It's the cheapest turbo hatch in SA

Published Jan 21, 2009

Share

"http://stream.zoopy.com/flvPlayerExt.swf"

NEW FIAT PUNTO T-JET: It's claiming the best performance yet.

Fiat has thrown its hat into the performance ring for 2009 with what it claims is the hottest hatch you can buy for less than R185 000 - and the only one that's turbocharged.

The new boy racer is the 88kW Grande Punto 1.4 T-Jet, available either as a three-door Sport or five-door Dynamic.

There's also a new entry-level Grade Punto motivated by the 1242cc Fire engine South African drivers remember from the Uno.

Fiat brand manager Ryan Curling said: "The Grande Punto T-Jet is the perfect package - it's stylish, spacious, one of the safest cars in its class (with an electronic stability programme and hill-hold) and it's certainly the quickest.

"Factor in affordability and green credentials and it's a no-brainer."

Fiat is downsizing its engines in a quest for the "green" crown as Europe's most eco-friendly automaker. It says a new-generation turbo on a smaller engine delivers performance comparable to a bigger engine but with lower fuel consumption and emissions.

Turbo engines also make maximum torque at low revs, it says, improving flexibility and low-end response.

The 1.4-litre T-Jet in the Grande Punto is rated at 88kW at 5000rpm. Peak torque is 206Nm with 200Nm available from 1700rpm. It drives through a five-speed manual gearbox and Fiat quotes 0-100 in 8.9sec and a top speed of 195km/h.

The 1.2 Active has an upgraded version of the Fire engine for which Fiat quotes 49kW at 5500rpm and 102Nm at 3000, driving through a five-speed manual 'box for a top speed of 155km/h and average fuel consumption of 5.9 litres/100km.

MOD CONS

The 2009 Grande Punto comes with revised trim including new upholstery material and colours, more practical colours and surface treatments for the fascia and chromed rings around the instruments.

Despite its entry-level status, the three-door 1.2 Active has two front crash bags, anti-lock braking with electronic pressure distribution, remote-controlled central locking, power steering, front power windows and mirrors and a trip data computer.

The five-door 1.4 T-Jet Dynamic adds aircon, a six-speaker audio system with steering-wheel controls, a height-adjustable driver's seat, rear head restraints, six crash bags, an electronic stability programme with traction control and hill hold, body-colour door handles and mirrors and 15" alloy rims.

The range-topping, three-door 1.4 T-Jet Sport adds a centre armrest, front foglights, automatic door locks, side skirts, rear spoiler, leather-covered steering wheel and gear knob, and 17" alloys.

Prices

1.2 Active 3-door - R118 000

1.4 Active 5-door - R132 800

1.4 Dynamic 5-door - R162 900

1.4 T-Jet Dynamic 5-door - R183 600

1.4 T-Jet Sport 3-door - R191 900

Each Fiat Grande Punto cones with a three-year or 100 000km warranty, a five-year or 90 000km service plan and 12 months' roadside assistance.

- See also the Fiat Scudo

Related Topics: