FIAT ANNOUNCES PUNTO ESSENCE

Fiat continues on its road to recovery with the release of this new Punto Essence edition which is packed with “big car” features. The car is supposed to be a value proposition for Fiat, something that gives buyers plenty of features at a reasonably low price. It is hoped this strategy will bear fruit.

The Punto Essence features Fiat’s 1.4-litre 16 valve petrol engine with 66kW and 115Nm of torque. It is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, and can apparently go from 0 – 100km/h in 15 seconds or so. Not exactly a firecracker but where it possibly regains respect is in claimed average fuel consumption of 7.3 litres per 100km.

Exterior items include 14-inch alloy wheels and front fog lights. Even better are the interior features which include the Blue&Me Bluetooth-based communication system, a USB port, a CD/ MP3 player combo with 6 speakers to boot, remote central locking, and automatic climate control. Indeed bigger, more expensive cars would be envious.

Safety bets are taken by items like ABS with EBD, dual front airbags and a fire prevention system that cuts off the fuel supply to the engine in case of a collision.

Fiat is selling the Punto Essence at R139 900, including VAT and C02 emissions taxes.