Grand Ride

It’s the year of the hatchbacks. After Hyundai i20 (we hear i30 is warming up),and the Honda Jazz,the latest to roll in is Fiat’s Grande Punto. While the car’s been cruising on international roads for about seven years,it’s made its journey to India this year,and we got a ‘grand’ look today at Joshi Auto Zone and Hind Motors,Mohali. Sporty and muscular,it’s pretty similar to the Fiat Linea,just that it ends in a hatch. And by placing it in the premium hatchback segment,its price at a starting Rs 4 lakhs offers stiff competition to the obscenely high-priced Jazz. Punto also comes in a diesel variant,which will probably make more room in the market for it. As for the interiors,car manufacturers are now working on creating more storage yet giving the illusion of space. With a double glove compartment,retro style speedometer,multi-cup holders,collapsable seats and a deep booth,the Punto clears the check for reasonably smart interiors. While it comes loaded with other features,it’s available and selling in three versions – Active,Dynamic and Emotion. A fully loaded Emotion Pack is also there. And you can choose from six colours.

“The launch of the Grande Punto marks a new milestone for Fiat in India as we bring the quintessentially Italian design to Indian shores. We believe that the B plus segment in India has been under-tapped and consumers are increasingly looking forward to driving international brands. The Punto is for those who love hatchbacks,and yet want the luxury of a sedan,” says Subodh Marathe,Country head,(Fiat Product Group),Tata Motors Ltd. Care for a test drive?