8
NEWS
Fiat relaunches Punto in Oz
Giugiaro-styled light hatch makes a return, supported by aggressive marketing and affordable pricesFiat is rebuilding its brand in Australia from the base, and the arrival of its Punto light hatch is the second stroke in its master plan.
"The Punto has been designed to meet the requirements of new-car buyers looking for environmentally friendly cars that are affordable to run and easy to live with, yet still chic, safe, comfortable and fun to drive," said Veronica Johns, President and CEO of Fiat Chrysler Group Australia, by way of welcoming the new addition to the Fiat range.
The new Punto can be identified by a mesh grille, day running lights and revised tail lights, but the light hatch is basically unchanged from the car Ateco Automotive last sold here in 2009 (apart from a handful of sales the following year). Punto for 2013 is here in a simplified range structure. There are no turbos or diesels this time around, just the one engine (the 1.4-litre SOHC four-cylinder that was also sold here previously), two transmission choices and three levels of trim.
Punto kicks off at $16,000, including the on-road costs – a significant amount shaved off the price asked four years ago. That amount will get you behind the wheel of the base-grade Fiat Punto Pop, with a manual transmission. Buyers can also opt for the Punto Pop with a 'Dualogic' robotised version of the same transmission for $17,500, which is also a driveaway price.
A mid-range model, the Punto Easy, is just one variant (with the Dualogic transmission as standard) and sells for $19,300 before the on-road costs. Topping the range is the Punto Lounge at $21,800. This model is also the one variant, with Dualogic as standard.
As standard, all Punto models come equipped with air conditioning, Dualdrive electric steering, height/reach-adjustable steering column, heated exterior mirrors, remote central locking, electric front windows, height adjustment for the driver's seat, split-fold rear seat, MP3-compatible six-speaker CD audio system and Bluetooth connectivity.
The entry level Punto Pop features cloth seat trim, six airbags and 15-inch steel wheels. Both the Punto Easy and Punto Lounge gain an extra airbag, for the driver's knee. A premium dash design, plus cruise control, leather-bound steering wheel/shift knob, front centre armrest, electric rear windows and wider tyres on 15-inch alloys distinguish the Punto Easy from the Pop.
Over the mid-range model's specification, the Punto Lounge also delivers leather seat trim, dual-zone climate control, 16-inch alloys, front fog lights with adaptive cornering function, aluminium mirror caps, chrome exhaust tip, electrochromatic mirror, ambient lighting and privacy glass.
Fiat plans to offer Punto buyers a broad selection of customisation options, just as the importer does with the 500. Among these are different alloy wheel designs, mirror covers (in black, white, carbon, chrome or chequered finishes), grille inserts and tuned exhaust tailpipes.
Ex-factory options will include alloy wheels (for the Punto Pop), a TomTom satellite navigation unit, dual-pane sunroof (Easy and Lounge), and heated front seats (Lounge only).
The engine is the same 1.4-litre SOHC engine sold here previously, developing 57kW and 115Nm on 91 RON petrol. Fuel consumption is 5.7L/100km for the manual variant, or 5.4 with the Dualogic box. Only the Punto Pop is available with the five-speed manual transmission; the robotised transmission – also a five-speed unit – can be ordered as standard in the other grades, or as an option for the base model.
The engine is mounted transversely and drives through either of the transmissions to the front wheels, which are supported by a MacPherson strut system. A torsion bar set-up keeps the rear of the Punto off the ground. Braking is handled by a combination of front ventilated discs and rear drums, while the steering is an electrically-assisted ('Dualdrive') rack-and-pinion system.
15-inch steel wheels are shod with 175/65 tyres for the Punto Pop, 15-inch alloys are fitted with 185/65 tyres for the Punto Easy, and 16-inch alloys for the Punto Lounge, come with 195/55 tyres.
The Punto's footprint measures 4065mm long and 1687mm wide, with the wheelbase measuring 2510mm. Kerb weight is 1024kg.
Prices for Fiat Punto
Pop manual - $16,000 (driveaway)
Pop Dualogic - $17,500 (driveaway)
Easy Dualogic - $19,300 (MLP)
Lounge Dualogic - $21,800 (MLP)
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Share this article
Written byKen Gratton
See all articlesOur team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Stay up to dateBecome a carsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Subscribe todaySell your car with Instant Offer™
Like trade-in but price is regularly higher
1. Get a free Instant Offer™ online in minutes2. An official local dealer will inspect your car3. Finalise the details and get paid the next business day
Get a free Instant Offer
Looking for a first car?Get the latest advice and reviews on first car that's right for you.
Explore the First Car Hub
Related articles
Disclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Love every move.
Buy it. Sell it.Love it.
®Contact
Advertise with us
Local marketplaces
International marketplaces
Scan to download the carsales app
Want more info? Here’s our app landing page
App Store and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo
are trademarks of Google LLC.