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 FEATURE FACTfile - Fiat Punto
When we received the press release about the new Fiat Punto we thought for a split second that Ateco were announcing the return of Fiat to the Australian market - but then we realised it was a combination of wishful thinking and a typo. Still the brand is still available in New Zealand - and for the benefit of Fiat fans in Australia we are giving you the full details on the new Fiat Punto direct from the importer Ateco: THE NEW FIAT PUNTO ARRIVES IN NEW ZEALAND The new Fiat Punto has arrived in Australia (see above), offering a new 1.4 litre engine with more power and torque, new styling inside and out and a host of new equipment and features that refine and enhance Fiat's top selling model. "The Fiat Punto is the very definition of what has made Fiat such a byword for small cars," says Chris Burger, General Manager for Fiat in New Zealand. "It is a stylish, character-filled small car that is both great fun to use and practical in every sense of the word, with loads of space inside, flexible seating, excellent economy and a high level of standard equipment. Like every small Fiat that has gone before it, the Punto is living proof that small cars don't have to be dull appliances!" The new Punto is immediately recognizable from the outside thanks to its new nose, which features new, more powerful headlights and two new grilles, one for the HLX versions and a new honeycomb grille in the bumper and front splitter for the Punto Sporting. The key changes at the rear of the new Punto revolve around the bumper, simplified and more stylish for the five door versions, larger, more aggressive and fitted with honeycomb black mesh to match the front of the Punto Sporting. But the changes are much more than skin deep. The Punto Sporting now has a new 1.4 litre engine that lifts power from 59 to 70 kW and torque from 114 to 128 Nm, which, combined with the standard six speed manual gearbox provides excellent performance. The dash to 100 kmh now takes just 9.6 seconds, while top speed, where the law permits, is 178 kmh, making the Punto Sporting a veritable pocket-rocket. A range of technical improvements to Fiat's 1.2 litre 16 valve power unit in the Punto HLX enhances refinement and lifts performance and responsiveness so that these versions offer a top speed of 172 kmh and an acceleration figure 11.4 seconds for of 0 to 100 kmh. Changes to the suspension, including a new, extra-rigid torsion beam increases vehicle stability in all driving conditions, while work has been completed that results in a quieter, smoother ride with reductions in noise and vibration transmission. New technical equipment in the Punto Sporting includes the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Hill Holder in the standard ABS system that stops the car rolling back in hill starts. ESP adds an electronic safety net for the driver in extreme conditions. All versions of the new Fiat Punto are well equipped, with twin front air bags, remote central locking, Fiat Code immobilizer, climate control air conditioning, dual drive electric power steering, front electric windows, follow-me-home lights, delay action interior lighting, remote tail gate release, split fold rear seats, digital audio CD system and front foglights all standard. The Punto Sporting adds to this comprehensive package alloy wheels, leather steering wheel, deep set front and rear bumpers with honeycomb mesh, side skirts and spoiler and sports upholstery. The Fiat Punto HLX manual has a recommended retail price of $22,990, while the HLX version with Fiat's advanced Speedgear CVT automatic gearbox with six speeds is available for $25,990. Topping the new Punto range, the Punto Sporting now costs $25,990. "The Punto has proven to be another highly successful small car for Fiat, selling more than half a million cars a year, every year since its launch," says Chris Burger. "The new Punto takes everything that has made that level of success possible and enhances it, confirming the Punto as another great small car from the company who's name is a byword for small cars."
Exterior Sports versions boast a dynamic front that owes its go-getting
appearance to three air intakes with honeycomb grilles on the bumpers.
