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 Clio mark III Taking over from a leading model is always a high-risk operation.... For the Clio mark III, Renault has nevertheless opted for a clear-cut change. | On the road Fiat Grande Punto Bigger, better, safer - that's the new Fiat Grande Punto! Richly equipped from entry-level, it should teach its rivals - the Renault Clio III in particular - a thing or two.
Big, beautiful and safe Who did not start out at the wheel of a Punto? Six million drivers throughout the world became acquainted with the first two generations of this legendary supermini, born in 1993. So the car manufacturer from Turin - finally out of the red - is pinning its hopes on this Grande (pronounce Italian style) Punto, with its brand new platform. Father of the Punto and one of the great masters of Italian design, Giorgietto Giugiaro has created an elegant car, with fluid, dynamic lines far removed from the square, bulky style of the previous version. In a subtle blend of categories, the Grande Punto's style is original, although with a hint of Maserati in the tapering light units and Audi in the single-frame grille. The sporty Grande Punto is also pedestrian-friendly thanks to smooth, rounded lines at the front, with no dangerous edges. Likewise, the ample surface of the bonnet minimises the risk of a pedestrian's head coming into contact with the rigid front pillars.
Not only is the style of the Grande Punto original, but also its dimensions: this supermini is the first segment B car to exceed the 4 m mark, traditional segment C gauge. This is an added bonus for the car's occupants, who now benefit from an excellent amount of space at front and rear alike, and increased safety. Inside, all the materials and finishes have been upgraded around a solid dashboard. Fine switchgear and precision of controls should contribute to pleasant day-to-day use. The driving position can accommodate drivers up to 2 m (6.5 ft) tall and has a height/reach adjustable steering wheel. As for passive safety, the Grande Punto's aspirations are grande indeed, as witnessed by its 5-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests. The front and curtain airbags, which are standard on all versions, are joined by side airbags from the second equipment level and, from June 2006, a knee airbag for the driver will be available as an option. A choice of 6 engines The Grande Punto range is equipped with four diesel engines and two petrol engines. On the diesel side, two versions of the 1.3 Multijet are available - 75 and 90 hp - while the two 1.9 Multijet units deliver 120 or 130 hp, the latter being reserved for the Grande Punto Sport. Two petrol engines complete the launch range, the 65 hp 1.2 litre 8v and 77 hp 1.4 litre 8v. All the engines are characterised by moderate fuel consumption and good urban / extra urban versatility. The equipment war is declared!
The Grande Punto has decided to shadow the competition in the field of equipment. This Fiat has solid arguments starting from the first of five equipment levels. The Active, the first level available, already covers the basics, with electric rear-view mirrors and radio/CD player. After that it just gets better, with climate control, rain sensor, cruise control, leather-covered steering wheel and even a reversing camera. The Fiat Grande Punto could well prove to be a winner in the value-for-money stakes up against the segment-leading Peugeot 206, Renault Clio III and Toyota Yaris. The price range is expected to start at around £7,600.
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