Thank you Vicky.in for such a detailed review of our Grande Punto

Fiat GP packs-in comprehensive equipment levels, state-of-the-art technology and the superior driving dynamics of large. Above all, Grande Punto comes at an incredible price tag. If the marketing and customer service programme is successful as it hopes, the Grande Punto is set to be a grand success for Fiat.

More here

Fiat India Automobiles Ltd today unveiled its latest offering in the premium hatchback segment – the Grande Punto. The car arouses strong emotions with its sleek, aggressive lines and conveys an impression of elegance and compactness.

The Grande Punto’s sporty and muscular styling can be attributed to the ‘Car Designer of the Century’ Giorgetto Giugiaro. The strong character of the Grande Punto is defined by a sleek and aggressive nose which conveys an incredibly real dynamism. The rear end is softer and rounder, and it balances the aggressive front end. In true Fiat tradition, the exciting design of the car is complemented by adherence and exceeding of superior quality standards. Internationally, Grande Punto has an excellent track record and has produced and already sold 1.6 Million units across markets.

The car is agile and probably delivers the most enjoyable drive in its segment. This brilliance is derived from the state-of-the-art FIRE (Fully Integrated Robotized Engine) and MULTIJET engines which combine superb performance with low fuel consumption. To add to it, these engines are also environment friendly and Euro 4 ready.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Rajeev Kapoor, CEO, Fiat India Automobiles Ltd said, “The launch of the Grande Punto marks a new milestone for Fiat in India as we bring the quintessentially Italian design to Indian shores. Our previous launch the C plus sedan, Linea, has met with tremendous response and we are confident that our latest premium hatchback offering will also excite our customers. The Grande Punto is unique and is designed to be the new benchmark in terms of style. We believe that the B plus segment in India has been under tapped and consumers are increasingly looking forward to driving world renowned, international brands on Indian roads. The Grande Punto will offer safety and quality standards that are particularly high for its segment at a very competitive price. The car will tempt its prospective customers with one of the most pleasurable drives in the segment and will also be an exciting proposition for its customers with its great price/content ratio. Grande Punto is for demanding customers who love hatchbacks and yet want the luxury of a sedan. The high level of localisation which will increase to 85% by December 2009 has helped us aggressively price the Punto. “

The car will be manufactured at the company’s state-of-the-art Ranjangaon plant near Pune and will be launched across India through an aggressive communication campaign through print and television. The Grande Punto will be available in India with two petrol engines (1.2 and1.4 FIRE) and one diesel (1.3 multijet). The 1.2 petrol engine option with its safety features and aggressive price will form an attractive option for buyers who are potential small hatch back buyers. Additionally, Fiat offers a two year unlimited mileage warranty on the Grande Punto  which is one of the best in the segment.

The Tata-Fiat dealer network will ensure easy availability of the car and prompt after-sales service for its owners. The Grande Punto will be retailed through the Tata-Fiat dealer network. The company has over 100 points of sales & service outlets allowing a much wider base of customers to experience the Grande Punto. To further enhance customer experience and strengthen after sales support for Grande Punto, a series of initiatives have been undertaken and over 800 dealer sales & service staff have undergone extensive training. New dealer identity norms have been introduced at showrooms and workshops which meet international standards.

The Grande Punto comes loaded with features and will be available in three versions known as Active, Dynamic & Emotion for both the petrol and diesel variants. Additionally a fully loaded Emotion Option Pack will also be available. At the time of launch, consumers can choose from a range of 6 electrifying colors: Bossa Nova White, Hip Hop Black, Minimal Grey, Medium Grey, Exotica Red and Electric Blue. The Grande Punto will be priced as follows:

PETROL-1.2
City	Grande Punto Active
DELHI	Rs. 3.99 lakh

PETROL-1.4
City	Grande Punto Dynamic	Grande Punto Emotion	Grande Punto Emotion Pack
DELHI	Rs. 4.66 lakh	Rs. 5.06 lakh	Rs. 5.61 lakh

DIESEL-1.3
City	Grande Punto Active	Grande Punto Dynamic	Grande Punto Emotion	Grande Punto Emotion Pack
DELHI	4.85 lakh	Rs. 5.16 lakh	Rs. 5.56 lakh	6.11 lakh

Globally, the third generation Fiat supermini, the Grande Punto was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show and is certified with EURO NCAP 5 star ratings in Europe which will ply soon on Indian roads. Many would agree, the Grande Punto is a perfect follow up to the Linea and symbolises the Fiat brand’s journey back into reckoning in the competitive world of the Indian car industry.

