2014 Fiat Punto Test Drive Score Sheet

The refreshed Fiat Punto Evo offers an attractive package. But given the issues with the Fiat brand, is the Indian consumer willing to give the Punto a second look?

Too many bad decisions, and not being able to evolve with time, forced Fiat lovers to lose faith in the brand. This pretty much sums up the Italian carmakers situation in India, but what’s commendable is that they refuse to stay down – and the face-lifted Punto is a testimony to this.

The Punto has always been a solid, premium hatchback with enough cabin space for five adults. Now with a well-deserved nose job, the renewed Italian flair makes the Punto stand out in the crowd. Not only do the big sweptback headlamps make a serious fashion statement, but they also provide better visibility. The chrome outline around the front grille and the fog lamps add a premium touch to the car, while the rear LED lamps makes it quite eye catching. And the notable ridge on the bonnet ups its style quotient too.

We found the Punto to be extremely well balanced on the BIC. It’s European roots shone through, as it was extremely stable under hard braking and it turned-in very well indeed. It could certainly do with more power though, and a little less turbo lag. Plus, quality levels in the cabin are still not where they should be. That being said, this car could be a great alternative for the Indian compact car buyer. The refreshed Punto certainly stands out on the road, and could be a real player in the market if Fiat can get reassert its brand image and rebuild the trust with the customer.

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