Fiat Abarth Punto Evo | First Drive | Autocar India
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- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
- The wait for driving enthusiasts is over. India has finally got its first genuine hot hatch which guarantees to thrill its owners. Here's Hormazd Sorabjee with more.
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Fiat : built like a tank
Maruti : built for a prank
All praises in the comment section and then they'll go and book a swift dzire or i20
+kanishq ruhil Ha...ha...so true!!!!
+kanishq ruhil hahhaah BRO ....got any clue why fiat fucks up the gearbox??? They seriously need to take a leaf out of hyundai/suzukis book for greatshift slotting quality/length. (But only that, those guys need to learn how to build a body/interior/suspension/steering from the itallian oldie)
+NAWMSAYIN!? not actually. and the gearbox in tjet is not a deal breaker
ummm, gearbox = tjet??? You sure mate?! I think you mean't engine?
***** Still a slightly rubbery gearbox is better than loose chasis and dead steering
2015 was a good year.. we had Chevrolet, we had GM, we had FIAT and we had Ford.. 🥺
I am from another country but i enjoyed this review. The presenter has done his job perfectly I think.
If it is under 10lacs, that would truly be a treat!
+Harish Kumar yes it is under 10 lakh now launched
My two cents:
1) This doesn't sound like a regular Punto, it's *quieter* than a regular Punto. For all those complaining, remember that there's a big fat turbine blocking the flow of the exhaust gases. Turbo cars almost never sound as good as NA cars (on the exhaust side, anyway - induction and turbo noises are a different story).
2) Speaking of turbo, this car isn't just fast - it's fast in a very *turbocharged* way. There's a big non-linear whoosh and for those not used to aggressive turbos (or peaky two-stroke bikes, for that matter :-P ), it takes some getting used to. But get to know it and it's a hoot. I usually prefer to get my power via larger/higher revving NA engines rather than through a turbo, but I have to admit that this car's power band is great fun.
3) All of this means that the 8.8 sec run (or even weirdly slow 9.5 sec claimed here) doesn't do justice to this car's hustle. Despite all my love of aggressive downshifting and redlining in NA cars, there's no denying that this car has much more real-world pace than you will realize via its 0-100 numbers.
4) Lots of people complain about the driving position, but I like the driving position of the Punto/Linea. I enjoy the extra leverage and precision I get when I drive with my elbows tucked close and arms compact, which means I'm closer to the wheel. So if your driving position is like Francois Delecour, I think you'll find a happy driving position.
5) Everyone also complains - rightly - about the gearbox. But while the gearbox isn't great fun, it's also not imprecise. So you can shift hard and fast, and while the shift itself won't bring a smile to your face, you won't end up with a botched shift. A gearbox that actively ruined power delivery would have been criminal - fortunately this one, despite its shortcomings, isn't that bad. You can definitely shift fast enough to get tyre chirp shifting into third (honest shift, no power-shifting shenanigans).
6) Which brings me to the hopelessly inadequate tyres. 195 section, non-sticky rubber. Tyres give up ages before the chassis even breaks a sweat. Powering out of corners feels like asking Usain Bolt to sprint while wearing ballerina shoes. However, you can extract a LOT more out of even the hopeless stock tyres by left-foot braking. More than any other FWD car on the market, left-foot braking while powering out of corners is rewarding with this car.
7) Everything else speaks for itself. The Punto has lovely dynamics, this variant is even better. In today's world of video game steering wheels, that hydraulic PS = joy. One pet peeve, though: please stop whining about how ground clearance is too low for potholes and speed breakers. So many other things matter - overhangs; wheelbase; *where* is the point of minimum clearance (at the differential or mid-body); spring stiffness; etc etc. The Scorpio's GC is actually 5mm *lower* than the regular Punto's (yes, look it up). Approach, departure and breakover angles would be better (albeit not perfect) metrics, but of course nobody publishes them for such cars; so just try out the cars in the real world. Guessing from GC alone is like crystal-ball gazing, you can't really make a prediction.
who cares. i want a silent hunk not a noisy monster.
