Popular Automotive Portal Vicky.in reviews Fiat Punto 90 HP and here is the part of their review

Kudos to Fiat for its brave efforts in providing a powerful heart to Grande Punto and redefining the performance diesel hatch segment. With the additional price of approx., 30 K to the Punto Emotion Pack, with Punto 90 HP (Rs6.79lakhs (ex-showroom delhi)), you get a more refined engine, quicker acceleration and minor goodies like the door chrome handles. What we feel is Fiat might have given more cosmetics to give the Sporty definition for Punto 90 HP, which otherwise boasts commendable performance. To all other car manufacturers, are you listening? Take this hint from Fiat and make a car with killer performance!

With high power comes the true driving experience. Keeping in mind this very thought, Fiat India today unveiled its latest offering in the premium hatchback segment: the Fiat Grande Punto 90HP MULTIJET. Armed with a 1.3 litre Multijet engine, powered by a Variable Geometry Turbocharger, the car will be India’s most powerful diesel hatchback.

Already setting the standard with its gorgeous looks and style, the Grande Punto 90 HP MULTIJET is poised to power through the competition and create a new benchmark for diesel hatchbacks in India. The Punto 90 HP MULTIJET’s engine will provide drivers with ‘class leading’ power of 93 PS and torque of 209 NM along with excellent drive dynamics – Ride, Handling, Braking and also superior fuel efficiency of 20km / l. The 1.3 litre MULTIJET engine, a validation of Fiat’s technological prowess, is also the only ‘locally produced’ Variable Geometry Diesel engine in this category.

The Grande Punto 90 HP MULTIJET will be priced at Rs 6.79 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi).

To make the driving experience even more fun, the Grande Punto 90HP comes equipped with Dual Stage Airbags, ABS with EBD, Automatic Climate Control, Blue & Me technology, Integrated CD/MP3 player with USB, Alloy wheels with the widest tyres (in the category), Chrome plated door handles, swanky Red stitching on the seats, and a host of other exciting and new age features.

Customers will also have a choice of personalisation through a special accessory pack for the Punto 90 HP MULTIJET that includes a Rear Spoiler, Chrome Exhaust Tip, Stylish Body Decals, Sporty Aluminium Pedals, Leather Seat Covers & Punto branded Door Sill. This accessory pack shall provide discerning customers a ‘sporty feel’, along with the opportunity to stand out in the crowd.

The Grande Punto 90 HP MULTIJET, delivering 93 PS of power, will be positioned within the ‘performance diesel’ segment and will compete with existing and future brands in this segment

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rajeev Kapoor, President& CEO, Fiat India said. “The launch of the Grande Punto 90 HP MULTIJET is testament to Fiat’s commitment to innovation and consumer satisfaction. Through this new variant, discerning consumers will be given the perfect opportunity to enjoy both ‘high power’ and a ‘fun to drive’ experience. The Grande Punto 90HP MULTIJET will aim to consolidate our position within the ‘performance diesel’ segment which has been relatively untapped unto now. We are confident the Grande Punto 90 HP MULTIJET will mark a new chapter of power driving in the premium hatchback segment.”

The Grande Punto 90 HP MULTJET will be available in 5 electrifying colors: Bossa Nova White, Exotica Red, Medium Grey, Fox Trot Azure and Tuscan Wine. The car will be aggressively priced at:

The Fiat Grande Punto, since its launch last year, has taken the market by storm with its beautiful design and impressive styling. With its design being attributed to Mr. Giorgetto Giugiaro – the ‘car designer of the century’, the car has won numerous accolades in the Indian auto sector, the latest being

· Car of the Year Award 2009 for Premium Hatchback - ET Zigwheels.
· Car with the Best Styling & Design by UTV Autocar Awards - 2010.
· The Most Beautiful Car of the year by BBC Top Gear -2009

The car’s sleek and aggressive looks have made many a head turn and many a jaw drop. With both critics and buyers taking dearly to this vehicle, the Grande Punto has made a sizeable mark in the Indian auto scenario. The new Grande Punto 90 HP MULTIJET along with the existing Fiat models are available through 175 TATA-FIAT dealers across 130 cities and can be booked from 18th July 2010 onwards.

Fiat now expands the Grande Punto range to 10 variants with a choice of 1.2 & 1.4 litre FIRE engines in Petrol and 1.3 litre MULTIJET (76 HP) & (93 HP) engines in Diesel, thus offering ‘a Punto for everyone’.

