My First Diesel - FIAT Punto 1.3 Emotion - Initial Ownership Review


Thread Starter #1
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My first car was ALTO LXI BSIII and while selecting alto, I was not choosy about the cars. This was my first car so don’t wanted to take any risk. Closed my eyes and decided alto lxi. This decision never regrets me. I was very happy as an alto owner and enjoyed every moment with my alto. Since November 2010 I was thinking to replace my ALTO LXI with some big hatch. My yearly running is 10000 to 12000 KM (40% city and 60% highways) so no problem for choosing either petrol or diesel vehicle. I did not consider that I need to pay 80K to 1 lakh extra for diesel vehicle. I decided my budget and tried to get whatever is best in that budget. Budget was 6.50 lakh and extended up to 30/40K. Mainly 4 peoples always traveled with the car.

Primary requirements –
· Engine/Power – Petrol - 1.2 lit
– Diesel - 1.3 Multijet/1.4 TDCI/1.4 D-4D/1.2TDI/1.4CRDi
· Rear space (better legroom and headroom), Adjustable rear headrest
· Decent mileage - 16/17 KMPL (petrol) and 20/22KMPL (diesel)
· Best in class interior
· Build quality, handling and ride quality
· Effective AC for front as well as rear passenger (not necessary ACC)
· ICE/Music system with USB and Aux
· ABS,EBD
· 4 door central locking only (not necessary remote locking)

Secondary requirements –
· Safety features like airbags
· Minimum NVH and better engine refinement
· Better Ground Clearance (not faced too much scraping issue’s with my alto)
· Exterior/look of car
· Alloy wheels with tubeless tyres
· Defogger
· Internally adjusted OVRAM (Electrically)

Wish list –
· Both OVRAM with blink indicator
· Rear wiper
· Glove box cooling
· 4 decent bottle holders
· Boot space (not too much worried about boot space)

As per above requirements short listed some hatch

1) Hyundai I20 1.2 Asta / 1.4 Magna CRDi
2) New Swift 1.3 VDI
3) Ford Figo 1.4 Duratorq
4) Skoda Fabia 1.2 Elegance (petrol)
5) Volkswagen Polo 1.2 Highline (petrol)
6) New Honda Jazz
7) Nissan Micra 1.5 dci
8) Fiat Grande Punto Emotion 1.3 Multijet
9) Chevrolet Beat 1.0 TCDI
10) New Tata Vista 1.3 Quadrajet
11) Toyota Liva V 1.2 / GD 1.4 D-4D

Took test drive of all above vehicles except Volkswagen Polo 1.2 and not considered Suzuki Ritz for rear look. Here I am not going to mention TD experienced for all vehicle because I am satisfied with all dealers for immediate TD.

Some observations -

1) Ford Figo 1.4 Duratorq

+ve
1) Better Handling
2) Effective AC
3) Bluetooth connectivity
4) Reasonable price

-ve
1) Absence of rear power windows (at least should have been provided for ZXI and Titanium)
2) Absence of driver seat height adjustment
3) Absence of alloy wheels (at least should have been provided for Titanium)
4) Heard that Maintaince on higher side
5) GC

Why Rejected - Only due to rear power windows and GC.

2) I20 CRDI

+ve
1) Superb interior
2) Spacious
3) Better Build
4) Top notch fit and finish
4) 6 speed gearbox (now comes with 5 speed)
5) Endless feature list
6) Reliable ASS network after Maruti Suzuki

-ve
1) AC not effective (especially for rear passenger)
2) Ride quality
3) GC - 165 mm
4) Overpriced (Magna - 7 lakh OTR)

I20 1.2 Asta felt underpowered as compared to competitor but not bothered too much.

Why Rejected - Horrible stories of steering rattling and front suspension problem (even with 2011 model).