finally someone who knows his stuff....except other chutiyas who'd dismiss it as a decal'd punto....a stage 2 Polo GT TSI wouldn't even come close to this. And then if someone decides to get a better exhaust, 205 section tyres and maybe a slick shifter....you've got the BEST hatchback India's ever seen
Bro you deserve to start your own auto-blog. I'd love to read it from time to time.
ifuckinhatethisvideo agree with all your points apart from the one where you said that even a stage 2 polo gt tsi won't be able to come close to this. My friend a stage 2 GT tsi would decimate this punto abarth. I have driven both cars extensively and i can tell you that a stage 1 polo would easily beat and overtake a Punto Abarth in any scenario. Credit partly goes to the lightning quick DSG Gearbox and the rest of it to that beautifully free revving 1.2 engine that definitely revs better and faster than the Punto Abarth's. In a straight line drag, the Punto Abarth might be quicker to a 100 but after that the Polo catches up with he Punto as there isn't really that much pull in the last two gears of the Punto. PS- the Punto cannot be tuned without changing the gearbox as the gearbox is already at its torque limit
Your review was extremely useful. Your knowledge seems to be quiet huge in AUTO. Keep it up.
his reaction starting at 2:07-2:12 is enough for me and sums up everything about this beauty :)
this is a car to go for guys
You can see people often change their CARS, but FIAT owners mostly choose Fiat cars only, that`s the strength of Fiat Cars, I am using Punto 1.3 Ltr diesel from past 5 years and still I enjoy each drive with same comfort and smoothness as NEW. I am waiting for Fiat 500 L, it will be my next Car.
I feel safe when I drive at high speeds and I never mind what the other cars are coming across on my way, I simply overtake them with my Punto, thanks to FIAT for giving importance to safety. My preference is always safety of me and my family rather than few Kms extra mileage and decorations. I am a proud FIATIAN...any doubts ?
Good to see loyalists like you in this world of disloyal people. I, myself, am a VW loyalist.
Yes even I am!!
Initially the palio stile but now the Aventura powered by Abarth
Correctly said. I'm really enjoying my Punto. It has Rock solid stability while cruising.
How about the maintenance bit ? Are the spares easily available? I lives in delhi.
safety by unique double striker air beg, pushing machine on heavy accident, Anti rolling sys, Fire prevention system, unique suspensions by loaded of 7 technologies, unique max most Ground clearance, top speed till 190-200 n comfortable balancing speed of 180, Piston temperature balancer, Six direction protected beams, Rotational Immobaliser sys in all variants n other safety features make this car unique that no brands hav capabilities to provide such huge unique features in any Sedan n hatchback
Fiat! please market it correctly and give proper after sales service Don't ruin this iconic car like the others
+rohit r Hope Fiat is getting its strategy in line which can work wonders for the Company. Good Luck Team FIAT
+rohit r Actually ever since they got rid of Tata dealership and set up their own dealership, I've felt that the service has improved a lot. There is no more waiting around and goverment-office like attitude to be dealt with.
hope so its true .
+rohit r Havent had any issues wrt support and service on my t-jet
+Yash Shah .mg
I'm from Europe, this is strange to see this "Abarth" which is not a real one (the last Abarth punto in Europe were at least 165bhp or 180bhp and only 3 doors and 17 or 18 inch. wheels). I've got a "Grande Punto" with the 1.4 T-Jet engine with 120bhp, and 17" wheels as standard. it goes to 62mph in 8.9s, so this one is faster for sure (over 9s would be bullshit). Anyway that's still a pretty cool car for you guys, since Abarth stopped making Punto but only Fiat 500.
+SkizomanX This is just an entry level model to attract people towards a driver oriented car (and for brand building) that is still practical (like regular 5 door Punto) and can be used everyday, that too at the price of regular hatchbacks. In India, enthusiasts form a very low percentage and the common people only care about fuel efficiency and resale value. Due to that, even cars like VW Polo with a little 105HP 1.2 TSI were considered hot hatch by many as most petrol cars sold here have puny 1.2 NAs that take over 15s to hit 100 km/h :p. The same cars with Diesel engines are faster here with the quicker ones averaging 11-13s.
