The compact and miniature hatchback Fiat Punto was launched in 1993. Since then it has been modernized more than once, and sometimes very dramatically. The Fiat was produced with three and five doors, and he also had a variant with a convertible body. Drivers liked this car for its unpretentiousness, spaciousness and compactness. Punto is the perfect car for a beginner or city dweller. Reviews about the Fiat Punto III, II and I generation, as well as the characteristics and features of this hatchback, you can find in this article.
History of Fiat
Fiat Punto was released by an Italian company to replace the previous model - Fiat Uno. “Punto” translates from Italian as “dot”. This car was produced with a focus on the city dweller with an average income. Designers of the Italdesign company worked on the design of the future hatchback, and Georgetto Giugiaro himself led the project. As a result, Fiat appeared with recognizable streamlined shapes and vertical taillights. The car immediately became a sales leader, overtaking even such monsters as Opel and Volkswagen. The whole thing was in an exceptional ratio of price and quality, which at that time was the best on the market. In addition, Punto is very economical: fuel consumption is only 7 liters per 100 kilometers.
Small cars "Fiat" for a long time are not considered just cheap and ingenuous cars. With a beautiful exterior design, they are equipped with modern technology no less than German or Japanese cars. They will be comfortable not only for girls, but also for men. There is more space inside than it seems at first glance. Therefore, the Fiat Punto was not one, and not two re-releases. What models can be identified in the history of production of Fiat Punto?
Fiat Punto: makes and modifications
The very first version, which was produced from 1994 to 1999, was equipped with 1.1-liter engines with a capacity of 55 horsepower. For different requirements, three types of body were thought out: three-door, five-door and convertible. Punto quickly became popular, and in 1995 he was awarded the "Car of the Year." In 1996, it became the best-selling car in Europe. Naturally, the company could not remove such a successful model from sale, but over time, the Fiat hatchback began to need improvement. And he was replaced by a second-generation car, the release of which was dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the company and began in 1999. Punto II achieved almost the same result as its predecessor, despite the fact that competition in the field of compact cars has increased many times.
The developers of the new model took into account all the weaknesses of the first modification, and the Fiat Punto II saw the light with a reinforced body and an engine of 1.2 and 1.4 liters with a power of 60 and 80 hp. The new model was quite different from Punto I in appearance: the designers abandoned the rounded and flowing shapes. They were replaced by angular and hard lines that looked more modern in the appearance of the car of the 21st century. After reading reviews of the Fiat Punto II, you can form an opinion about this car as a compact, not very powerful, but fairly reliable vehicle.
In 2005, the company introduced another model: Fiat Punto III or Punto Grande. It was distinguished by increased dimensions and a more spacious interior. Based on Punto III, in 2005 Punto Evo was released, which was a more technologically advanced version of the Grande. Both models were produced until 2012 and the motorists managed to fall in love with their unpretentiousness and versatility. In total, over the history of Fiat Punto, more than 20 variants of cars with various engines have been produced. It is for this reason that those who plan to buy a supported Punto have a spin: how to choose the best option among all this diversity?
Which engine to choose
When choosing a used Punto III car, follow a simple rule: the older the car, the better if the engine will be naturally aspirated. It is best to choose a car with an 8 or 16-valve 1.4-liter engine. The less powerful 1.2-liter engine just doesn't pull the pretty heavy Punto. What kind of Fiat “fillings” can you find on the market?
- Cars with MultiAir engines: produced relatively recently, so they can not be called "time-tested." The hydraulic valve control system shows itself well in practice, but in the event of a breakdown, replacement of parts can cost an impressive amount.
- The T-Jet engine has earned the most positive reviews in the Fiat Grande Punto. The supercharged motor works flawlessly and has a long service life.
- Version TwinAir 0.9 is not the best option due to low torque. The engine pulls poorly Punto, and delivers a lot of inconvenience.
- The diesel MultiJet 1.6 is a proven workhorse. Of course, breakdowns occur in it, but they do not cause difficulties for mechanics.
Thus, the choice of engine depends on your goals. A 1.2 horsepower motor will suffice to move around the city. For more serious tasks it is better to take 1.4 T-Jet and 1.9 MultiJet in Grande Punto.
Specifications
Technical characteristics of Punto depend on the modification and model of the engine, but all the same, common features can be distinguished. Fiat Punto is, first of all, a city car, therefore it has compact dimensions. 4 meters long and 1.6 meters wide: these parameters allow you to park even in the city center. At the same time, there is a lot of space inside the car, and the trunk has a capacity of 275 liters.
