Fiat produced the first Punto in 1993 and the car was so successful that it formed the cornerstone of Fiat’s centenary celebrations in 1999, when it received a major makeover. Now, six years on and six million Puntos sold, Fiat has launched the third generation Punto. This time they have completely renewed, re-engineered and restyled their best seller.
Starting from only Lm5,850, and including air-conditioning, ABS with EBD, power steering, front airbags, electric windows, electric heated mirrors and on-board computer, the Grande Punto is available as both three and five-door. It is longer, higher, wider, spacious and more luxurious than any of its predecessors. In keeping with Fiat’s long tradition in this market segment, it sets a style that others will follow. The company predicts that the technology available in the Grande Punto and the quality of life on board for drivers and passengers will move the car up to a position where it can compete against more expensive cars considered to be in a higher bracket.
The Grande Punto is the result of collaboration between Fiat’s in-house Styling Centre and Giugiaro’s Italdesign, one of the most successful design companies in the world. The result is classic Italian: beauty and elegance highlighted by clean and strong sporty lines. The five-door version, most likely the choice of buyers with a family, is every bit as sporty as the three-door, only the size of the doors gives a clue as to which version is which.
Proof of the qualities of the new car are immediately obvious from the fact that the Grande Punto comes with a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP for passenger protection, three-star certification for child protection and three-star certification for pedestrian protection. These results mean that the Grande Punto is the best in its class for safety and confirm it as one of the safest cars in the world.
The engine options that are currently available are 1.2 8v developing 65bhp and 1.3 16v Multijet turbo-diesel developing 75bhp. These are lively, responsive and economical engines.
Apart from the Grande Punto, local Fiat importers UCIM Co. Ltd have also launched the new Fiat Croma, which is an evolution of the station wagon concept, and an updated version of the Idea.