Compared to that, this car is in a different level. Budget performance cars are almost non existent in Indian market. It looks like FIAT is testing waters here. By plonking in a more powerful engine in the regular Punto, they're making it more affordable which is a good move wrt Indian market.
FIAT India have announced that they'd be bringing in the 180HP model later on. If this 145HP model evokes even a decent amount of response, they'd bring it for sure. That'd be good for enthusiasts, but I'm sure it won't come in 3 door variant. Market for 3 door hatches is non-existent in India. I also doubt the 18" wheels. The hard suspension would already kill the backbone due to the rough roads here. The small sidewalls of 17" are already painful here, so 18" would break the spine for sure :D
180 HP with 5 door without compromising on practicality will be the best for Indian market I believe.
Anyway, I heard that the high performance Puntos are already stopped in many places. On the contrary, it is good that FIAT India, which was in deep slumber till now has finally awaken. Even though this car is nothing in many places in the world, like he says in the video, this is a very special car wrt Indian market.
bellicromanx Thank you for this detailled explanation :-)
+SkizomanX Thanks for reading patiently :)
did he say 145bhp?
:o what
This car left my 320d in the dust on the Hyderabad ORR. It was too fast
something that light and so powerful, it'll leave most cars in the dust
My friend owns fiat linea t jet and 2018 bmw 3 series. He says linea is better car to drive.
Yes Boy!! there u go! a perfect answer to those who call FIAT a snail. Now eat Abarth Dust. hahah!
#Respect #Fiat
Haha well said!! FIAT ROCKSS!!
which car do you own :/
Fiat rocks bro I own Abarth Aventura
Thank you for the Review but Sir I do not agree with you on the Ground Clearance what you have mentioned. I think Fiat has done a fantastic job and giving a higher ground clearance is surely a plus in Indian road conditions.
I think this new Punto deserves to set all new benchmark in Indian HOT HATCH Market.
Thanks.
Owned Palio S10, Now using Palio Stile petrol. This is my next car for sure.
Good to see Hormazd doing review after a long time. My first car was a Fiat GTX and it was a dream car. Ride, handling and the quickness with which it takes you around was unbelievable. Sadly, it was ahead of its time and let down by Service and niggling issues now and then. Good to see Fiat committed to driving pleasure oriented cars and not resorting to cheap tricks like Japanese and Korean cars. Pathetic to see how people are buying those Altos, Amaze, boleros, Wagon R, Dezire kind of tin boxes. I see a lot of similarities between Fiat and Royal Enfield in India. Someday, Fiat would make it to the top. As far as i am concerned, my 10L is ready. Common guy's. Open firecrackers.
I appreciate your loyalty
I own a Linea Tjet and it thirls me with it's TJet Engine which churns out 114 bhp engine. This being lighter and whooping 145 bhp is surely going to be SERIOUSLY FREAKING AWESOME and as usual like all the Fiat car it's a beauty as well. :D
+Khiyatesh Gautam I even love my 76 bhp 1.3 liter diesel Punto :)
Dear Hormazd, we want to see you in every single video here...
we want you to review every single machine launching in India...
Murphy Asharaf Why hate!
Hormazd is the best here...
I know him more than 10 years now. :-)
+Manas Sorte i have been reading his reviews since the early 90s! he is the best!
+Manas Sorte Hormzad is best the lady renuka is not good for reviews she is biased to koreans
Punto is my fevorite
Firing would have completed this this car. Also if fiat can add more customised options so that we can make our car unique. Still this car looks awesome.
@Dhananjayan Kausshik
Still much better than swift, whose bonnet you can tear like a tissue paper
You should also review the infotainment system and show its features in the same video of the every car.
I Own THE SCORPION 😍😍
145 BHP and 0-100 in 9.5 sec? This thing must be as heavy as the titanic.
+Abhishek Roy It's 8.8 seconds, figures are out.
shadyabhi Thanks for the update
+Abhishek Roy Yea the weight plays a huge factor with this one I think because the Abarth 500 has 130bhp stock and will do 0-100 in around 7 seconds (6.8 on a video I watched). I believe the one I watched was stock ,but it may have been the SS.
