| |||||||||||||
| On the road The new Fiat Punto: a clever gamble After ten disastrous years, which saw its sales abroad divided by three, Fiat is regaining strength with the new Punto. This stylish, spacious and aerodynamic car was designed to take the lead in the compact car market.
Over 6 million Puntos have been sold since 1993... And yet, since 1997 - the year when the Punto was the best-selling car in Europe - the trend has been ever downwards. 2006 therefore looks set to be a decisive year for the Italian manufacturer. In order to get back on its feet, Fiat went into partnership with General Motors. The new Punto has thus been created on the platform of the latest Vauxhall/Opel Corsa. This alliance has enabled the two manufacturers to save 20% on production costs through sharing 30% of mechanical components: brakes, steering, engines, suspension, air conditioning and seat structure. Dubbed "Grande" by its manufacturer, the new Punto is 20 cm longer (403 cm), 2 cm wider (168 cm) and 1 cm taller (149 cm) than the previous model. These dimensions put it at the top of its class and make for a remarkable amount of cabin space.
But it is, above all, where style is concerned that this new Punto is set to cause a stir. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the vehicle gives an image that is both robust and laid back. With a very high waistline, a sporty rear end, a nose similar to the Maserati and spectacular aerodynamics, the new Punto has a surprisingly original design in both the 3- and 5- door versions. At the rear, it keeps the high-mounted light units inaugurated by its older sibling. However, unlike the sharp and slightly aggressive lines of the old model, the Grande Punto has smooth, very rounded curves: Grande Punto or Italian-style dolce vita!
After undergoing numerous tests on the frozen tracks of Lapland where Fiat has its winter quarters, the Grande Punto promises to be a car that is easy to handle, reliable and pleasant to drive in all situations. Beneath the bonnet there will be a choice of no less than 6 engines. First of all two petrol engines: a 65 hp 1.2 litre and a 77 hp 1.4 litre. Then four diesel engines: 1.3 Multijet delivering 75 and 90 hp (with variable geometry turbo), and 1.9 Multijet delivering 120 or 130 hp. These little Italian gems have an intake system with plastic manifold and directional ducts. Weighing only 130 kg, they have a useful life of 250,000 km (155,350 miles) as opposed to only 150,000 km (93,210 miles) for current models. According to the manufacturer, all of these engines comply with Euro IV emissions standards. Like the previous model, the Grande Punto is equipped with Dualdrive, an electric power steering system that allows drivers to change the level of driving assistance. Thus, in City mode, there is more assistance than on the open road, facilitating manoeuvres in town. As for the car radio, it automatically adjusts the volume depending on speed and can accommodate a satellite navigation system. The Punto can also be equipped with HBA (brake assist), Hill Holder (hill-start assist), Cruise Control a system that makes it possible to maintain a constant speed on the road reversing sensors and rain sensors. Lastly, fitted as standard on all models, the Punto has ABS with EBD, driver and passenger airbags, Fiat Code immobiliser, an FPS fire prevention system and EAS energy absorbing steering wheel.
  | |||||||||||||
