Fiat Punto Evo Sport 90PS Test Drive Review

Fiat Punto Evo Sports 90 PS-1

Fiat Punto Evo Sport is an evolution to the already impressive Punto

Fiat India launched facelifted Punto in India last year with many major tweaks to interior as well as exteriors. Fiat rechristened this facelift as Punto Evo. It is launched in 4 engine option i.e 1.2-L petrol, 1.4-L Petrol and 1.3-L Mulitjet with 75PS & 93PS power. Fiat named 93PS diesel version as Punto Evo Sport that available in only top of the line variant, priced Rs.40,000 above 75PS version. Team GaadiWaadi tested the Punto Evo Sport for an entire week to deliver detailed review of it. So, is it worth to buy? We find out!

Variant tested: Fiat Punto Evo Sport 90PS , Price – Rs.7.71 Lakh Ex-Showroom Delhi

Styling

Fiat Punto Evo Sports 90 PS-26

In the Auto Expo last year, Fiat India showcased Avventura which got overwhelming response, nearly every visitor liked Avventura design and Fiat India, that’s why instead of bringing international version of updated Punto Evo in India, they updated the Punto from the underpinning of Avventura. This facelift is exclusively available for Indian market. In front, new swept back headlamps what Fiat called them as Reindeer headlamps carried from Avventura that are extended to fender. Heavy chrome treatment given to the front as well as rear. A single bar chrome grille, Chrome bezel to front fog lamps, German cars inspired bulge on hood with two prominent lines following Fiat logo are some noticeable changes in front.

Fiat Punto Evo Sports 90 PS-5

On the side profile, Punto Evo is similar to previous version except the new alloy wheels design. Punto Evo Sport gets 16″ 10-spoke alloy wheels while rest variants have 15″ alloy and steel-wheels. Chrome inserted door handles, ORVM mounted turn indicators are also available and adding more premiumness to the side profile of this Italian beauty. Punto Evo rear profile also get many noticeable changes. New crystal clear LED inserted tail-lamp from international version make way to this India specific model, chrome bezel inserted rear defogger are some additions to the Punto Evo Sport.

On the designing part, we are quite impressed with the way Punto Evo Sport looks, it has everything to fulfill the design demand of premium hatchback enthusiasts.

Interior

Fiat Punto Evo Sports 90 PS-14

Step inside the Punto Evo Sport and you are greeted with all black interiors, dashboard design is brought in from facelifted Linea with piano black center console, leather wrapped steering wheel. while driving in night, an attractive ambient lighting inside the dashboard joins on left part is seen, looking premium. Seating comfort with rear legroom, headroom and shoulder room is very good.Fiat Punto Evo Sports 90 PS-12

Punto Evo is a very comfortable hatchback for 4 persons and 5th can be adjusted without compromising on comfort. Enough numbers of bottle holder are available, rear AC vents, rear seatbelts for 3 passengers and 60:40 rear seat folding available. However, dashboard storage box is very small and sunglasses holder is given a miss in this premium hatchback.

Features

Fiat Punto Evo Sports 90 PS-15

In this department, Fiat Punto Sport is behind its Japanese and Korean rivals. Even on the Punto Evo Sport top of the line variant, reverse parking sensor’s and push start button with keyless entry are not available. Some rivals also offers touchscreen music system, telescopic steering wheel, driver armrest, and electrically retractable mirrors. Amongst them, we strongly feel that Fiat India must introduce reverse parking sensor and door mounted ORVM must get electrical retractable feature in near future.

Fiat Punto Evo Sports 90 PS-24

Punto Evo Sport is comes with Fiat’s iconic Blue&Me technology as well, in which you can connect your smart phone to the car’s music system and can call, streaming music with voice control’s as well.

Fiat Punto Evo Sports 90 PS-19Punto Evo Sport is also comes with advance drivers infotainment system which allows to add alarm for maximum speed you set, it shows instant mileage, average fuel economy, average speed and expected range, nearly all of its rival comes with same features.

