The Fiat Grande Punto is as good looking today as it was four years ago, but Fiat has seen fit to give its supermini a new look and a new name. The Punto Evo, sporting a new front and rear design as well as a much-needed interior refresh, was previewed at last year’s Frankfurt show and now goes on sale in the UK.
There are five trim levels and five Euro 5 engine choices, all with Start-Stop tech: a 77 bhp 1.4-litre, two 1.4-litre Multiair units (105 bhp, 135 bhp) and two new 1.3-litre Multijets (75 bhp/190 Nm, 95 bhp/200 Nm). The second generation Multijet employs a balanced solenoid servo valve to better control fuel injection, now managing eight injections per cycle. The new Injection Rate Shaping system optimises combustion at higher loads for improved emissions, economy and lower noise. The big advantage they have over the outgoing Euro 4 engines is up to 25% improved torque delivery at low revs, with fuel consumption as good as 24.4 km/l. As usual from Fiat, there’s a Dualogic AMT ‘box in addition to the manual.
All but one trim level can be had with Fiat’s Blue&Me TomTom system. With a 4.3-inch touch screen, the portable unit allows access to mobile phone, audio, trip computer and navigation systems. It can be controlled via Bluetooth and voice recognition besides the car’s steering wheel buttons. Blue&Me TomTom also includes Fiat eco:Drive, which monitors the driver’s style and environmental impact in ‘real-time’. This is a cheaper solution than an in-dash system, there are no unsightly wires and you can use the GPS function when on foot.