plot in 2005 and maybe 2004”. Despite losing a number of high profile dealers FIAT says it has now turned the corner and the coming years ideally should see its dealer network grow from 25 to 30 or 31. Fiat offers a very impressive warranty that covers the car for four years or 100,000 kilometers; in addition there is free AA cover for four years.
The Grande Punto is good but fails to impress as much as the 2006 Semperit Irish Car of the Year the Suzuki Swift, Renault’s Clio (2006 European Car of the Year) or the new Toyota Yaris, which is more refined and flexible inside.
60,000 Puntos have been sold in Ireland since its launch in 1993. Punto was Ireland’s biggest seller from 1998-2000 but the new improved car faces superb competition, which is good news for motorists.
Michael Sheridan