On modern models, they usually install either gasoline engines with a MultiAir system, or diesel engines with a MultiJet. The smallest engine, with a capacity of 1.2 liters, has a capacity of 69 hp. and allows you to easily travel in urban traffic. A more powerful 1.4-liter engine is represented by power of 77, 105 (with MultiAir system) and 135 (with MultiAir Turbo) horsepower. Three Punto models are available with 1.3 liter 75, 85 and 95 hp diesel engines. Punto is represented by both mechanics and an automatic transmission. The maximum acceleration speed of the most powerful models is 205 km / h. Test drives confirm that any Punto is able to overcome more than one hundred kilometers along the highway at a speed of 150 km / h. Reviews of the Fiat Punto prove that the hatchback has earned so many awards, and can rightfully be considered one of the most successful models of a city car.
Appearance and features of Punto
The model was based on the Fiat-GM Small platform with front-wheel drive. The unusual dimensions of Punto allowed him to get a “B” class in the TC category, but he didn’t reach the “C” class a bit. Externally, the car is somewhat reminiscent of a bug: rounded lines and low landing make the car very attractive. The Punto appearance immediately feels the Mediterranean spirit: large glass, wedge-shaped headlights with rounded ends, restrained design evoke thoughts of the sun and rocky roads. The interior of the model is also made in a calm and classic manner. The original center console, which is divided into three separate panels, is not the most standard solution. Radio, air conditioning, multimedia system control center are located in a rectangular-oval block. And the dashboard consists of a tachometer and speedometer located in separate "wells". In general, the exterior and interior design of Punto is quite harmonious, so the car immediately attracts attention.
Fiat Punto: reviews
Surprisingly, on the Internet it is difficult to find negative reviews about the Italian hatchback. All reviews written about this car are saturated with warmth and respect. Reviews about the Fiat Punto 1 and 2 modifications suggest that even older models are still able to serve their masters. Attracts buyers mainly low cost cars. And after the purchase, the drivers respond about the Fiat as a faithful friend and helper, who more than once helped them out in various life situations.
Let's face it, a car of this price category is clearly not designed to "show itself." Exceptionally performance with the right amount of comfort makes it indispensable for beginners, families and city dwellers. Some complain about a not very powerful engine, but Fiat Punto retains low fuel consumption and sufficient dynamism. In traffic jams and on the streets you will feel like a fish in the water, and you can’t expect more from such a budget car.
The advantages of a compact "Italian"
Fiat Punto has many positive aspects. The car is not much susceptible to corrosion, since since 1999 only fully galvanized machines have been produced. The maximum that can upset you is a little rust on the rapids. The engine of the hatchback, although not the most powerful, but reliable. A wide selection of different models allows you to choose the Fiat Punto just for your needs. A spacious interior, ergonomic design, large panoramic windows can be distinguished as a plus. In addition, the Fiat Punto is a very safe car: according to the results of crash tests, the EuroNCAP organization awarded it the highest mark.
Cons Fiat Punto
Of course, there were some cons. A rather stiff suspension of the chassis contributes to the fact that shocked driving and shock absorbers and silent blocks fail. The reviews of the owners of Fiat Punto also indicate that in urban conditions the declared economy of this car disappears without a trace: in a traffic jam you spend about 10 l / 100 km instead of the declared five. An insufficiently powerful engine performs well only in urban conditions: during long trips you should not rely on the speed and dynamism of this car too high. And repair in case of breakdown will cost a lot. An undeveloped service network does not imply service stations specializing in this brand, and it can be quite difficult to get parts.
Test drive from experts
What can experts say about this car? Fiat Punto at first glance gives the impression of a dynamic car, in which it is tempting to squeeze the gas pedal to the floor. However, after this movement, drivers usually experience some disappointment: Fiat does not rush forward, as one might think, but begins to slowly and leisurely accelerate. But, despite the fact that the roar of an engine operating at full power can break into the cabin, in general it is very comfortable to be in the car. Externally, the car compares favorably with other models of the same price category. True Italian design will not go unnoticed on the road. Reviews of the Fiat Grande Punto III proves that this car is quite reliable and suitable even for long distances: the drivers who drove it more than 2000 km say that not a single part failed during such trips. Nimble, compact and roomy, this car has earned a rating much higher than the average among experts.
Cost
The cost of Fiat Punto depends on the year of manufacture and the technical characteristics of the car. The most simple cars with an engine of 1.4 (2003-2006 years of manufacture) and a mileage of about 170-200 thousand kilometers can be purchased very cheaply: for 200 thousand rubles. The new Punto as standard, recently rolled off the assembly line, will cost about 555 thousand.