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Fiat Grande Punto

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Fiat Grande Punto
Fiat
aka Fiat Punto
Production 2005 - present
Class Economy Compact
Body Style 3-door hatchback
5-door hatchback
Length 4030 mm
Width 1687 mm
Height 1400 mm
Wheelbase 2510 mm
Weight 1015-1205 kg
Transmission Five-speed Semi-Automatic
Five-speed Manual
Six-speed Manual
Engine 1,242 cc four-cylinder petrol
1,368 cc four-cylinder petrol
1,248 cc MultiJet diesel
1,910 cc MultiJet diesel
Power 1.2 - 65bhp
1.4 - 77bhp
1.3 MultiJet - 75-90bhp
1.9 MultiJet - 130bhp
Similar Ford Focus
Peugeot 207
Designer Giugiaro

The third generation of the Fiat Punto model range was unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motorshow, and sales began in European markets by the end of that year. The car, named the Grande Punto to mark it out from the previous generation Puntos, was designed by Italian design house Giugiaro, and is built upon the platform which Fiat and GM engineered together (essentially a modernised version of the GM Gamma platform).

The Grande Punto has, so far, been quite the sales success, and combined with the success of the Nuova Panda, has helped turn the Fiat company from an unprofitable, unwanted car maker into one of Europe's most prominent manufacturers.

Recent Changes

Since its release in 2005, very few changes have been made to the Grande Punto. The car, available in three-door and five-door variants, is sold with three different trim levels - the Active, Dynamic and Sporting. The specification and colour charts are almost identical to when the vehicle was released, however at the 2007 Geneva Motorshow, Fiat unveiled an Abarth version of the Punto, which hints at expansion of the model range in the near future.

In 2006, the critically acclaimed MultiJet diesel engine range was added to the Grande Punto, in 75hp, 90hp and 130hp forms. This allows a MultiJet to be available with each trim level. Also in 2006, a UK-market specific edition was released, named the Active White. This is intended to be a cheaper and more basic version of the Active, aimed at those living in the city looking for a cheap runabout.

Styles and Major Options

The Grande Punto range, like other Fiat models, is systematic, with three distinct clear-cut models, and each successive model adding onto the previous. Apart from trim level, Grande Punto buyers can also choose whether their car will be three- or five-door, with the five-door edition being typically £700-1000 more expensive than the three-door. Transmission options are a five-speed semi-automatic, five-speed manual and a six-speed manual.

The Active

The Active is the base of the Grande Punto range. Sold with only the 1.2 petrol and 1.3 75hp MultiJet, and featuring basic equipment as standard. This includes a radio/CD player, colour-coordinated bumpers, electric windows, remote locking and driver and passenger airbags. Wheel options are 15-inch pressed steel, with pastic trims.

The Active White edition omits the electric windows, and is available in only white. The engine choice is limited to only the 1.2, but this allows it to be a whole £600 cheaper than the Active.

The Active Sport adds deeper bumpers and side skirts, along with 15-inch alloy wheels. A CD/MP3 player is also included, and engine option is limited to a 1.4 petrol.

The Dynamic

The Dynamic builds upon the specification of the Active, but adds more colour and engine options to the range. The Dynamic can be specified with a 1.2 petrol, 1.4 petrol, or the 1.3 MultiJet 90hp.

Alloy wheels are standard, as is air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, and in some markets the SkyDome full-length sunroof is offered. Also, in addition to the driver and passenger airbags of the Active, the Dynamic adds side and roof airbags - and is one of the only cars in this class to do so.

The Sporting

The crown of the range until the Abarth version arrives. Again, building on the Dynamic, this car is fully loaded, and is given only the best engines and colours. As such, the Sporting can be specified with the 1.9 MultiJet 130hp and the 1.4 petrol.

The expansive specification includes 17 inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth communication, Radio/CD/MP3 player, bodykit, Dual Zone automatic climate control, ESP stability programme and electric sports seats, amongst others.

Pricing

Grande Punto Trims

Active White

Active

Active Sport

Dynamic

Sporting

MSRP

£7485

£8004

£8910

£8910-10600

£10710-12300

Gas Mileage

Reliability

Safety

Photos

Colors

Main Competitors

Hybrid Models

Unique Attributes

Resale Values

Criticisms

Current Generation: (YYYY–present)

Worldwide

Design quirks and oddities

Awards

See also

External Links

Grande Punto Abarth

Gallery