New entry-level Punto launched

With the Palio discontinued at the end of 2009, Fiat had a gap to fill at the budget end of its range. With a much high-spec Punto 1,4 Emotion available in that role up till now, the new Punto 1,2 Active has taken over the reins as the marque's entry level contender.

Manufactured at the Pune plant in South India, which has the capacity to produce 3 000 vehicles per day, the Punto was primarily revived to suit the demands of the emerging Indian market, which included three main criteria; the design had to be modern and stylish, the Punto had to be uncompromisingly practical (space and comfort were non-negotiables), and the vehicle had to be robust.

As the current Grande Punto will gradually be phased out to make way for the all-new Italian-built Punto Evo, the Punto 1,2 Active adopts much of the Grande Punto's styling cues, as it is essentially based on that model.

The Punto Active's 1,2-litre four-cylinder eight-valve engine produces 49 kW at 6 000 r/min and 96 N.m of torque from as low as 2 500 r/min. It's by no means a firecracker, but Fiat says it's more than capable with a free-revving nature and refined with a drive-by-wire throttle.

Fiat claims a top speed of 155 km/h, while fuel consumption is 6,7 litres/100 km at a constant 100 km/h, and 7,7 litres/100km for the urban cycle.

The Punto 1,2 Active's features include enhanced structural rigidity, Fiat's unique Fire Protection System (FPS), power steering, air conditioning and electric front windows.

The recommended retail price is R106 900. However, for a limited time only, Fiat dealers will be able to offer the new Punto 1,2 Active for the introductory launch price just R99 900. Please note that the new Punto 1,2 Active comes standard with a three-years/100 000 km warranty as well as Fiat's free roadside assistance for one year. Service intervals are every 20 000 km.