2013 Fiat Punto First Drive

by Marc Greig under Review on 06 Aug 2013 06:15:04 AM06 Aug 2013

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2013 Fiat Punto First Drive6

2014 FIAT PUNTO

Price Range: $NaN - $NaN
Fuel Consumption: NaNL - NaNL/100km

3.5RATING

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The Fiat Punto is back on the Australia car scene and with a ridiculously cheap price for the entry level Fiat Punto Pop. Available in three trim levels Pop, Easy and Lounge, you can now drive away in a European small 5-door hatchback for only $16,000.

The Full Fiat Punto Line-Up:

Fiat Punto Pop 5 Speed Manual $16,000#

Fiat Punto Pop 5 Speed Dualogic $17,500#

Fiat Punto Easy 5 Speed Dualogic $19,300*

Fiat Punto Pop 5 Speed Dualogic $21,800*

# Introductory drive away offer on Punto Pop models only
* Manufacturer Suggested Retail Pricing (MSRP)

“The Fiat Punto has been designed to meet the requirements of new car buyers looking for environmentally friendly cars that are affordable to run and easy to live with, yet still chic, safe, comfortable and fun to drive,” said Veronica Johns, President & CEO Fiat Chrysler Group Australia.

The Fiat Punto exterior gains major changes to a new front bumper which demonstrates an evolutionary step from the previous generation Punto. The new bumper now has more streamlined upper and lower air intakes spilt by the number plate mount. The Lougne model gains fog lights in the lower air intake area. Across the range the black honeycomb grille gives a more aggressive appearance.

At the rear the Fiat badge now doubles as the tailgate opener – push it and the tailgate opens. The tail lights house twin floating elements set against a gloss black panel. Fiat have also introduced new wheel designs and colours (10 colours to choose from).

The Punto Pop features 15-inch steel wheels with 16-spoke wheel covers; mid-spec Easy features 15-inch TwinAir-design alloy wheels in a seven twin-spoke pattern; and the range-topping Lounge model features 16-inch Sportline alloy wheels.

Inside the 'Pop' you will find ‘Spicy Grey’ cloth seats with red stitching along with a height- and reach-adjustable steering wheel , height adjustable driver’s seat , trip computer , remote central locking , power front windows and a six-speaker radio/CD/MP3 player with steering wheel controls

You also get Blue&Me Bluetooth hands-free smart phone system , 60/40 split fold rear seat , ABS anti-lock braking , Vehicle Dynamic Control ( VDC ) , Start&Stop system and six airbags – driver , front passenger , front seat side and head-protecting side curtain airbags

Updated seat trims allow better ventilation in warm weather , while a new sculpted exclusive dashboard includes a diamond mesh design , gloss black trim and chrome accents in the Easy model , together with a soft-touch finish on the Lounge model .

The Punto comes with a 1.4 litre 8-valve petrol engine. They all come fitted with Fiat's impressive Start&Stop system, the engined is matched to either a five-speed manual or five-speed Dualogic semi-automatic transmission.

The engine produces 57kW of power at 6,000rpm and 115Nm of torque at 3,250 rpm. Helping to improve fuel consumption the car is fitted with a Gear Shift indicator which suggests the best gear helping reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 15 percent when coupled with the Start&Stop technology.

For a $16,000 price tag the Fiat Punto Pop is an all-around performer, the Punto lays down a real challenge to the cheaper Asian rivals in this segment. Having spent a few hours driving around in the entry-level Punto Pop model. The Punto Pop has been produced with a price figure in mind. However it still have a great level of standard equipment.