Hello all !
Since this is an "Official Review" thread, although the topic has swayed into another territory now
, still I think this would be a good platform to share my experience as a lot of people will invariably refer to this thread, for info on the Abarth Punto. Having said that I leave it on the moderators to decide and put my post in other threads, as need may be.
Coming to the point, a year ago when I was ready to get my first car, I was literally day dreaming of this car, but was repelled due to the poor after sales service history of the company. Finally I settled for the figo 1.5 TDCi, and I am having much fun. A couple of days back when I received a call with a man on the other end claiming to be calling from Fiat, I thought its just another customary call to lure in buyers. I told him clearly how I have settled for a figo and will not in any way buy another car, as of now. But to my amazement this guy was hell bent just to come over to the showroom and give the cars a twist. Apparently they have come up with a new showroom by the name CELICA AUTOMOBILES. Upon further digging what I found out was that Fiat, apparently, has realized their mistakes
and are taking desperate measures to bring up their sore image of not providing adequate aftersales. Something Ford has come back on and how! I struck the iron and asked if he could arrange for the Abarth Punto.
A week later I was there.
Abarth Punto was also there.
So without further ado, I took the car out for a spin.
And quite a spin it was !
I will be very precise and to the point here with my impressions.
1) Build - Superb. There are no two ways about it. The fit and finish of every thing in that car was just amazing. the attention to detail, the quality of rubber, foam, plastic, leather, the doors, the seats, nothing in there could have asked of anything more.
2) Ride - Amazing. its just amazing how quick the car picks up pace. The low end torque on that thing is unbelievable. You can go to higher revs if your heart desires so but how smoothly the engine can handle itself at low, very low, rpms is just amazing. Power delivery is instant and the suspension set up is so mature that one cannot make out what speeds you are doing. Plus the wider tyres are icing on the cake. The chassis holds its composure honestly, and without any drama.
3) Gear shift and braking - As expected, beautiful. gears are slotted right, slick. brakes are carefully calibrated to not be catchy, inspite of having all discs, and ABS, the weight to the brake pedal is just right. Something the figo misses out on (ABS ones are devoid of feel)
Now everything seems fine right? Now I dare venture into the 'not so good' territory. If you are intricate and fussy about your driving, the following only one major thing will bug you.
Seating position - Now how did this happen the way you sit will just not encourage you to drive the car like it should be driven. Even if the car is lower than the standard Punto, you are not close to the ground and infact raised. the steering is ..well..odd (did any one else feel this, or its just me?) . I mean its great, it is stiff, sporty, accurate, but it seems to be looking somewhere else, talking with someone else ! It should be on your lap, ready to be cuddled. Coming to the next thing, its the clutch, seems to be travelling forever ! why pray?
Only if Fiat could have got the seating position right, one would have kept money for speeding tickets everytime he/she closed the doors on this thing.
Nevertheless, a fantastic machine, a disciplined monster, for someone who would want a perfect blend of luxury, sophistication as well as weekends full of tyre burning fun. But for outright hardcore speedsters, I think,that one should look somewhere else.
On a closing note, I would request people to think again if they had, just like me, turned away from Fiat for their after sales horror. Seems they are quite serious now regarding this. I even have an invitation waiting to visit their new workshop so that I '
can see for myself' how the story is changing.
N.B The drawbacks are way way too minor and are completely my personal opinion. I am sure experts as well as other tbhp members can happily disagree and that will be accepted with gratitude.
Thats it from me on the majestic Abarth Punto, a true legend of its era.
Cheers