Punto’s point to make

A totally revised interior, new engines including the MultiAir and MultiAir Turbo, 7-airbags, and Italian style. These are just some of the new features befitting the all-new 2012 Fiat Punto, but critically the best new features of the 2012 Punto are the 150 000km warranty and incredibly low prices for a car of its class with the four models priced between R129 900 to R209 900.

Still as fresh as it was in 2005 although almost every panel has changed

The Punto underwent a dramatic change in 2009 when Fiat unveiled the Punto Evo to the world at the Geneva Auto Salon, a version that we never got in South Africa. So until last year South Africans have had to make do with what is essentially the same car that was launched in SA in 2005, bar one or two slight tweaks during that time. And it was a car that was starting to show its age, no so much from the outside, but certainly inside.

Interior of the 2012 Punto is dramatically improved, features optional MyPort and Blue&Me multimedia integration

The 2012 Punto, gets the updated interior from the Evo and benefits from a much an all-new upmarket atmosphere, with a smart-looking glossy facia surrounding the radio, dramatically updated instrument cluster and most significantly, the ability to add an integrated, but optional, TomTom navigation unit through the Fiat MyPort system. Also optional is Fiat’s Blue&Me vehicle telematics and integration system developed by Microsoft. However, these features are optional only on the Easy and Lounge trim lines.

The 2012 Punto is available with three trim lines, Pop, Easy and Lounge across four models. Pop is basic, but still provides a high level of convenience, comfort and safety with dual airbags, ABS, Dualdrive electric power steering with a city function that lightens the steering input at low speeds and a trip computer. The Pop retains the dashboard, albeit updated, from the previous Punto.  Meanwhile, the Easy trim line gains sportier accents like body coloured exterior trim smoked headlight clusters, 15-inch alloy wheels, a 6-speaker radio with CD and MP3 compatibility and a multi-function display between the instruments all situated in the new neatly rounded dashboard with a mix of materials and styling elements that give a car in this class some excitement. It also gains a additional two curtain airbags and a knee airbag – a first for a vehicle in its class. Lastly, the Lounge trim exclusive flagship model adds a lot of extras. It gets special sportier seats covered in alcantara which Fiat calls Castiglio cloth upholstery; integrated torso side airbags for a total of seven; leather covered gear knob and steering wheel; Blue&Me by Microsoft; dual-zone climate control; and an ESP system with integrated hill-holder function and ASR. All models come standard with Start&Stop technology that switches off the engine when at a dead stop, and starts it up once setting off. This goes a long way to providing the incredible fuel economy figures that Fiat claims. A shift indicator is also standard across the range.

Sexy bottoms are all the rage in Italy

But probably the most significant aspect of the 2012 Punto its three engines, two of which are new. For the first time Fiat and Alfa Romeo’s revolutionary 1.4 MultiAir engines are available. These engines, comparably, consume less fuel, provide more power and emit fewer carbons. And on the launch drive this was evident, more so in the MultiAir Turbo that supplies 99kW at 50oorpm and a hearty 206Nm of torque at 1750rpm; overtaking is effortless and the latent torque means it can cruise along in a higher gear. This mitigates revs and gear changing, and in the process consuming less fuel. The MultiAir Turbo is only available in Lounge trim at a price of R209 900. The second MultiAir is a normally aspirated engine producing a healthy 77kW at 6500rpm and 130Nm of torque at 4000rpm. It too is lovely, smooth and refined for a four cylinder and does not protest at being revved – typically Fiat. The 1.4 MultiAir is available in Easy trim for R169 900. Also available is the older 1.4 Fully Integrated Robotic Engine (FIRE) that Fiat has become known for. This produces 57Kw at 6000rpm and 115Nm of torque at 3250rpm. Although low-tech, it is a reliable and robust engine that is cost effective to maintain. It is available in  Easy trim at a cost of R149 900 and also the base-line Pop at R129 900.

Though MyPort is an option on all but the entry-level Pop it’s a sophisticated option that’s worth the R5000 pricetag (versus similar systems four times the price). MyPort supplies the TomTom with power and integration into the car’s in-car entertainment system for a fraction of the cost of a fully integrated navigation system and provides a touch screen interface for the Blue&Me multimedia and mobile phone system.

The 2012 Punto makes a point, and easily best-in-class. In a market where its competition generally has lower levels of standard equipment, shorter warranties and where service plans are absent on some, the Punto is a car you buy with your head. That it has character and style – traits typically associated with cars you buy with your heart – and is the strawberry coulis on the the cheesecake, metaphorically speaking. In a bouyant market, and one that is defined by many value-focussed offerings, the Punto makes a point by proving you don’t have to be cut-price or thrifty to give the market a stylish, reliable and robust car with modern technology for a competitive price. It’s timeless Italian styling with some of the most advanced petrol engines on the market at extremely competitive prices.  Once more, if I were to choose a car in this segment it gets my vote*.

Pricing, Warranty and Service Plans

Fiat Punto 1.4 Pop:                                                                         R129 900**

Fiat Punto 1.4 Easy:                                                                        R149 900**

Fiat Punto 1.4 MultiAir Easy                                                        R169 900**

Fiat Punto 1.4 MultiAir Turbo Lounge                                      R209 900**

**Prices are inclusive of VAT and CO₂ emissions tax.

 The 2012 Fiat Punto has 30 000 km service intervals and enjoys full after-sales support in South Africa thanks to a comprehensive parts inventory and the back-up of trained technicians at Fiat dealerships countrywide.

In order to provide truly carefree motoring peace-of-mind Fiat Group Automobiles South Africa offers Fiat owners a five-year or 150 000km warranty including paintwork and rust anti-perforation. Fiat also offers a four-year or 60 000km service plan on MultiAir models – 1.4 MultiAir Easy and 1.4 MultiAir Turbo Lounge.

*Disclaimer: the author drives a 2006 Punto 1.9 MultiJet, and while it still looks fresh its interior has dated, suffering from being ‘plasticky,’ – something which the new car is not.

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