These are highlighted by delimiting lengthways motifs. The elegant versions
are distinguished by a front end that softens the aggressive feel of the
previous model and considerably increases its sophistication. The change
is wrought by new headlights with split reflectors that increase brightness
and which have all-chrome cylindrical mounts. Their look of precious objects
is enhanced by their transparency, the great care that has gone into defining
the tiniest detail and the studied contrast between chrome parts and shaded
parts (the shade serves to highlight the chrome). These light clusters
(where nothing is hidden, everything can be seen) are the distinctive
feature of the New Fiat Punto's front end. The side view of both cars is based on the stylistic approach of a full volume scored along the sides by two grooves of great visual impact. These distinctive motifs originate on the wing, run along the glazed surfaces to tail off at the rear. On the 3-door model, the first part of the line is the same but it then rises toward the tail of the car to lighten and reduce the ratio between glass and metal in favour of metal. The side slash forms a pair with the upper score that tends to drop down and converge with the lower line to create a visual sensation of the car's weight being thrust forward. The rake of the rear end of the car also reinforces this impression. On the 5-door version, the lower line does not rise toward the tail and thus makes the side look more linear. The upper mark runs cleanly along the side without dropping and apparently converges on an imaginary point outside the car. This device suggests a longer car with a greater volume. The styling strategy also allows the 5-door version to increase the area of glass at the rear. Both versions share interplay of light and shade (conferred by the meeting of different planes) that conveys an idea of the car's compactness and solidity. The Fiat Style Centre has come up with three configurations
for the rear of the new Punto. The first offers new tail-lights that extend
to the boot lid on three door versions in the Sporting. These light clusters
combine technology and design to give the car a more up-to-date and original
look. Lastly, a rear bumper designed exclusively for the Sporting. To match the front end, this part of the car includes air intake openings with honeycomb grille air intakes. The feel of sportiness and dynamism is very strong, though the sense of class that typifies the New Fiat Punto remains unchanged. The rear bumpers can house parking sensors that are body-coloured on sports versions.
Interiors As far as space was concerned, the brief was to keep the same competitive edge the previous Punto enjoyed over its rivals: i.e. the best passenger room levels in the segment. The aim was achieved and more because the volumes and spaces are cleverly managed on this model to meet motorists' true needs. The interior of the new model ensures the same travelling comfort and practicality of use on all versions and specifications. As far as style alone is concerned, the most distinctive feature is a generous curved facia with no sharp edges that gives the passenger compartment a welcoming, reassuring look. The upper part is dark grey while the lower part is an up-to-date, sophisticated light grey. In the Sporting it comes in a uniform dark grey to emphasise the tall, high-tech look of the aluminium-coloured central console. All the features and parts that can improve quality of life on board are arrayed on the facia. Many of these have previously only been seen on higher segment cars: an instrument panel with multifunction display, dual zone climate control system, etc. The New Fiat Punto also adds 6 keys on the steering wheel for controlling the radio. The colours and part surface treatments have also been
picked to convey pleasurable sensations to the sight and touch. A light
shade has been chosen for the passenger compartment to make it look big
and airy. Other surfaces feature different types of embossing to emphasise
the car's refinement - e.g. the upper part of the facia - or its practicality,
as in the case of the oddments compartments where the treatment also serves
as scratch proofing. An opaque finish has also been applied to the plastics
to ensure the various parts are a pleasure to touch and behold. The control panel is also new. This part differs from specification to specification and offers fully redesigned graphics and all-new displays. The displays also offer a greater number of functions and rows to convey information to the driver more effectively.
