Fiat has extended its Grande Punto range with the launch of two new trim versions, 1.2 Grande Punto Dynamic and Emotion. The 1.2-litre petrol hatchback was available only in the base trim level which lacked many essential features.
Reacting to the increased competition and based on customer feedback, Fiat is now providing additional features like all four-power windows, central locking, silver coloured central console, four speakers and audio system (an introductory offer for till April 15), on the 1.2-litre Dynamic variant. In addition to these features, the Emotion variant gets remote locking, integrated audio system, body coloured OVRM and door handles, silver coloured front grille, fog lamps, dual tone dashboard and rear wash pipe with defogger.
We would have appreciated the four-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol motor tweaked a bit to produce more power, but the engine department remains untouched and the motor continues to produce 67 bhp of power with 9.76kgm of max torque.
“With the two new variant, we are giving more options to the customers. The new models are better value for customers and we hope it will help us add more numbers,” said Rajeev Kapoor, President, CEO, Fiat India Automobile Ltd.
He further added, “This will be a year of new variants for the Grande Punto and Linea. And the launch of Punto 1.2 Dynamic and Emotion is just the start. We saw that there is an opportunity and we can give better value for proposition to our customers and enter into the heart of the market.
The company also revealed its export market plans and said the Grande Punto is currently being exported to South Africa and in the next 2 months they will enter the Sri Lankan market with a complete set-up and sell the Punto and Linea models.
“We are happy to place made-in-India car in the foreign markets and within next two months we will launch our products in Sri-Lanka,” Kapoor said.
When asked about launch of the 90bhp Grande Punto Sport and the Punto CNG – first unveiled at the Auto Expo 2010 – he said they will unveil their future plans in the span of one month and May-June 2010 should see new variants of the Punto be out in the market.
The Grande Punto 1.2 Fire Dynamic is priced at Rs 4.72 lakh, while the Emotion variant retails at Rs 5.04 lakh (all prices ex-showroom, Mumbai).
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
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