Stewart Piper IMO, the 500 should be heavier because of it's interiors and build. I was hoping for a 6.5 sec car. The TSI octavia claims sub 8 second 0-100 figures after having 170 HP
Abhishek Roy bad launch. also, the tires are hilariously inadequate. 0-100 is misleading. see how fast it does 80-160, heck barely anything under 25 lacks will be able to keep up.
You complain about the gaps between the wheels and the arches but all I see are big ass rims and low profile tires.
VW is also planning to get the polot GTI in India so boz of this fiat they will also try to price it competitively...its happy news that hot hatches are making their way to India..!!!
+Naveen Kumar even polo GTI comes to india it will be expensive
+Naveen Kumar Don't keep your hopes high with the GTI. that will come as a CBU and price will be over 20L !
Polo GTI cup car is already there in India for racing sport it's not sold for on road that's it. The car has 1.6 TSI motor which produces 180 to 190 Bhp which is turbocharged and supercharger which is priced over 20 lakhs
+sathish kumar There's 1.8 TSI coming, which will be road-legal. 0-100
Yeah it's the polo gt tfsi which is 190 bhp and won't be available for Indian roads.
the gear is not a problem, the kind of gearbox used in fiat is to make low emission levels possible and less maintenance (service once in year)
fiat design their cars more Eco friendly more safety, style and perfection in engineering ,dynamics !
I have abarth punto
The most under rated car
I love fiat
Im a Fiat Fan...
Good review however, 9.4 seconds doesn't really qualify these days as a hot hatch, probably not even a warm hatch (in the ROTW) very surprising, would've though in the mid to high 7s would be enough, needs the Esse esse pack.
fiat Abarth punto is really awesome.............
Would have been perfect with just 2 doors!
Plzz can someone tell me that how can I buy this Car in 2021 ?
1st hand 2nd hand will be perfect but from where I can buy this and how ?
Ahhh here it is!! Heard people saying that vw will release the gt1 or the gt tfsi which is 190 bhp!! Big deal...fiat will get the abarth punto supersport having a 205bhp supercharged petrol !! Come what may....FAIT IS THE CLEAR WINNER 😂
in India very less people go for power many are concern about fuel economy and space they around 10 lac car so very less buyer it will get
headlight similar to the ford ka sold here in Brazil
dear autocar plz do a comparison video with this car and the competition....
Wow punto abarth in india oooohhh i am so exited!!!!!! Ready to spend my 10 grand for this baby
+Gokul Krishnan R Dei nayee, its 10 lakhs, not 10 grand.
just cant seem to understand why people complain about ride height for indian road conditions, i would rather have more ride height than hit the underbelly of my car every time it comes across a big hump, which is another reason why suv's are popular in india
Anything that gets one closer to its cousin - Ferrari, in the Fiat family tree.
A bold move from Fiat. 145 BHP Punto with all discs. Fiat did made a lot of changes to make it the hottest hatch. far better than maruti who puts up some stickers and calls it sports version.... Seems fiat is serious about India now.
If indeed it is sub 10k it will greatly impact the segment. Polo GTs etc.. of course they have a tsi/dsg combo..
but 148 bhp is insanity!
There were many mistake in this test drive.. There are toe types of punto abarth the two 4doors was made specific for family safety that's why it a hit high and there are two types of suspension spring. The short spring and the long spring the 2doos are more lower that the 4doors
Hi! Could you please do a comparison video between the abarth punto evo and the vw polo gt tsi? I'd love to see that. Thanks.
smile per mile...
i own a fiat linea Tjet...
Sir I am always fond of the fiat cars .i respect that.so in a comparison between petrol hatches of fiat which is the best. The punto evo or the punto abarth pls reply....??😀😀
Fiat ain't just a dust eater now. it's back and better than ever
whatever.. its FIAT, the quality you should believe, under 10 lac... i doubt. love the handling.
Punto is best
is this exclusive for the Indian market?