The new 1.4 16v Fire engine In other words, a vigorous yet frugal engine. This performance is aided by an electronic throttle valve control system known as a drive by wire system. Unlike the current production 16 valve unit, the 70 kW 1.4 unit uses new engine control unit management software. This torque-based system represents the cutting edge in its field. Its strength lies in being able to manage all actions through a single co-ordinator block that operates according to one basic parameter, i.e. the driver's torque requirements expressed through the accelerator. When translated into a physical torque value, these demands (including the demands of external systems such as the ABS) may be coordinated even before the main engine control parameters have been converted (advance, throttle position, injection time etc.) with the huge benefit of meeting the needs with extraordinary accuracy and within a very short time period. Not to mention the fact that this system exploits a single standard of communication between the various systems and functions that all speak the lingua franca of drive torque. This allows a higher level of handling than with current systems while also reducing polluting emissions levels. The system also guarantees maximum integration with all the other devices such as ESP. Another specific feature of the new 70 kW 1.4 16v Fire engine is the increase in compression ratio and the high torque values at low speeds, qualities that have allowed fuel consumption to be kept low. This aim is also achieved through the tuning of the cutting edge engine control system that succeeds in cutting fuel consumption as far as possible while still maintaining handling, performance and low emissions. The 70 kW 1.4 16v already meets Euro 4 legislative requirements due to a catalytic converter located in the engine compartment, welded to the exhaust emission manifold flange using a new method and which reaches high temperatures within a shorter time period and thus reduces emissions even during the power unit heating stage. To minimise the emissions effect, the new engine is also equipped with a no-return fuel system that eliminates fuel recirculation within the tank and thus reduces vapour formation. High-performing, thrifty and clean: the 70 kW 1.4 16v Fire unit backs these qualities with outstanding acoustic comfort. Firstly, a barycentric power unit mounting system has been adopted to minimise the transfer of engine vibrations to the body by achieving reaction forces with zero offset. This also helps improve the acoustic comfort of the new
engine: The 1.2 16v engine The engine also benefits from all the improvements described for the Fire 1.4 16v as far as the mechanicals, on-board electronics, exhaust system and fuel system are concerned. This power unit also features a sophisticated piece of
engineering not present on the 8 valve version. This takes the form of
an electronic throttle driven by the engine control unit, a mechanism
previously reserved for higher segment models. This device is wire-driven,
i.e. operated without any mechanical connections between accelerator and
throttle body. It leaves the electronic control unit the task of delivering
torque in accordance with the driver's varying requirements. This is reflected
in a top speed of 172 kmh, an acceleration figure of 0 to 100 km/h in
11.4 seconds and 33.2 seconds to cover a kilometre from a standing start. A microhybrid electronic engine management system makes a crucial contribution to enhancing the vigorous temperament of the 1.2 16v engine. An aluminium crankcase base with linked main bearing caps has also been developed to improve engine performance as far as acoustics and noise levels are concerned. Gearbox choice in the new Fiat Punto There are three different gearboxes available in the new Punto, a five speed manual unit for the HLX, a six speed manual for the Sporting and a sophisticated CVT gearbox in the HLX. Though they differ in terms of the maximum torque values they can handle (13.5 to 26 kgm), all the manual gearboxes share a dual cable external control that filters engine running unevenness and vibrations transmitted from the engine to the gear lever. The gear teeth offer high meshing capacity while the fifth speed and final drive gear sets are machined to a superfinish after heat treatment for lower noise levels. The gear casings are light and very effective at absorbing noise. The gear cases are developed using finite element structural computing methods. The gear ratios are very long for good fuel economy while the clutch control is hydraulic to assure - yet again - low running noise, ease of use and efficiency. The 13.5 kgm gearbox that is fitted to 1.2 and 1.4 16v power units. The sixth speed in the Sporting is non-overdrive on this version: the car reaches its top speed when in this gear. Both gearboxes take up little space and their selection levers offer outstanding manoeuvrability. This has been achieved by reducing clutch driven plate inertia and introducing new gaskets. The gearbox configuration is transverse with two shafts in a cascade, while the gear mechanism is internal over four selection planes. Speedgear In this type of device, a pulley and steel belt system offers a continuously variable transmission ratio to ensure a gear range (ratio between longest ratio and shortest ratio) that is much broader than on conventional automatics. The New Fiat Punto device also allows a choice automatic mode and manual management with sequential shifts. Two gearboxes in one - and more. When the unit changes over to automatic, the driver can choose between two operating modes: one designed for performance and the other for comfort. All in all, the driver can always choose between three driving modes: two automatic and one manual (sequential). When in manual mode, gear changes can be made without taking your foot off the pedal and six speeds are available. The new Speedgear gearbox is complemented by a torque converter in place of an electromagnetic clutch and this brings considerable benefits. It reduces fuel consumption and increases the engine brake effect because converter locking is governed by gearbox