3) Skoda Fabia 1.2 Elegance (petrol)

+ve
1) Superb interior
2) Spacious
3) Better Build
4) Top notch fit and finish
5) Effective AC (also provided rear AC vents at rear foot level)

-ve
1) 3-pot engine
2) High NVH as compared to competitor
3) Cost cutting in features as compared to previous version
4) Overpriced
5) Less Mileage as compared to competitor


Why Rejected - 3-pot engine and expensive to maintain

4) Beat Diesel 1.0 TCDI

+ve
1) Bold Front view
2) Better build
3) Mileage (claim 24KMPL)
4) Decent interior and sporty front panel display
5) Decent boot space
6) Light weight steering
7) Better suspension

-ve
1) 1.0 Multijet (would have been better if 1.3 Multijet)
2) Not appropriate door handle for rear
3) 5.75 lakh OTR for LT seems costly (especially when compared to Vista VX)
4) Hard to push beyond 80

Why Rejected – Lack of punch for highway drives.

5) New Swift 1.3 VDI – Booked 1.3 VDI before launch (8 August 2011)

+ve
1) Best tuned Multijet engine
2) Great handling and improved ride quality
3) Effective AC
4) Mileage
5) Improved NVH as compared to previous version.
6) Best ASS network

-ve
1) 3rd gear surge missing (compared to old swift)
2) Boot space
3) Costly - 6.18 lakh OTR without ICE and ABS (Figo, Vista and Punto looks VFM)
4) Waiting period
5) Rear legroom not improved as per expectation

Why Rejected – Waiting period, lot of expectation before launch but could not fulfilled and effect of Honda Jazz price cut.

6) New Honda Jazz Select – Cancelled New Swift 1.3 VDI and booked Honda Jazz Select (4 September)

+ve
1) Best in class 1.2 iVtec engine (not bothered about low end torque)
2) Minimum NVH
3) Effective AC
4) Smooth gear shifting
5) Mileage
6) Excellent handling
7) Decent interior with lot of goodies
8) ICE support with USB and Aux
9) Jazz select model comes with all safety features and alloy wheels
10) Boot space
11) Magic seats
12) Honda reliability

-ve
1) GC – 160mm
2) Expensive spare parts as compared to competitor
3) Painful service interval
4) Waiting period


Why Rejected – Expected delivery was at 6 October 2011 but later dealer said 4 months waiting period and may be extend up to 6 months. Other reason was not sure about spare part cost.

Meanwhile my Alto LXI was sold before cancellation of Jazz and only available with me till 6 October 2011. Next one was Toyota Liva recently launched model.

7) Toyota Liva 1.2 / 1.4 GD D-4D

+ve
1) Very spacious at rear seat
2) Exterior/Looks
3) Smooth gear shifting
4) Light weight power steering
5) Better handling
6) Short clutch (better for city driving)
7) Toyota mileage claim for both engines
8) Turning radius
9) Decent boot space
10) Decent engine power for both petrol and diesel

-ve
1) Interior (Biggest disappointment)
2) Central mounted console not up to the mark (Vista has better console)
3) High NVH for diesel option
4) AC not effective (always need to put knob on 2nd position)
5) V and VX model looks overpriced 6.24 lakh OTR and 6.74 lakh OTR respectively. Lot of better
option available in market at this price. Same story for 1.4 GD model

Why Rejected – Interior and Overpriced

8) Nissan Micra 1.5 dci XV premium

+ve
1) Excellent 1.5 dci diesel engine from Renault and Nissan
2) Great city drivability
3) Good handling
4) Better build
5) Very good fit and finish
6) USP like push button start
7) Decent boot space
8) Mileage (proven in Logan)

-ve
1) GC – 154mm (too minimum)
2) Rear seat not comfortable (especially low height seats)
3) ABS is missing in top model
4) Limited service network
5) Seems overpriced (even with discount)

Why Rejected – Minimum GC and rear seat comfort as per not expectation

Meanwhile refreshed vista had been launched and also Fiat Punto yet to be tested.

9) New Tata Vista VX Quadrajet

+ve
1) Proven Multijet engine
2) Better handling and suspension
3) Best interior after I20 and Fabia
4) Good feature list like Bluetooth and audio control for lower variant also.
5) Reasonable price (VX Quadrajet – 5.84 lakh OTR and 5K accessories free)
6) Very cheap to maintain
7) Mileage
8) Best in class rear space

-ve
1) Taxi Image
2) Little bit hard gear shifting
3) Unknown about long term durability

Why Rejected – Not taken any decision. Looks VFM as compared to competitor
 
Thread Starter #2
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continued...

