Team-BHP - 2014 Fiat Punto Evo : A Close Look

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rubbertramps (Post 3497651)

I bet the 29k difference is for the Maruti after sales experience!

Difference is more than 29k if we consider these things in Active variant:

* Central Door locking.
* Tachometer.
* Front Power Windows
* Turn indicator on OVRMs (never seen it on black OVRMs. :p )
* Follow me headlamps (programmable duration)
* Wheel caps
* Rear parcel Shelf
and more.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vik0728 (Post 3497650)

From the brochure, it is clear that the Punto 1.2 Active will not be having any sort of 'Basic' safety features such as Airbags & ABS. :eek:

Whats so surprising Vik0728? It didn't have them earlier too...Forget Active, the Dynamic 1.2 also doesn't get ABS/Airbags

Why Fiat, I don't think any base variant of any hatchback has got ABS and Airbags (till the new polo i.e.,)

Quote:

"Cars in India must have ABS & Airbags as standard by 2017".

If this does come into existance, it will be an amazing feat. clap: But what will then happen to such variants of the cars, which lack any sort of safety features ?

The rule if enforced, will only say that cars sold after 2017 should have these as standard. Its similar to the emission norms

Quote:

Originally Posted by mukeshgoel (Post 3497629)

I think "In car entertainment" gone from Active variant.

Punto Evo brochure for exact specifications.

Its a good thing that FIAT has got rid of the ICE in the base Active variant, as it unnecessarily bumped up the price. Also one didn't get USB and worst of all, missed out on Bluetooth.

I also bought the Active variant in 2011 when it came without a music system. I got a JVC music system (with Bluetooth) with JBL speakers installed for just Rs 12k and must say that Bluetooth is a must, even if one takes or makes calls occasionally while driving.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vid6639 (Post 3497564)

Look at the Polo Highline which is a 1.5L 90HP engine. Performance of that motor alone is better than the Punto 90HP sport leave alone the 75HP models.

So in effect if you compare the Sport 90 Punto to the higline Polo 90HP you will get a fair comparison.

Even the base model of diesel Polo with 90hp is miles ahead compared to any variant of the Punto :

2014 Fiat Punto Evo : A Close Look-swiftvspolo1.5vspuntoevo0100timing1.jpg

Source : Motorbeam

The 1.2 TDI was also better to drive compared to the diesel Punto. Don't forget, VW is amongst those few brands who publish engine figures at the wheels, not at the crank so 75 or 90 or 105 bhp of their's actually are much more compared to most other cars claiming similar power figures. TDI engines are rev friendly can go all the way till 5K mark without hesitation.

And at top of that, all variants of polo come with airbags in a tank like body shell.

So today's Polo is not a comparison here, thats into a different league altogether. Its the VW which has truly established itself as an enthusiasts brand in India.

What is interesting is that inspite of the increased kerb weight, the ARAI mileage figures have improved (except the 1.4 petrol emotion). This points to ECU tuning. But does this hint at Punto Evo being sluggish to drive, as compared to the previous version!?

Also FIAT is a rare manufacturer which doesn't follow the current trend of cars becoming lighter in each subsequent iteration.

2014 Fiat Punto Evo : A Close Look-evowtaraicomparo.jpg

2014 Fiat Punto Evo : A Close Look-evowtarai.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbppjpr (Post 3497726)

The 1.2 TDI was also better to drive compared to the diesel Punto. Don't forget, VW is amongst those few brands who publish engine figures at the wheels, not at the crank so 75 or 90 or 105 bhp of their's actually are much more compared to most other cars claiming similar power figures. TDI engines are rev friendly can go all the way till 5K mark without hesitation.

You are wrong here. The diesel punto is anyday better to drive than the 1.2L TDI polo. I own a 1.2 TDI Polo, a petrol Linea and have driven 1.3 MJD Punto too. The 1.2L TDI in the Polo is too noisy, unrefined and has even more turbo lag than the Punto. Also the power delivery is sudden (non linear) and doesn't last much either. Then there is the heavy clutch with vibrations too. The only good thing to speak about is the Polos gearbox. There is some good amount of vibrations when accelerating hard(very noisy too beyond 3k RPM). All these things actually make the driver tired on a long trip. And then there is the steering which is not as communicative/direct as that of a Punto(but good for city use) and just average brakes. Puntos brakes are a lot better than that of the Polo with more bite and feel. And then the Punto has better ride too. The new 1.5 TDI will be better than the 1.3MJD for sure. But the earlier 1.2 TDI was no good. Infact I love driving my underpowered Linea 1.4 more than my polo 1.2 TDI for the said reasons.:)

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbppjpr (Post 3497726)

Even the base model of diesel Polo with 90hp is miles ahead compared to any variant of the Punto :

Yes the base model Polo with dual airbags and 90Ps engine is definitely superior than the Punto, but the Punto base models are much more cheaper almost a lakh difference between the Polo Trendline and Punto Active Diesel.

Quote:

The 1.2TDI was only rev happy. Else it was a sub par engine and a royal pain to drive. Too much turbo lag, very poor city performance and atrocious NVH levels.

And, no VW is NOT the only brand that publishes engine figures at the wheels.
Every manufacturer publishes power figures at the crank including Maruti and Fiat. Nobody will publish engine output at the wheels.

Quote:

And at top of that, all variants of polo come with airbags in a tank like body shell.

So today's Polo is not a comparison here, thats into a different league altogether. Its the VW which has truly established itself as an enthusiasts brand in India.

Do you own a Polo? Let's keep such fanboy posts out. The Polo is not some new car. It's been on sale for 4 years now and the only thing is the new engine that too it's actually a despeced 1.6L engine.