With the promise of superior power and fuel efficiency, the Fiat Grande Punto 90HP MULTIJET is all set to light the Indian roads on fire thus assuring yet another significant step taken by Fiat in India

Thanks to our customer, Mahajan Rajesh who recently purchased Fiat Punto, for sharing this wonderful review about his new car

The boot space is luxurious for any small hatchback. it can pack an enormous 30″ suitcase or two 22″ suitcases comfortably and some bags. This makes it suitable for a family excursion of up to 10-15 days.

In a nushell, I find this car not only the most beautiful in this category, but also the best value for the money spent. when i compare it with other premium hatchbacks like Ritz, Swift, i20, UVa, Vista etc.

Complete review here

True to its commitment of offering customers top class automobiles, Fiat today announced the launch of their two new Grande Punto variants: Fiat 1.2 FIRE Dynamic and Fiat 1.2 FIRE Emotion in the heart of the premium petrol hatchback segment. With the launch of these variants Fiat can now woo the Indian consumer with an irresistible offer  - an array of features present in the new variants and the bold pricing of these cars.

Grande Punto, Fiat’s best selling large hatch offers incredible standard high end features like Tilt Steering, Front Power windows, Fire Prevention System, and Programmed Service Reminder in its entry level 1.2 Activevariant. Apart from these, the 1.2 Dynamic variant will also offer rear power windows and central locking system. As a special introductory offer, the 1.2 Dynamic will also come fitted with an exclusive CD/MP3 player, for limited period of one month.

Meanwhile, the 1.2 Emotion variant will go beyond the Dynamic to come with an integrated audio system with 4 speakers, electric mirrors, fog lamps, dual tone dashboard and split seats amongst a host of other impressive features. With a majority of the B plus segment consumers in India being value conscious, the 1.2 FIRE Grande Punto Dynamic, priced at Rs. 4.57 lakhs and the 1.2 FIRE Grande Punto Emotion, priced at Rs. 4.87 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi) offer the ‘real’ and ‘complete’ deal. The Grande Punto 1.2 FIRE, with BSIV compliance also boasts of an improved fuel efficiency of 15.2 kmpl. With no other auto major offering such top end features at such nominal pricing, Fiat’s new variants pack a powerful punch. The widest range of 9 variants in the Grande Punto is a true testament to Fiat’s continual focus of giving the customers exactly what they desire.

In India, the Grande Punto is positioned within the same auto segment as the Hyundai i20, Honda Jazz and the VW Polo.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rajeev Kapoor, President & CEO, Fiat India Automobiles Ltd, said,” The Premium Hatchback segment has seen a lot of activity and witnessed a strong growth of 59% in 2009. Our new variants are a response to our customer’s requirement of feature laden cars at reasonable prices. These impressive variants also give us a great opportunity to expand our presence in the B plus market segment which is one of the most important ones in India. With these launches, we are confident of providing to the consumer yet another memorable automotive experience like no other, courtesy Fiat.”

The 1.2 FIRE Grande Punto Dynamic and 1.2 FIRE Emotion promise the consumer of supreme comfort with the car being one of the largest in the hatch back segment. Its significantly robust build and impressive low end torque will provide a customer with one of the safest and most comfortable drives available today. In addition to this, the new variants also have a 2 year unlimited kilometres warranty and a 15,000 kilometres service interval which is the longest service interval available in the segment and results in much lower cost of ownership. Consumers will have the option of choosing from 8 electrifying colours: Bossa Nova White, Exotica Red, Minimal Grey, Hip Hop Black, Medium Grey, Electric Blue and 2 new Premium Colours: Fox Trot Azure and Tuscan Wine.

The variants will be priced at:

The Fiat Grande Punto, since its launch last year, has taken the market by storm with its beautiful designing and impressive styling. With its design being attributed to Mr. Giorgetto Giugiaro – the ‘car designer of the century’, the car has won numerous accolades in the Indian, the latest being

• Car of the Year Award 2009 for Premium Hatchback - the ET Zigwheels.
• Car with the Best Styling & Design by UTV Autocar Awards - 2010.
• The Most Beautiful Car of the year by BBC TopGear -2009

The car’s sleek and aggressive looks have made many a head turn and many a jaw drop. With both critics and buyers taking dearly to this vehicle, the Grande Punto has already made a significant mark in the Indian auto scenario since its launch. The new variants along with the existing Fiat models are available through 101 TATA-FIAT dealers across 78 cities and can be booked from 15^th March 2010 onwards.

With superb features and such a bold pricing, the Fiat Grande Punto 1.2 FIRE Dynamic and Emotion are yet another significant mark by Fiat on the Indian auto scenario.

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.