10) Fiat Grande Punto Emotion 1.3


+ve
1) Proven Multijet engine
2) Best in class build quality
3) Exterior/Looks
4) Great ride quality
5) Effective AC
6) Reasonable price after discount (6.15 lakh OTR for 1.3 Emotion)
7) Long term durability
8) Decent boot space
9) Comfortable rear seat (especially position of rear headrest is perfect better than Swift, Jazz)
10) Decent feature list
11) Hydraulic power steering (perfect for highway drives)
12) GC – 171 mm
13) Decent mileage


-ve
1) FIAT ASS and spare part availability (only heard, not experienced)
2) Interior not up to the mark as compared to I20
3) Long clutch
4) Not easy to drive in city due to heavy steering and large turning radius (first impression)
5) Resale Value (I think worst in segment)

Later not considered Polo 1.2 highline due to same engine as Fabia.

It was really tough competition between Vista and Punto. I was totally inclined towards Vista for interior, VFM tag and unreliable ASS service of FIAT otherwise Punto stood strongly against Vista. My wife was not happy with vista for its taxi image. Meanwhile one of my friend booked Vista Quadrajet VX. Lots of debate/confusion happened between Vista and Punto. Finally we decided to go for FIAT Grande Punto 1.3 Emotion. We don’t worry about resale value of Punto because I’ll keep this car around 7/8 years but little bit worried about FIAT A.S.S.

Why Selected –

1) Build quality
2) Exterior/Looks
3) Comfortable rear seat
4) Great ride quality
5) Proven Multijet engine
6) Decent feature list
7) Reasonable price after discount (6.15 lakh OTR for 1.3 Emotion)

Booked on 24th September 2011 from Hem motors, Satara (Native place). Pandit auto Pune (PCMC) quoted me 6.38 lakh final OTR that’s why preferred Hem motor, Satara.
Booking amount – 5000
Color – Bossa Nova White
Expected Delivery – 6 October 2011 (vijayadashami)

Final Quotation –

1) Ex-showroom price – 590275
2) Insurance – 18000
3) RTO – 46000
4) OTR – 654275
5) Total discount – 40000
5) Final OTR after discount - 615000

What I got free –

1) 50 months road side assistance
2) Floor mats
3) Mud flaps

Done PDI on 1st October 2011 (not done PDI in details just checked few things). Checked VIN number, its July 2011 manufacturer car. Done rest of payment by DD (610000) and filled form no 20 for registration.

Delivery Day – 6th October 2011 (Vijayadashami)

Delivery day arrived. First task was to take delivery of friend's Vista from Pandit auto
Pimpri (Pune). On that day all delivery was scheduled at Bhosari workshop because it was crowded day. Took the delivery of vista at 11 AM. Filled the diesel at shell pump near Pimpri
and was flying towards Satara (110 KM from Pune) for my Grande Punto delivery. Reached Hem motor, Satara at 2 PM. Lots of crowd at showroom but most of people had taken vehicle delivery in morning. Delivery experienced was neutral (neither pleasant nor bad). SA attended us and shows the vehicle. Took short drive. Some observations

1) Car was cleaned from outside as well as inside
2) Floor mats and mud flap was provided as per commitment.
3) Speedometer was connected after short drive.
4) Owner manual and warranty book inside glove box
5) Where is ICE remote? Later realized Punto doesn’t comes with remote
6) Satisfied on AC, Car electrical and ICE

Done small ‘Puja’ and took the car delivery with temporary registration number (registration had done but number was pending).

Accessories fitted at outside –

1) Fabric/velvet Seat covers – 3200
2) Garware Ice cool Sunfilm (excluding front) – 6200
3) Floor mats (including boot) – 2100
4) Perfume - 260
5) Vacuum Cleaner (12V) – 700

