Test drove the Punto Emotion today (FGT). Right now it's between the Punto and the Figo.
Here are my impressions. I will try to observe things relative to Figo:
1. Striking looks and paint job. Really looks premium.
2. As good as Figo's build quality is, Punto's build quality feels a notch higher.
3. Fit/Finish and plastic quality were good. I think they've certainly fixed this issue. Plastic quality looks better than the one in Figo.
4. Cabin doesn't feel as large and airy compared to Figo (glass area probably does the trick). But i was able to find a good position quickly. I'd have loved to have reach adjustment.
5. Gear shift quality is average in comparison to Figo which is brilliant.
6. From the little driving i've done in both vehicles, there's not much to separate the steerings. Perhaps someone who's driven both in different conditions can comment. Even if there's a little difference, both are good enough.
7. Ride is clearly superior in the Punto even though Figo isn't too shabby either. Drove the car in some really bad broken tarmac and the suspension stood out.
8. Handling again looks pretty similar at low speeds. I still have a more fond remembrance of chucking the Figo around. I don't know if there's a huge difference at higher speeds.
9. Punto's drivability is pretty good (2012 model change i suppose) except the really short 1st gear. Figo is anyway known for drivability.
10.The multijet feels more refined (especially in the Punto compared to the Swift which was noisy) compared to duratorq 1.4. Got into an empty stretch and gunned the engine. Felt nice
![Smile](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.png)
11. I haven't driven both vehicles on the highway but i expect Punto to be better on the highway but the question is how much better? Also since my driving will be mainly in the city, how much should it matter?
12. NVH levels are very good on both vehicles (facelift fix in Figo).
13. Legroom in the back definitely feels cramped compared to the Figo. Can long term Punto owners comment on the backseat comfort on long journeys? This is really important to me and a TD doesn't really give you the correct picture.
14. A lot more bells and whistles in the Punto (ACC,Blue & Me,much better MID,dead pedal,adjustable headrests at the back,15" alloys,wider rubber). Some irritants like no Aux (!), USB cable in the glovebox (!!), really small cubby holes. Steering mounted controls are nice, although controls on the column (Figo) are actually not as bad as one might think.
15. Punto's boot capacity is very similar to Figo's on paper but Figo's boot somehow looks more voluminous. The tire wells are the reason perhaps?
I came way with a very good impression from both TDs and i have to say Punto edges it but the cramped back seat worries me. Also the Figo felt much more fun to drive in the city with its top notch shifting and chuckability (haha). For a lakh more, Punto gives me:
1. Confidence inspiring build quality. Figo's build quality is good, but its an older design and Punto's crash worthiness is proven. Is this a fair observation?
2. Much more power on the highway and very good ride quality. More features.
3. And as much as the pragmatic side of me hates to admit it, more contemporary and premium feel.
For a lakh lesser, Figo gives me:
1. Superb handling, decent ride, most essential features.
2. Much more room in the back.
3. A bit more fun factor in the city.
4. Perhaps a little cheaper to maintain?
As good as Punto is, what a phenomenal VFM package Figo really is!
I've rambled on, so I'm going to sleep on it and try to rethink the whole conundrum later. I'd love to hear more qualified comments on my observations from long term owners especially if you have driven the Figo as well. Any other comments are obviously welcome. Also if anyone has negotiated for a Punto recently let me know what you've been quoted.