Style:

§ Sporty grill

§ Flared wheel arches

§ Muscular contours

§ Sporty dual tone interiors

§ Sporty wide profile 195/60 R15 15” alloys

Comfort & convenience:

§ Electrically adjustable outside rear view mirror

§ Automatic Climate Control

§ Blue & Me: unique technology developed jointly by Microsoft & Fiat. Unique technology to connect and sync mobile via blue tooth and voice dial / read SMS

§ Customized instrument display setting with My Car

§ Remote foldable key

§ Intelligent rear de-fogger : switches off after 20 minutes to prevent damage to the glass

§ Convenient driver facing key slot

§ Intelligent Ignition: prevents turning the key when the engine is running

Safety:

§ ABS with EBD

§ Dual stage front driver & passenger airbags : unique system deploys the air-bags depending on the severity of the impact

§ Fire prevention system: cuts off fuel in case of an impact to reduce chances of fire

§ Fiat Code System: Immobilizer with rolling code

§ Load limiters and pre-tensioners

Engineering Technology

§ Unique CAN bus system with 7 micro-chips – no conventional wiring in this car.

Engines:

§ 1.2 FIRE (Petrol) engine: 68.2 ps @ 6000 rpm and 95.75 Nm @ 2500 rpm

§ 1.4 FIRE (Petrol) engine: 90ps @ 6000 rpm and 115 Nm @ 4500 rpm

§ 1.3 Multijet (Diesel) engine: 76 ps @ 4000 rpm and 197 Nm @ 1750 rpm

Recognitions for the Grande Punto:

Grande Punto has met with tremendous response across the world and the numerous accolades mentioned below are a testimony to that:

Carro Do Anno 2008 in Brazil Auto Interamericana 2008 - FIPA Latin America Melhor Compacto - Rivista “Carro” Brazil Powercar 2008 a Grande Punto Abarth - Auto Zeitung -Germany Abarth- Production Car Hot Hatch Most Popular Car - Best Private Car - Salone Barcellona Catalonian Car of the Year Award - Maggio 07 Best Cars 2007- Auto Motor und Sport - Repubblica Ceca Best Cars 2006-Auto Illustrierte (Svizzera)-Compact cars La Novità dell’Anno - Quattroruote - Gennaio 2006 Le Auto che Preferisco - Quattroruote - Posto cat. piccole - genn. 2006 Auto 1 -Auto Oggi + 24 testate sorelle europee -  1° in Italia Die Besten Autos 2006 Germany

L’Automobile più bella del Mondo (Automobilia) Most Environment Friendly Car in France 2006 Auto Europa 2006 - UIGA 2006 Miglior automobile 2006 nella cat. piccole vetture- Auto Magazin Slovenia Volante d’Oro - Bild am Sonntag 2006 Best Cars - Auto Motor und Sport 2006 Scottish Small Car of the Year 2006 (UK) Autocar Design Award 2006 (UK) Le migliori vetture dell’anno 2006 -Auto Motor und Sport – Polonia Golden steering Wheel - Bild am Sontag (Berlino) 2005 Auto Europa 2006 - UIGA - 2005 L’Automobile più bella del Mondo Meilleure Voiture Citoyenne- Ligue contre la violence routière - France Vettura dell’anno in Macedonia (Auto Bild Macedonia) 2005 Auto Lider 2005 (Polonia) (settimanale MOTOR e mensile AUTO MOTO)

In few hours from now, the much awaited Grande Punto will be officially launched in India. Get ready for the bold challenge…For the moment, stay tuned

Be ready to visit the small wonder from Fiat on 17th June. Till then take the challenge at  fiatpunto.in.

Fiat India Automobiles Ltd, the 50:50 Joint Venture between Fiat S.p.A and Tata Motors, announced that it is poised to launch both the petrol and diesel versions of the Grande Punto, a mid-size hatchback, on June 17, 2009. The company plans to launch and unveil the car at a grand ceremony to be held in New Delhi. The car is what many would consider a perfect follow up to the Linea which has already created ripples in the C plus segment. Grande Punto will roll out from the company’s state-of-the-art plant at Ranjangaon which also manufactures Fiat’s Linea and Palio.

The car designed by the ‘Car Designer of the Century’ – Giorgetto Giugiaro, has consistently done well since its launch in Europe in 2005. The Grande Punto known for its cutting edge design and robust engineering will drive to India with the numerous accolades that it has won world over. Recognitions for the car include Brazil’s ‘Carro Do anno 2008’ (Car of the Yar 2008), Autocar magazine’s coveted design award and Auto Interamericana 2008 among many others. The car also comes with the comforting 5-Star Euro Ncap safety rating which will be a factor that many buyers would want to consider. Positioned as a large two box hatch, it has been designed to represent three fundamental qualities, namely- beauty, solidity and brilliance, all coupled into a terrific car that has quintessential Italian styling. The stylish car will fall in the same segment as the Maruti Suzuki Ritz, Hyundai i20, Skoda Fabia and the to-be-launched Honda Jazz.

The company has promised to make the Grande Punto a great value proposition like the Linea through increased localisation to the extent of 85% by December 2009. The company is also working overtime to ensure that the car is supported through a robust Tata-Fiat dealer network comprising of 100 sales and service outlets by time of launch. To further enhance customer experience and strengthen after sales support for Grande Punto launch, series of initiatives have been taken which include extensive training to over 800 dealer sales & service staff. New dealer identity norms have been introduced at showrooms and workshops which meet international standards. In addition JD Power has been hired to conduct quarterly CSI/SSI survey to monitor customer satisfaction and feedback on regular intervals.