I want to just asked u about Fiat Abarth Punto
Is it worth buying Fiat Abarth Punto in 2019 ???
After sales service & maintainance ?
Fiat’s after sale service is very worst & to expensive, is that real ???
Abarth Punto is better than VW POLO ???
was this car directly designed in India from the original one made in Italy?
Is abarth is going to relaunch punto in 2022?
what about the colour options ???
I don't get the criticisms. Is it a hot hatch ? In a market with 15 sec 0-100 time and below 100 bhp standards, yes it is a hot hatch, in fact it's so hot that you'd need heat resistant glasses to take a glance at it. And come on, the polo GTI would be a 20 lakh car, absolute bonkers to compare it with this. And i think this is where the market has reached it's saturation point in this segment, mid range hot-minis, the absolute balance between affordability and performance. The next segment would be the pro 17 lakh hot hatches, even the 180bhp Punto and the Polo GTI.
Loved your comment Sir.
sam insomniac very true.. Polo GTI is at 26 lakh ex showroom. . :D
WOW hope i had that kind of money.
where is the creta and ciaz review????
best hot hatch in the world in mini cooper jcw
How about Punto1.2 dynamic petrol 2018 model
Are you listening VW? Bring on the Golf and Scirocco
Had a lot of expectations from this car. The POLO GT TSI goes from a 0-100 in just 9.7 seconds using a 1.2L 103bhp turbo petrol. This car has a 1.4L 145bhp turbo petrol. Expected a 0-100 time of not more than 8 seconds!! A real downer this!!! not to forget the 185mm ride height which belongs to the cross-over category!!! If only it came with a better gearbox to unleash this amount of engine power...
+hiral thanki you are wrong GT TSI Takes 11 Sec for 0-100 Dash. and the hot hatch not just means the bhp its the suspension, feedback from steering, ride quality, height is now adjusted to 155 mm. with all disc break punto is superior with its breaking
Murphy Asharaf this video suggests that the ride height of this car is still high, so forgive me if I'm wrong to assume that it's the same as the Punto EVO. But, I'm sorry to tell you that you haven't got your facts straight!!
The previous generation TSI went from a 0-100 in 11 seconds, the 2014 model though, has an improved 0-100 time of 9.7 seconds and the "Abarth isn't the first hatch to crack the 10 second band". And as far as the ride quality goes, the PUNTO EVO already had a stiff suspension setup, huge body roll in corners due to its ride height and a pretty heavy steering wheel that made driving a bit harsh. What they have done now is reduced the ride height with an even stiffer suspension setup. Forgive me again if I have offended you but I know what hot hatches mean. And FYI, I have driven both the EVO and the GT, I didn't write these things just by reading some article on the internet.
Brother i have driven a tsi and my brother own one. And i own a tjet linea. Tsi is. Great car to drive but the steering is not connected to the rubber and it doesnt gv any feedback either. To comply with the added speed something need to be improved which ww havent done but fiat is implemented those
I agree that the GT needs a wee bit more weight to its steering wheel, but the steering wheel in the EVO is a bit too heavy. EVO does have amazing 195s, which helps it corner at high speeds. But what i'm not happy about is the performance of this car. A little bit of engine tuning and this car could be the best hatch in India for this price range.
+hiral thanki You are right, A 6 speed manual would have made this car a fucking beast, with a louder exhaust and perhaps lowering the ride height another 30mm would do the trick. People would buy it even if it was 12 lakhs.
lowered it?? really and all those speed-breakers & potholes?
Worth the wait ! :D
this or one of the polo gt twins?
awesome cant wait
Would people still buy this over a Polo tsi?
karan pandya I for one, most certainly would. More so, considering the INSANE price tag the POLO GTI is to be launched at, I would JUST LAP UP this Italian beauty!
of course they will
karan pandya correction " 'why' Would people still buy a Polo tsi over this?
lol
obviously, 145 bhp and sharp handling...
We indians don't deserve such great cars 😬
Punto EVO also good one.in kerala fiat is distribute by HYSON MOTORS . Their sales and service is very bad . To consider anther distributor it may more loveable and more satisfied
My love Punto omega helthcare
Games
Where you can buy the Abarth Punto Evo 2016 where it is cheapest ? Because I would buy . I am from Poland.
