Experience With My Italian Ride - Fiat Punto 90HP


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This is ownership experience of my Italian ride.

Buying Procedure

All this started back in 2010.When I was searching for a good sedan over net. Then i read somewhere about Linea, it seemed interesting, so I kept searching & fell in love with it. Later on I came to know about punto & it seemed stunning again I fell in love, but this time with punto. But it was available only in 75 hp version which was quite low and rumors confirmed the same. Reading about punto was at its peak which told me much about it like ride, handling, high speed stability, solid tank like feel, excellent brakes, precise steering, low maintenance, decent fuel economy, blue & me, steering mounted audio controls and the list goes on & on. Finally consistent research resulted in good news. A new model punto 90 hp was going to launch. And the day came, fiat launched it with variable geometry turbo. I went mad about it. Now started searching about Punto 90hp and test drive threads told me that this model is also sluggish which disappointed a little bit. But enthusiasm was at its peak which made me to deny this fact. But behind this denial there was a truth raised from ownership threads of Punto 76 hp, that its sluggishness vanishes as you crunches miles on the odo. In all this research 2010 passed away and feb. of 2011 came that’s when I took the newspaper and made calls to diff. dealerships, one of them was Obrai cars Noida they offered me Punto 90 hp 2010 with a good deal. So I went to the dealership next day and booked a 2010 model Punto 90 hp after getting some more juice on table. They asked me that they’ll collect the docs. for loan next day and they did the same. BTW I took test drive of the vehicle three times in between which fueled the enthusiasm for Punto 90 hp. One more hurdle was there & it was loan process which should be from any government bank it was my father’s condition. And loan process ruined everything because dealership was not able to do it. Due to which I did not got my vehicle though I did not took my payment back.

Life was again as it was. But heat for punto 90 hp kept rising. Finally yearend came again and one of my friend’s friend bought my Indica Xeta, Which again raised the hope of punto arrival and once more I went to obrai cars and made some more payments and earlier payment adjustment was also done by Fiat Sales Manager Mr. Shushil Roy(Now Sales Head Obrai cars Noida sec 1), who became my friend by then. And this time my father got the loan approval within 10 days by using his links.

Finally the day came, bank manager called us to get the draft next day. I called Roy that I’ll be in the showroom by 3 pm, keep my ride ready, he confirmed the same. I reached the bank by 12 am, formalities started as soon as we reached there but lunch time came in between and the draft took 3 pm to reach into our hands. After getting draft I called Roy and told him that I‘ll be there in 1hour. And I reached there within time. I started looking for my ride in the showroom but I was unable to find Red Punto 90 hp. I went to Roy’s cabin and he told me that it is on its way from stockyard to showroom. It was one of the longest waiting period I have experienced finally I got glimpse of a red 90 hp Punto running around the showroom .Roy confirmed that it is my ride and going for a bath in washing bay. It took another 2 hours before I lay my hands on my ride. A female executive handed over the keys to me with a box filled with chocolates. A guy came and took photographs, though I insisted Roy to join me in the pic. I took leave at around 10 pm. When I was driving to my home, I noticed the road presence. It was really pleasing.
 

350Z

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Nice start. I have shifted the posts to an individual thread so that we can discuss further in the relevant section. Looking forward to some photographs.

Drive Safe,
350Z
 
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I reached home around 11:30 pm, my brother was waiting for me with his friends at the door. It took another hour for puja and praising about the vehicle before going to bed.

Now Ownership Starts

Next day 23/1/2012

I reached Oberoi cars for accessories installation at around 10:30 am. Seat cover installation started it took the whole day but they installed reverse parking sensors along with seat covers same day, it took so long because they tore OEM seat covers to install the new ones. Though the finishing is not up to the mark, but still they look awesome on red Punto.

I made several visits to Oberoi cars for several issues to be resolved like hand brake color, gear nob color, driver seat adjust lever faulty, rear washer faulty, driver side & right rear door window winders faulty, battery, blue & me went kaput due to battery, but everything was taken care very well. When they were working on my car, on 23/1/2012 a golden beige manza hit it from behind in front of my eyes I shouted on the driver of manza, who was a worker in washing bay, later a sales advisor came and tried to wash his hands by saying that the scratches on my rear bumper was already there, by the time manza went away. I told him that I got this machine yesterday evening. After hearing this he was just speechless. Then I made call to Roy, told him about the matter, he took the matter in his hands and I was just looking my new ride going for paint work it was really hurting but imp. as well. It just spoiled my whole day. During all this mess I didn’t get proper time to stare at her which I did later, it was pleasing to look into her eyes, as if she was saying “what are you waiting for, let’s go for a ride”. I did the same and also tried searching for a long drive cause delhi is full of traffic, driving in peak hours is just irritating because of jams here & there. After a week I went to South Ex with my friend, I felt hot inside the car, so I just reduced the temp. in ACC display, but it was still warm. Next day I went to Oberoi cars they just checked and the result! There was no gas, so they checked the leakage and added gas. Finally ACC was fine, this whole process took 2 days to complete.

