Punto's evolution revolution

Jan 25 2010 Ian Johnson

Punto's evolution revolution

WITH sales figure on the up, a strategy for improved customer satisfaction and the fact that the little 500 model is in the top ten best sellers in the UK, the Fiat brand is certainly motoring.

And the company's latest move, a revision of the popular Punto model has got heads turning in the ranks of competing manufacturers.

The Punto is Fiat's contender in the supermini market and has played a great part in driving ahead Fiat's fortunes in the UK in recent times.

The Punto has evolved from the little 127 - Car of the Year in 1972 - through the Uno - Car of the Year in 1984 - to the first Punto - Car of the Year 1995.

The latest version, the Punto Evo, steps in with environmental friendliness, affordable running costs, the fun to drive factor and an interior which is extremely refined for its class.

But the ace card is the introduction of two important new 'Ecotechnology' engine families, the MultiAir petrol range and Multijet II diesels, all equipped with Stop and Start fuel saving systems.

Of the two, the petrol MultiAir is a groundbreaker for Fiat.

It features an electronic system for varying valve lift to suit engine-air requirements. This optimises engine intake air over the entire rev range with an ensuing reduction in fuel consumption by an average of 10 per cent.

There is also an average 10 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions, a 10 per cent power increase and 15 per cent torque improvement.

I tried the petrol version and first impressions were of an extremely quiet engine and a high degree of flexibility plus great torque at the bottom end of the power range where it is needed for town driving.

But the big news is that this 1.4 model achieves 49.5 mpg on average with just 134 g/km CO2 emissions.

The range topping 135bhp MultiAir Turbo is very rapid at 8.5 seconds to 62mpg and amazingly is more economical with a combined readout of 50.4mpg.

The MultiJet II is a new generation common rail diesel which complies with Euro 5 emissions regulations and in 95bhp form gives 0-62mph acceleration of 11.7 seconds with an average consumption figure of 67.3mpg.

With a frontal styling resembling the successful 500 model, the Punto Evo is full of high-tech ideas.

The new line up is priced from £10,995 to £14,095 - comparable to the previous Grande Punto range.

Fiat UK boss Andrew Humberstone, who has played an important role in driving the brand ahead in Britain, is extremely proud of the Punto Evo. He is also determined that the excellence of the car is matched by supreme customer satisfaction.

For this reason he is instituting a star rating for dealers in which customers can award stars to dealers if they are pleased with the service they receive.