The hoary old adage that you get what you pay for certainly doesn't apply to Fiat's latest offering, the all-new Punto Emotion 1.4i. Visually virtually identical to the current Grande Punto five-door, the newcomer comes in at an appealing R158 500, offering so much more for so much less.

So how and where exactly does the newcomer fit into Fiat's existing line-up?

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Oscar Rivoli, Managing Director of Fiat Group Automobiles South Africa answers that question: "We perceived a gap in our line-up for a quality, well-specced, family-oriented yet affordable hatch. The new Punto fills that need and then some. Buyers are becoming a lot more discerning; they demand more in terms of features and safety, yet value-for-money is still at the top of their list - the new Punto Emotion ticks all of these boxes."

What happens to Grande Punto?

Grande Punto will evolve, allowing Fiat to tackle the highly competitive compact hatch segment on two fronts: the new Punto Emotion (with other value-based models to follow) will compete at the lower end of the price spectrum, while the forthcoming Punto Evo (in essence an evolution of the Grande Punto) which was recently launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show, will do battle at the top end.

What does the new Fiat Punto Emotion offer?

In a word 'everything' - style, pace, spec, safety and super value for money. Stylistically, the Punto and the Grande Punto share the same design blueprint which is characterised by those unmistakable sportscar-inspired tear-drop headlights, sharply raked windscreen, softly bulging flanks and high-level, organically-shaped rear taillights. Body-coloured bumpers / door handles, front fog lamps and 15-inch alloy wheels round off the package.

Under the bonnet

The Punto Emotion is powered by Fiat's FIRE engine. The engine delivers 66 kW at 6 000 rpm, and peak torque of 115 Nm at 4 500 rpm.

The Punto has a top speed of 165 km/h, and dispatches the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 15.72 seconds. Fuel consumption sits at 9.5 l/100 km in the urban cycle, 6.1 l/100 km out of town and 7.3 l/100 km in the combined cycle.

Some of the engine's highlights include

• Drive-by-wire throttle - facilitates greater responsiveness for fuel efficiency
• Increased compression ratio (10.8:1) and the high torque values at low speeds, make it possible to limit fuel consumption
• Euro 3 compliant engine with a catalytic converter positioned in the engine bay which reaches very high temperatures faster, thus reducing emissions even while the engine is warming up.
• To minimise the environmental impact, the engine also incorporates a 'returnless' fuel supply system, which eliminates fuel recirculation within the tank, thus reducing vapour formation. The CO2 emissions are pegged at 168 g/km.

Luxury & Convenience

The following features are all standard:

• Power steering with adjustable steering wheel and audio controls
• Blue&Me Telecommunication system - full bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and allows messages to be read out via voice command
• CD/MP3 with 6 speakers
• Remote central locking
• Front & rear power windows
• Electric mirrors
• Automatic climate control
• On-board computer including outside temperature display
• Dual-tone dashboard
• Leather-sheathed steering wheel & gear lever knob
• Boot light
• Height-adjustable driver's seat
• 60:40 split rear seats

Thanks to all these features that the Punto Emotion throws in as standard, the only cost option at this stage is metallic paint (R1 184).

Fiat Punto Emotion's standard safety features:

• Dual front airbags with CSA / Crash Severity Algorithm (recognises the severity of the impact and deplys the airbags accordingly) and ECS / Early Crash Sensor (allows airbags to unfold completely to avoid occupants from hurtling towards the steering wheel)
• ABS braking system with EBD
• Fire Prevention System - cuts off the fuel supply to the engine in the event of a collision
• Programmable (up to a max of 3,5 minutes) Follow-Me-Home headlamps
• Automatic Check Service System reminds you when your car is due for a service
• FCS / Fiat Code System rolling code immobiliser

You'll also want to know:

30 000 km service intervals
Three-year/100 000 km warranty: three years on paintwork and five years on rust anti-perforation. And, contributing to the low cost of ownership is the standard five-year 90 000 km service plan.

As with other models in the Fiat stable, the new model is covered by the AA Fleetcare roadside assistance for 12 months. The service is active 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is available by calling the dedicated toll-free number 0800 223 727.

Price
Fiat Punto Emotion 1.4i - R158 500