Recently I got the chance for a long trip to Kanpur (hometown) for cousin brother’s wedding. I was very much excited for this drive. We started 6 am in the morning. Trip meter was set to 0. Within 20 min. we were on NH2 Gurgao, I tried to maintain 80 kmph in the whole journey to know max. efficiency, it was first time on highway that my speedo was showing 2 digits. We took only one break after crossing Agra for breakfast. It was nearly 1 pm when we reached Kanpur and guess what half of the tank of diesel was still there, earlier my 1.4L indica xeta used to take 1.5tankful of petrol to travel the same. But it took a whole tank in town itself cause I used to keep the ACC on even while standing. In the town someone broke rear wiper and I had to fix it using fevikwik as there was not just any TASS nearby, though it is working fine. After attending the marriage we headed towards delhi, I again tried to maintain 80 kmph but this time my shouted at me saying “I am noticing you since the beginning that you are knowingly driving slow, why?” I answered that I am just trying to drive safe and check its max. efficiency and she replied “drive it in your normal manner”. I was just going to do the same meanwhile I saw a bolero driver trying to look into my car & smiling. That was the moment when I pushed the accelerator and guess what, speedo started rising rapidly, within few seconds I was hovering at 145 kmph and the bolero vanished. That was the first time, I felt what punto actually is, what high speed stability actually feels like, one more thing I felt, was DOWNFORCE due to dynamics, though not sure, but I felt that something was trying to push it downwards, my ride felt a little lower than normal.

After few minutes I slowed it down to 100 kmph cause I had already messed up with efficiency. After say 20 to 25 min. I saw same bolero trying to overtake me, I did the same thing again, since then I didn’t saw that bolero. Btw I didn’t tell that when I facing issues with my machine I thought that rumors were true that FIAT mean “Fix It All Time”. But after having such a great ride I realized that, it can happen with any car, may be my luck was checking my patience. Now I have no major issues other than some squeezing from left rear portion of vehicle whenever it glides over uneven patches of road, fuel lid not getting locked some time, front large wiper spreading water on left side of wind screen. First service is due only few hundred kms away, I’ll make them fix these small issues. BTW all of you must be wondering, why didn’t I pointed about GC. Earlier I used to worry whenever belly scraped but, I always knew that FIAT has already taken care of it, by appointing a heavy plate, which performs every time, now I don’t get much bothered. Whenever I travel with my friends and belly scrapes, they usually look at me in a way as if they are asking “what happened”. I always smile saying that this is FIAT, they won’t let anything happen to my baby, at least not easily.

Observations

• Second gear acceleration has improved a lot over time.

• I am getting used to long travel clutch.

• Blue & Me is a boon while on the run though it is unable to read messages (least bothered).

• Speed masking capability makes you feel excellent engineering working every time you drive fast.

• High speed stability makes you feel safe even at 145 kmph.

• Breaking is very good makes you feel everything is in control (I felt it on Kanpur trip several times).

• Handling, Suspension & steering feedback is already well known.

• FE Highway : 19 to 23.5 max. City : 13.5 to 15 max. Acceptable but not happy. Specially city FE.

• ASS for me is acceptable from Oberoi cars. Manpower in less but its ok.

• Smooth ride even on bad roads.

• Plastic quality is good and feels heavy gauge, solidly bound, no panel gaps at all.

• Black dashboard is better, I think.

• Though I am fine, but I wish Grey color should be removed and silver color center console should be replaced with glossy black or crome & glossy black combination.
• Steering wheel mounted controls are life saver, you don’t need to get distracted.

• ACC is powerful & hassle free, set the temp and forget.

• Cabin is silent though mild engine grunt can be heard above 2000 rpm. Btw music is always on that is why I always miss that grunt.

• Gear ratio seems abnormal at first but soon you realize why FIAT calibrated them like this. After run in even 2nd gear feels much better. You can crawl as well as overtake in 2nd gear.

• 1st gear torque is very high, noticed it while my feet were away from pedals and punto was climbing on a very highly inclined parking pavement. All other gears are well known.

• You can roam around in city using only 2nd & 3rd gear, if you wish to.

• Punto behaves like jet if driven hard above 2200 rpm. You can feel the thrust.

• I am sure it can do 180 or may be 190 kmph. I’ll try it some time.

• Indicator stalk feels awkward at first but I find it very comfortable now. Its easy to use left hand for these usual stuff rather than straining right which is always busy in steering.

• You don’t need to rotate stalk for high or low beam just give a little pull, its done, very user friendly, now.
• Key entry is vertical which is good.

• VGT always give linear power delivery no sudden surge, if driven aggressively there is starting thrust.

• Front seats are comfortable, better thigh support could have been even better, never used rear seats so can’t comment.

• Eco Drive & Blue&me 5.6 is not getting installed. Not tried blue&me 5.5.

• Dead pedal always brushes with my sport shoes, with formals it is fine.

• Music system is not very good but sounds fine up to 21 max.

• My mom always complains about rear legroom.

• No alloy for spare wheel.

• One of the best OEM alloys.

• “A” pillar some time hinders the vision, but now I have become use to.

One and only major issue I have in my mind is that everyone is getting 18 to 20 kmpl in city while I am getting only 13.5 to 15kmpl only.