Engine and Gearbox

Fiat Punto Evo Sports 90 PS-11

Punto Evo Sport is powered by India’s favorite 1.3L Multijet diesel engine. Cars like Swift, Dzire, Ertiga, Ciaz, S-Cross, Bolt, Zest are powered by same capacity engine. However, Punto Evo Sport delivers 93PS power at 4000 RPM and 209NM of torque at 1750-2000 RPM. Comparing to previous Punto, Punto Evo Sport gets some minor changes to its gear ratio but it still requires some attention specially in first and second gears.

Fiat Punto Evo Sports 90 PS-10

Punto Evo Sport comes with one of the most refined diesel engine with very minimal cabin noise, we maxed it to 160Kph on open stretch and we feel it has more potential

Sometimes we felt that a smoother 6 speed gearbox will turn driving more pleasurable. Turbo lag in the city exists and it takes time to spool up which can be a bit annoying in traffic. On the eve of Independence day, we took the Punto Evo to a long trip and measure its fuel economy full tank to full tank, it delivers impressive 15.36 Km/l mileage as we drove it all the way above 100-110 Km/hr.

Ride and Handling

Fiat Punto Evo Sports 90 PS-9

In this department, Punto Evo Sport is way ahead of its Japanese and Korean competition. Punto Evo Sport carried all the positives from its previous version i.e, superb built quality, super awesome driving experience, segment best braking ability, greatest high-speed stability and confidence in driving the car to the limit.

The hydraulic steering response, the composure, the fine chassis balance along with infinite grip makes the Punto segment leader in dynamics

Punto Evo comes with hydraulic steering wheel which has an advantage over rivals as well as disadvantage. In city traffic condition, you have to put more effort to manuever it, but the accuracy of steering makes it fun to drive on the other hand.

Fiat Punto Evo also comes with segment best ground clearance altogether with segment best suspension setup.

Verdict

Fiat Punto Evo Sports 90 PS-5

Punto Evo Sport is a truly enthusiast’s car, priced at Rs. 7.71 lakhs but some Fiat dealers are offering cash benefit of 35-40K above the ongoing exchange bonus. It is priced 50K above top-selling Swift, but after this discount, it is priced equal to the swift. Whereas it is priced 40K-60K below the Hyundai Elite i20 & Honda Jazz and extra discount of 35-40K makes the price difference of Rs.1 Lakh, there is no discount available on Jazz & Elite I20.

Fiat Punto Evo lacks in some features like Reverse parking sensor’s, push start/stop button, touchscreen music system but it is way ahead of its competition in terms of build quality, superb braking ability, suspension, optional warranty i.e upto 5 Years/150000 Km. Exteriors look of the car is very substantial like its competition and 100% Italian

Fiat Punto Evo Sports 90 PS-31
Click on the Image to visit Complete Gallery of Punto Evo Sport

Punto Evo is the right car for you if you are looking for a car that delights you by its performance, driveability, stability and durability rather than its features and dashboard design. If you are looking for feature rich car then you can go for Japanese or Korean car’s. However, the Punto Evo Sport continues to bring one feature which other car’s can’t, and that is make you grin.

Pro’s:

  • Best in class dynamics
  • Modern and classic Italian styling
  • High on safety and build quality on the outside
  • Sporty and spacious interiors
  • Reliable and powerful diesel engine

Cons:

  • Water comes inside from the floor area while crossing waterlogged road
  • Lacks of some premium features like Reverse parking sensor & Push start button
  • Dead paddle becomes an obstacle many times while pressing clutch
REVIEW OVERVIEW
Exterior
Interiors
Engine Performance
Ride and Handling
Comfort and features
Fuel Efficiency
Value for Money
After Sales Service
fiat-punto-evo-sport-90ps-test-drive-review-420023Fiat Punto Evo Sport is an evolution to the already impressive Punto Fiat India launched facelifted Punto in India last year with many major tweaks to interior as well as exteriors. Fiat rechristened this facelift as Punto Evo. It is launched in 4 engine option...