2014 Fiat Punto Evo: Review

The premium hatchback space in the Indian market is gradually becoming increasingly difficult to cash in on. When the Fiat Punto first came to Indian shores, it had the huge responsibility of succeeding the Palio. Yes, the Linea may have been the car that brought the Italian marquee back on the map but the Punto was Fiat’s bet on bringing in the volumes. Since then cars in this segment have come a long way and buyers are now spoilt for choice but the new Punto Evo too, like its predecessor, will make its way into the market with the same goal in mind. Will it be able to taste success in the cut-throat premium hatchback segment?

Exterior styling / Design

The Fiat Punto has always been quite an attractive hatchback, but despite the fact that it did age quite well with time, it has been due for an update. The company now plans to launch a completely refreshed version and boy does it look good. Rechristened as per the international markets, the Punto Evo, gets a refreshed face that gains inspiration from the Avventura Concept that was showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo.

The massive trapezoidal front grille blends well with the swept back headlights. The bumper too has been redesigned and now gets chrome housings for the fog lamps. The same look has been carried forward to the rear bumpers as well with chrome surrounds for the rear fog lamps. The LED taillights add more charm to the sporty looking rear. While a lot of changes have been made to the front and rear of the car, the profile remains unchanged. The only noteworthy difference is the alloys. The petrol and the diesel variant get different alloy wheels. Overall, the car surely lives up to the Evo name and is a fine evolution over the outgoing model.

Exterior styling / Design: 4

Interior & space

There is a considerable improvement in the interiors too. The Fiat Punto Evo borrows much of its interiors from the New Linea including the dashboard, centre console and the instrument cluster. Like its elder sibling, the Punto too gets stylish ambient lighting on the dashboard. We loved the dual tone treatment on the petrol variant a lot more than the all-back theme of the diesel. The dash is well built and looks premium. Seats are not just wide but also comfortable with great under thigh support. There is ample of space at the front as well as at the back. The rear seat is wide enough to seat three with ease. While most things in the cabin are pretty impressive quality of the steering mounted controls, glove compartment and some of the other panels could have been better.

Interior & space: 3

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Features & Equipment

List of features on the Punto Evo is long and noteworthy. From steering mounted controls, climate control, AUX and USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity, the hatch has it all. It also boasts of features like automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers and rear air con vents. Safety-wise the Punto is equipped with two front airbags. While the car has all the essential features, the absence of parking sensors or rear view camera is felt, nonetheless.

Features & Equipment: 3.5 

Engines & performance

While the new Punto has received a major cosmetic overhaul, under the hood it will continue to be offered with the same engine options – a 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre petrol and a 1.3-litre Multijet diesel mill. Like the outgoing Punto, the diesel comes in two states of tune - 75PS and 93PS. The latter has been christened 90HP and only comes in the fully loaded top-of the-line Emotion variant. This diesel engine is fairly smooth and remains that way under 3,500rpm. But, it suffers from turbo lag with the engine only coming into its own past 2,000rpm. Post this, the 209Nm of torque kicks in and the car feels much better to drive.

We also drove the 1.4-litre petrol variant and it felt fairly refined too. And, like the diesel, feels a little sluggish at low rpm. However, keep the tachometer between 4,500-6,000rpm and the 90PS of power and 115Nm of torque brings more energy to the proceedings. That said, the engine starts to get really noisy when you push it harder. Overall though, both engines work well but fail to give the Punto Evo a properly peppy feel, which given its new age styling, is something owners would expect.

Engines & performance: 3.0

Ride & Ease of Driving

This is one aspect were the Punto does quite well. The driving position is just right with appropriate visibility. The steering feels well weighted and confident even while cornering at high speeds. That said the hydraulic steering feels slightly heavy while manoeuvring through busy roads but gets lighter as you gain speed. Not something that you can’t get used to. The ride quality over rough roads is impressive as it manages to filter out impacts from pot holes and bumps well enough not to trouble your back.

Clutch on the 90HP variant is surprisingly light for a diesel mill which makes it absolutely comfortable to drive. But the fact that both the variants produce peak power and torque at relatively high engine speeds, demands that much more shifts in city driving conditions. Overall, the car is fairly easy to drive and live with but the absence of parking sensors or reversing camera is felt.

Ride & Ease of Driving: 3.5

Handling & braking

The Fiat Punto, like most European cars in India, has always managed to strike a good balance between handling and comfort. On the new model too, Fiat has done well on this front. We spoke about the Punto’s good ride earlier, and now in handling terms, the new Punto Evo feels confident and sure footed around bends. There is ample of feedback from the steering and tyres. The body roll isn’t an issue either and the braking with its ventilated discs up front and drum brakes at the back is strong and stable.

Handling & braking: 4

Price & Fuel efficiency

The Punto returns 20.5kmpl for the 90HP variant and 14.4 kilometres to a litre for the petrol. These ARAI claimed figures are marginally less than what is offered by other cars in the segment but a real world test will give a rational idea with regards to the same. As far as pricing goes, Fiat India hasn’t announced the official pricing for the new Punto Evo, but we expect the new car to match the outgoing car in terms of pricing. Expect it to cost between Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7.5 lakh.

Price & Fuel efficiency: 3.5

Verdict

The new Punto Evo sure is an evolution over the outgoing model, and a considerable one at that. With a respectable overall score of 3.5 the Punto Evo without doubt is one of the models that you cannot ignore when considering a premium hatch. That said, this Fiat still has a few minor issues with quality that needs fixing. Finally, the fate of the new car will depend on how competitively Fiat India manages to price the new Punto Evo. A lot will also depend on how well it manages to communicate the new Punto’s as well as Fiat’s own USPs in what is already a very busy market place.

Overall: 3.5