All in all I am happy with my ride in every respect even in FE (somewhat). I tried to express everything, if somehow I forgot something, I’ll update it after realizing.

Now It seems true that

“You don’t buy a FIAT you own it” &
“FIAT have souls”
 
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One and only major issue I have in my mind is that everyone is getting 18 to 20 kmpl in city while I am getting only 13.5 to 15kmpl only.
Dont go by what others say like "my swift gives 22kmpl in city" or "i20 6th gear gives 27kmpl in city with full ac " 99 percent of them are absolute Hogwash and exaggerated to prove that their respective investment was more wiser.

Enjoy you ride!!
After couple of thousand kilometer running, FE will get better and better.
 
Thread Starter #5
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Enjoy you ride!!
After couple of thousand kilometer running, FE will get better and better.
Thank you. I'll do the same.

finally attached images

Sorry for the size of images hope this time they'll be fine

Dont go by what others say like "my swift gives 22kmpl in city" or "i20 6th gear gives 27kmpl in city with full ac " 99 percent of them are absolute Hogwash and exaggerated to prove that their respective investment was more wiser.

Enjoy you ride!!
After couple of thousand kilometer running, FE will get better and better.
BTW i have already covered 4500 kms.
 

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One and only major issue I have in my mind is that everyone is getting 18 to 20 kmpl in city while I am getting only 13.5 to 15kmpl only.
Ignore to what people say, One of my colleague have swift vxi and he claims to have 20kmpl on sedate driving and 18kmpl in spirited driving that also in City. The very moment I understood he was fake. Just enjoy the ride. As Jayadev said FE will increase after few miles.

BTW. Nice seat covers.Suits your car color really good :-)
 
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Congratulations for your Red beauty Vivek!
Loved your review and pictures and the Seat covers too![:D]
Happy Miles!

Dont go by what others say like "my swift gives 22kmpl in city" or "i20 6th gear gives 27kmpl in city with full ac " 99 percent of them are absolute Hogwash and exaggerated to prove that their respective investment was more wiser.

Enjoy you ride!!
After couple of thousand kilometer running, FE will get better and better.
I completely agree!
Even I read in many blogs and websites in which people were claiming FE of their Swifts & Dzires to cross 20 in the city, but its totally FALSE.
Be it Swift or Dzire ,it gives FE with a/c in the city max to max 15-16kmpl,only if the driver is driving with super light foot on the accelerator.
Source-My friends and cousins.
Even my dealer said,before I got Ertiga that "Sir, isme bhi ddis engine hai, 20 to araam se degi ye city me aur 24-25 highways pe"
And its not giving me anything above 15kmpl in city and I'm very much satisfied with it.
 
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Congrats Vivek for your punto

I can already see that you are totally in love with your punto. When ride is excellent, we forget about those small glitches here and there. That's why in spite of a few issues you are still so attached to the beauty.

Those seat covers are also nice. Any details from where and for how much you got them in Delhi.

Happy ride again
 
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BTW. Nice seat covers.Suits your car color really good :-)
Thank you.

wow seat covers look awesome man
Thanks.

Congratulations for your Red beauty Vivek!
Loved your review and pictures and the Seat covers too![:D]
Happy Miles
Thanks.

Congrats Vivek for your punto

I can already see that you are totally in love with your punto. When ride is excellent, we forget about those small glitches here and there. That's why in spite of a few issues you are still so attached to the beauty.

Those seat covers are also nice. Any details from where and for how much you got them in Delhi.

Happy ride again
Thank you, you are correct, i am in love with her, reasons are already mentioned by you.
I got seat covers from dealer itself they sourced them from karol bagh, initially they quoted some 12000 bucks for them later i got them in the deal, so can't tell you the exact cost. Blackcat reverse parking sensors (quoted 4500 bucks) and lumer sun film (quoted 4500 bucks) were also included in deal.
 
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I got seat covers from dealer itself they sourced them from karol bagh, initially they quoted some 12000 bucks for them later i got them in the deal, so can't tell you the exact cost. Blackcat reverse parking sensors (quoted 4500 bucks) and lumer sun film (quoted 4500 bucks) were also included in deal.
Alright. Cool

I also have a red polo and I am thinking about a red and black combo for seat covers something like you have got. That's why I was curious to know.

How helpful do you find reverse parking sensors, I think they are not that helpful in case of a hatch. Whats been your experience?
 
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Alright. Cool

I also have a red polo and I am thinking about a red and black combo for seat covers something like you have got. That's why I was curious to know.

How helpful do you find reverse parking sensors, I think they are not that helpful in case of a hatch. Whats been your experience?
Thanks,Red & Black look awesome in combination, though i wanted them to be simple and gorgeous and they really are,[:D] go ahead get some nice covers for your polo.
Reverse parking sensors are helpful in a certain way, some times it is not easy to see obstacles, some time we don't notice them, in those case sensors tell you about them, they also tell you, how long you can go in reverse. But they are not helpful if you are trying to reverse at road side due to pedestrians, they keep beeping. You have to take some decisions even of you have them.

Very nice review Vivek car is looking awesome in red, good color choice.
Thank you.
 

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