software. Take-off is smoother, steep gradients can be climbed without problems and parking manoeuvres are easier. The electronically controlled device ensures smooth operation and jerk-free management of transitions in acceleration and over-run because the accelerator operating signal may be filtered. From an engineering viewpoint, an automatic transmission is the best complement to a power unit: partly because it can exploit engine power to the full while safeguarding it from stress and partly due to the driving comfort it offers. For example, the system includes an electronic device for detecting a fast acceleration request (corresponding to a downshift on a manual gearbox) that is more sensitive and effective than the kick-down on a conventional automatic transmission. When in manual mode, the Speedgear allows the driver to decide which gear to engage for driving satisfaction and performance. To choose this driving mode, simply move the lever to D position and then move sideways into the gate to the left of the automatic selection gate. In this position, the lever can only carry out two movements: forward to change up and back to change down. Each gearshift is shown on the display. When the vehicle stops, the device changes to first gear ready to set off. When it changes to automatic mode (lever in position D), the system offers further selection opportunities. In other words, between a livelier gearbox management strategy (short ratios) and a more comfortable strategy that is better suited for town driving, for example. In the latter case, the gearbox automatically selects longer and thus quieter ratios. Through its electronic link to the accelerator - drive by wire - this gearbox also ensures very smooth operation during acceleration and over-run for a highly satisfying drive. To select one of the two driving modes, you have to press a button on the gear control panel. You can switch from one to another at any speed. The speed engaged (if a manual gearbox is used) or the selected operating mode (for an automatic transmission) is indicated on the instrument panel. Device functions are designed to safeguard the unit itself
and assure absolute control over the car at all times. Features and equipment in the new Punto Automatic dual zone climate control system For this reason, the New Fiat Punto comes with a sophisticated climate control system that automatically controls temperature, air flow, air distribution, compressor activation and recirculation by means of an electronic control unit. It also acts as a dual zone climate control system, i.e. able to ensure two different temperatures simultaneously: one in the right part of the passenger compartment and the other in the left. The quality of air reaching the inside of the car is improved by a filter that traps particles measuring more than 0.5 microns and pollen (that could cause allergies). The New Fiat Punto also implements an equivalent temperature climate control strategy. It records internal and external temperature by means of certain sensors and assesses the sensation of thermal well-being experienced by passengers, i.e. the energy exchange between human body and passenger compartment that is affected by humidity, temperature and treated air flow. Another sensor located in a central position at the windscreen base records solar radiation on the car and the angle at which the rays strike the passenger compartment. This allows the system to prevent an excessive increase in temperature inside the car caused by the sun and thus to inform the climate control system in time. All these parameters are monitored continuously and used to update the distribution, ventilation and mixing automatically. Air temperature and fan speed are therefore adjusted to ensure passengers experience the desired sensation of thermal well-being (achieved by setting the required temperature). The result is a constant climate, even with significant changes in external conditions. The system may be adjusted to one of five set combinations
to allow air taken into the car to reach all areas of the passenger compartment:
The system also offers three possible temperature settings:
The possibility of altering interior temperature gradually, half a degree at a time, makes for outstanding climatic comfort. The knob can be used to bring about a temperature change of 16°C, with a maximum temperature difference of 7 degrees between the left and right areas. Manual adjustment is used for: Manual choices always over-ride automatic settings. They are also indicated by deactivation of the Full message (Auto remains visible) and stored until the user cancels the command. Each time the system is turned on, it returns to the conditions saved upon deactivation, except for the 'MAX DEF' function, which is zeroed. The entire system can also be turned off manually to deactivate the air conditioning system fully.
Dualdrive electric power steering This device is just as revolutionary as the alternator, electronic ignition and front wheel drive in their day and is destined to bring about a considerable increase in energy saving, noiselessness, reliability and respect for the environment while also significantly improving the way we drive and enjoy our cars. As far as customers are concerned, Dualdrive electric power steering represents the end of an age of compromises. This is because, to date, designers have always been forced to choose an average effort to be applied to the wheel halfway between maximum steering lightness (best for parking) and a much stiffer control effective at high speed (ensures better control). This occurred because the power steering servo level is constant at any speed. The steering response of the Fiat Punto's electric steering system is, however, proportional to car speed: the higher the speed, the lower the assistance and the stiffer the wheel response to ensure greater driving precision. The Fiat Punto system is particularly innovative even for
an electric power steering system and offers customers an extra feature:
i.e. a choice of two different setting programs. The first ensures maximum
empathy between driver and car and is ideal for mixed out-of-town routes.
