Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Fiat, and you know you are

Clever Trevor ... eco:Drive provides tips on improving driving efficiency

However, there's a shed-load of kit if you want to pay for it. Fiat offer their Blue&Me TomTom package, which comprises a USB port for MP3 players, plus Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and sat-nav.

What can also be fitted is their clever eco:Drive set-up. This downloads data on your driving to a USB stick, which you feed into a PC.

Fiat's software can then provide tips on improving your efficiency.

But the most significant change this Evo brings is under the bonnet.

The Punto is a real jump forward in technology, thanks to two new Multi-Jet diesel and MultiAir petrol engines.

The original 1.3 Multi-Jet set new standards for small diesels, but this version is smoother, more refined and quicker.

The fuel economy is also up over 67mpg. It is a perfect illustration of why you don't really need a big engine any more. The Punto will cruise all day at excess of the motorway speed limit and it's now a lot quieter thanks to the major insulation work carried out by Fiat. Fiat Gone a rear ... Fiat Grande Punto Evo has a reworked rear end

There are two different power versions of the diesel - the smaller 75bhp is for those who prefer economy to power, but the 90bhp unit is quicker.

Fiat have high hopes for the MultiAir 1.4-litre petrol - they claim it cuts CO2 by between ten and 25 per cent, reduces fuel consumption by ten per cent but gives more power through the gears and does around 50mpg.

Contender As with the Grande Punto, the Evo's steering is very light and it is uncomplicated to drive. The car coped well with the corners on our twisty route, resisting body roll. It delivers a smooth and comfortable ride, too.

And a hot Abarth version, with a 1.4-litre MultiAir turbo, will join the range in the near future.

All new models also get Fiat's latest Start & Stop system - turning off the engine when you come to a halt and select neutral, and firing it again when you press the clutch. And that is very smooth. Fiat have invested more than 220million euros (�193million) on the Punto Evo and it has made the model a major contender once again.

But superminis are judged on price and the Punto Evo will be competitive from �10,995, especially as they will continue to sell the Grande Punto from �7,195.

No comments:

Post a Comment