2014 Fiat Punto Evo Diesel Variant Tested

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The 2014 Fiat Punto Evo has not been launched yet, however, the Italian manufacturer plans to launch it during the first week of August. The new Punto Evo will replace the already good looking first gen Punto for India. Click further slides to read our impression about the Fiat Punto Evo.

Model tested: Diesel, 90 HP Punto Evo.

Car tested by: Ajinkya Paralikar.

Kilometres tested: 150 kilometres, Mumbai-Lonavala.

Price: To be revealed post launch.

The front end looks more simpler and elegant compared to the outgoing model. The Italian manufacturer has moved the Fiat logo from the front grille to the top on the bonnet. There is more chrome embellishment around the foglamps and grille upfront. The nose of Punto Evo is raised bit higher than its predecessor. Fiat have swept back the headlights to add a sporty element to the hatchback.

From the side profile 2014 Fiat Punto Evo looks similar to the previous model, however, it sits higher than before. The 90 HP model gets 16-inch alloy wheels, turn lights integrated into the ORVMs and chrome door handles. The doors feel heavy and built to last a bomb attack - the Italian manufacturer has made a strong effort to offer quality and value for customer money.

The tail lamps have been redesigned and have a unique vertical design. The lamps on the rear bumper are not mere reflectors, and the light on the right side comes on when the fog lamps are switched on, while the light on the left glows while reversing the car. The chrome treatment to the rear bumper uplifts the rear section and is an elegant touch. The top of the line 90HP model does not get parking sensors which is a huge disappointment. It gets a rear wiper and defogger, which automatically turns on when the car is put into reverse.

The 2014 Fiat Punto Evo interior will be available in two shades. The first is the one in the image, with an all-black interior, available on in the 90HP model. The second is a black with beige soft touch material. The all-black interior looks sporty and adds character to the Italian hatchback.

The front seats are sporty and offer sufficient amount of lumbar support, but the cushioning at the rear could have been better. However, there is a problem while driving as the dead pedal keeps coming in the way. We liked the black with grey tubing and accents across the front bucket type seats.

The rear seat is without an arm rest and splits down in a 60:40 ratio. The hatchback is meant for three people in the back, however, it is still best suited for two, unless all three are super skinny. Leg room is still not the greatest.

Fiat have provided the Punto Evo with a 1.3-litre diesel Multijet engine. It will produce 209 Nm of peak torque, along with 90 horsepower, it is the most powerful among the other engines it offers. It is paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. The Italian manufacturer claims it hatchback delivers a fuel efficiency of 20.5 kpl approved by ARAI.

We were lucky to catch up with an older generation Fiat Punto as well. The differences are evident, both in the front end as well as in the rear. It is clear that the 2014 Punto Evo is a bit taller than the outgoing model. The 2014 model looks more sporty and aggressive than the earlier model. Do let us know in the comments whether you prefer the old or new model.

The 2014 Fiat Punto Evo is available in seven exciting colours Exotica Red, Glitterati Gold, Hip Hop Black, Magnesio Grey, Minimal Grey, Tuscan Wine and Vocal White. The prices of Punto Evo will be revealed soon, and we expect the Italian hatchback to be launched in the first week of August. We will be present at the launch and will bring to you a complete road test of the range in a short while.