fiat punto grande
October 21st, 2010
Responsive and quick. Stiff ride to be expected on this model.
fiat-punto
Price New £10,985 - £15,560 Used
Wheelbase 2510 mm
Length 4041 mm
Width 1721 mm
Height 1490 mm
Weight 1185 kg
Engine Size 1368 cc
Power Output 155 bhp
Torque 201 Nm 145 lb-ft
Top Speed 129 mph
Fiat Punto Grande Review: More than Just a Cheap Alternative
The Fiat Punto Evo is the brand’s newest arrival. It has made quite a stir in international communities, including the United Kingdom, which is known for the locals’ discriminating taste in automobiles, from classic sedans to trendy minis. With the fuss over the latest addition to the family, public attention on the Punto Grande understandably waned. But the time has come to take another look at the Punto Evo’s predecessor, which has been modified in light of the recent launches.
The Fiat Punto Grande series has significantly shrunk owing to the company’s move to focus on the Punto Evo series. Today, buyers can only choose between a couple of models, the three-door and the five-door. But that doesn’t meant getting stuck with poor options. If anything, slimming down the range has caused Fiat to devote more time to perfecting the features of the two remaining models. Let’s check out what’s in store.
Aesthetics
Before it was called Punto Grande, it was simply dubbed Punto. The Grande was added in order to stress its new size. The default choice for small cars is arguably the Mini. While the Punto Grande can’t compete size-wise, it does make up significantly with is effortlessly cool styling, a nod to the classic Maserati. It definitely gives large-sized Mini counterparts a run for their money.
In a time when European hatches are pretty much created in uninspired box shapes, the Punto Grande impresses consumers who are ready to look different, special, and unique. It does look like Fiat is going in the right direction with this. With an improved look, the Punto Grande is attractive compared to other big cars on the market.
The Punto Grande also offers more room than other cars with similar dimensions. Cars in the same price range are not as comfortable in the boot. It definitely earns the Grande in its name.
Performance
The Fiat Punto Grande also has a reasonably smooth ride, better than what most would expect from an automobile of its measurements. The ride can manage to stay peaceful at motorway speeds. However, you might find the noises the engines make a bit distracting. They usually become obvious and can be heard in the cabin during high revolutions. There are different engines to choose from, but with Fiat, it’s a safe choice to go with diesel; in this case, special mention goes to the 130-bhp 1.9 Multijet.
The Punto Grande gives you a light steering that’s perfect for city driving. When you’re planning an out-of-town trip, you won’t feel completely disappointed. In fact, you’ll be surprised at how lively the chassis can get, giving you a lot of solid mechanical grip.
Practicality
There are a variety of packages that you can choose from, including the Style package and the Comfort package. It is recommended that you keep things simple, though. These packages cost a lot. By adding a couple of hundreds more, you can afford a new Punto Evo, considered a wiser choice all in all.
But forget about the Punto Evo for now. The Fiat Punto Grande still has a number of great tricks that deserves your attention. Do think about this car when you’re looking for something that’s roomier, comfier, has a smoother ride, and absolutely more affordable.