First experienced at TATA-FIAT A.S.S network

While car at parking place (covered parking), someone broke (or may be by mistake) my rear wiper. I lost my rear wiper of brand new car within week . Only my fear was whether I get rear wiper or not. Without rear wiper brand new car looks very bad. So next day I visited to Pandit auto, Bhosari for rear wiper. They informed me FIAT spares are available at Pandit auto, Akurdi workshop. I reached Akurdi and enquired about Punto rear wiper at receptionists. They sent me at store department. Again I enquired at store department. They informed me to visit Pandit auto, Bhosari. What is this? I politely told him that I did come from Pandit auto, Bhosari. Store executive started searching and finally I got rear wiper. I Paid 412 rs for rear wiper. Store executive sent service mechanic for assemble rear wiper. He tried lot but could not succeed. Later service representative sent another mechanic. He told me that ‘Pusher’ is required to push wiper nuts/screw and we don’t have ‘Pusher’ at this service center. But somehow he managed and assembled the rear wiper successfully [cheers]. Definitely this experience was not pleasant but I am not saying this was bad experience but definitely below my expectations. Hopefully I’ll get pleasant A.S.S. experience for 1st service at TATA-FIAT.


Disclaimer – The short listed cars pros and cons are totally based on my assumption/observation/perception. May be I am wrong in many cases. So we’ll not discuss these things in this thread.
 
Joined
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congrats im worried as to why the speedometer was disconnected.
Speedometer is connected right from the factory.
please do post some images and all the best with your new baby
 
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Congrats buddy. Welcome to the Punters Club!

Some problems with the A.S.S. & some gripes can be expected from FIAT, get over your apprehensions & enjoy your ride. Believe me, you will start loving your Punto.

Congrats again. Pictures?
 
Joined
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Congrats on your Fiat Grande Punto.Wishing you lakhs of happy kms with it.
And yes nice ownership report and i like the +ves and -ves of various cars you listed
 
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Congratulations on your Punto! Wish you many happy miles with the Italian Beauty,
Please share the pics along the thread.
Good to see more and more Puneities active on TAI!
 
Thread Starter #8
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Thanks all guyz

MOD - Lot of stuff and images/Picture is missing. I already inserted pictures.
 
Thread Starter #9
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congrats im worried as to why the speedometer was disconnected.
Speedometer is connected right from the factory.
please do post some images and all the best with your new baby
IMO, At the time registration (RTO), need to disconnect speedometer.
 
Joined
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Congrats buddy [clap], Finally you got it. Where are the pics man ?
Punto is great car - I like the way you compared all the cars , its quite helpful for others who are in same dilemma like you.
May be you can post your views in Diesel hatchback discussion threads.
Congrats again and best luck, Drive Safe.
 
Thread Starter #13
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800 KM Update

The running on odometer shows 800 KM (70% on highways and 30% in city). Some observations

1) On first drive, not happy due to long clutch but now it is used to.
2) Frequent gear shifting not needed. On 3rd gear you can easily drive at speed 20.
3) Torque on 3rd gear not like Swift DDIS.
4) Gear shifting is not bad at all.
5) Breaking is excellent (Tested on highways)
6) At speed 100, you never feel car at 100 (act like 70/80). Amazing high speed stability
7) Long turning radius little bit painful in city.
8) Bottom of car scrapped 2 times in 10 days. 171mm GC what is this?
9) Car covers all road potholes smoothly. Nice suspension setup.
10) Steering is hard but now it is used to.
11) AC is effective even knob on 1st position.
12) ICE/Music system is not bad at all (Complaint from many users).
13) Dual glove box looks handy but no storage space on dash board.
14) Difficult to use multifunction display. Hopefully I’ll discover all features very soon.
15) If car is stopped without key OFF then why need to again OFF and ON to start engine? Why
Not ignite at ON position?
16) Mileage shows on odometer – City – 15 (90% AC)
Highways – 18 (80 % AC)
Need to check tankful to tankful method.
 
Joined
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Many many hearty congratulations JazzSelect! So you managed to end up having a Punto after moving from Swift to Jazz [:)]

BNW is the best color for Punto, and with Emotion you have selected a better option.

One question - what is tyre size on Emotion these days?

And yes - wishing you many many happy mile crunching.
 
Thread Starter #15
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Thanks Thetraveller and Surfur

^^ Tyre size for Emotion 1.3 - 165/80 R14

I have some queries -

1) 171 mm GC - scrapping 2 times in 8 days why?
2) If car is stopped without key OFF then why need to again OFF and ON to start engine? Why not ignite at ON position?
 
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