+Fanclub klubowicza Should be in Italy :)
how long does it take to go from 60-0 and 100-0 (distance)
depends who's dying
Indians.. since they don't know about safety precautions
Seriously only a fool will buy Polo GTi over this
But i should atleast get DRL and projector headlamps!
Haunie Rymbuii After market parts are all crap and Doesn't fit that well and your car warranty is violated by it and also cars with such a price tags should at-least get DRL, projector headlamps led tails lights, abs and air bags standard throughout the line up(dese are not just taste these are essential these dayz and enhance ur road presence and visibility and safety) and spclly Indian govt. should Standardize these things as mandatory in cars because safety is the biggest responsibility not just running a car.
+Haunie Rymbuii I think I should buy a second hand form there ;-) ... On a serious note , Well one can buy the Abarth here and add the rest that way it would look the same but yes FIAT India might just consider to bring the Sporty variant (180 bhp) later if things go well with them post the launch , Its more or less do or die for them with this soon to be launch +AbarthPuntoEvo .
+Prafful Singh then buy the car which offers drl and projector headlamps. If may I ask which car do you own?
Polo GT TSI or Punto Abarth or Baleno ??? Which one to go for??
Tarun Nangia Fiat PUNTO Abarth
Gt tsi
Launch date?
no turbocharger?
Hormazd-It could be India's new hot hatch.
We Indians-Nope!
0:53 - 16" alloy wheels wow 😍🔥
1:12 - Steering wheel luks outdated & boring 👎
But it works mann
mine is an suv and it cracks 0-60mph in 9 secs... and u call this a hot hatch
+Vicky Tarun then what you have got to call a hot hatch. btw which suv u have
Murphy Asharaf its a Toyota rag 4... I Wil call the golf r the hot hatch ... Or the new civic type r ma fav
Lol you are talking about europian or middle east market. Bhayya hum india ka baat karta hein.
Lol am in merica... And am an Indian ...no hindi pls am frm chennai..
Brother in america u wil get many hot hatches better than golf and civic. In india punto abarth is the best.
145 bhp seriously
Ssss... those swept back headlights are aweful
under "10 LAKH" OMG :-D
the biggest problem with fiats is no practical space for bottle and cup holders. who keeps cup holders in front if gear box because if the gear is on 1st /3rd/5th one needs to look down to ensure non spilling of liquid.
second is practical space for passengers
third is quality of seats are the worst of the lot in terms of comfort. they have caused me a back pain. horrible
+Keshav Sikka Sorry to say this but, if you are buying a hot-hatch for "bottles and cup-holders", your priorities in life are pretty fucked up.
in europe we have the punto but no abarth with the same engine.
For some reason the european t-jet punto is faster than this punto.
This needs an aftermarket exhaust! But wait, Fiat will cut your Warranty! DAAM!
for real?
Awesome....
love FIAT
Wow first mainstream hatch to do 0~62 under 10 secs, srsly?
145bhp?? Its not a hot hatch....
145 bhp is plenty for India where even 105 hp gt tsi is a hot hatch
Does it has an auto transmission?
+Rohit Eligeti dude wherever i go i find u begging for automatic transmission "lmfao" btw i love manual
+Rohit Eligeti You should look at the AMT Celerio/DSG Polo....why gandungli everywhere, despot bhikhari
+ASTON RAY Hot hatches don't need Auto transmission you jerk.
even I am looking for an automatic hot hatch
+ASTON RAY a rider need a manual gearbox to explore his abilities
that's why most supercars are manual.
priced for abt 9.95 lac and 0-100 in 8.8 secs
Yea slightly lower stance only to scrape roads like hondas and figo's right?
These journalists should try their luck in engineering and design department. Looks like they get into a FIAT with a negative mindset right from the word go.
can anyone make a car like this never
maruti , hyundai ,honda mind it
9.5 sec to 100.. it should had been at least 8 or 8.5..... but good for a sub 10 lac car....