The second lightens the steering to minimise effort and is therefore ideal
for driving round town and parking manoeuvres. The Fiat Punto's electric power steering system is easy to use, satisfying and safe and also offers other advantages: after cornering - for example - steering wheel return is controlled actively with speed and damping adjusted to driving conditions. These benefits can be perceived by anyone entering a Fiat Punto for the first time while others become evident at a later stage. Fuel saving is the first and foremost of these additional benefits. Unlike a conventional power steering system that requires the pump to be driven continually, the Dualdrive electric power steering only takes up power when necessary, i.e. when the steering wheel is turned. This result is a lower power requirement and a consequent fuel saving of 3% over mixed routes. Equivalent to the effect of reducing car weight by 50 kg. Lower fuel consumption, therefore, and also a more noiseless passenger compartment due to elimination of the noisy hydraulic pump. On the environmental front, electric power steering helps reduce emissions (as a direct consequence of the lower fuel consumption) but also increases percentage recyclability of the device itself. Because the unit contains no fluid or rubber to be disposed off, the figure of 85% for hydraulic systems is increased to 95% for the electrical system. The component is also highly reliable because it works at a lower temperature than a hydraulic power steering system and is not affected by possible impurities in circuit fluid. The device, simple in concept but difficult to build, is built into the steering column and includes an electronic control unit, an electric motor, a toothed coupling and a steering wheel position and torque sensor. The Dualdrive electric steering system is also absolutely safe. If a fault occurs, a warning light comes on and the Fiat Punto may be steered in the same way as any car with manual steering. For safety reasons, the system will work only with the engine running. ABS This system ensures that any wheel at the point of locking can brake as effectively as possible. In emergency situations, it also allows full directional control of the car by means of the steering wheel. The strength of the system lies in the active sensors that process the wheel speeds (without the intervention of the control unit). They can also read values close to zero (passive sensors cannot record speeds lower than 2.5 kmh) and are less sensitive to interference caused by electromagnetic fields. This advanced ABS is complemented by an electronic brakeforce distributor EBD. This divides braking action over all four wheels to prevent the rear wheels from locking and ensures a balanced car response under all conditions. The system also adapts system operation to wheel grip conditions and pad efficiency. It also reduces front brake temperatures and the brake servo thrust requirement. ESP To achieve this result, the ESP continually monitors tyre grip in both longitudinal and lateral directions. If the car skids, it cuts in to restore directionality and ride stability. It uses sensors to detect rotation of the car about its vertical axis (yaw speed), car lateral acceleration and the steering wheel angle set by the driver (which indicates the chosen direction). It then goes on to compare these data with parameters generated by a computer and establishes - via a complex mathematical model - whether the car is cornering within its grip limits or if the front or rear is about to skid (understeer or oversteer). To restore the correct trajectory, it then generates a yawing movement in the opposite direction to the movement that gave rise to the instability by braking the appropriate wheel (interior or exterior) individually and reducing engine power (via the throttle). This is the key attribute of the device created for the New Fiat Punto. It acts in a modulated fashion on the brakes to ensure the action is as smooth as possible (and the drive is not therefore disturbed). The engine power reduction is contained to ensure outstanding performance and great driving satisfaction at all times. The ESP is permanently engaged.
ASR and MSR The device computes degree of slip on the basis of wheel
rpm calculated by the ABS sensors and activates two different control
systems to restore grip: The ASR maintains vehicle safety as much as possible and is particularly useful when grip is lost (icy multi-storey car park ramps are one example) and whenever the asphalt does not guarantee even friction. Another not inconsiderable advantage of the ASR is the lower stress exerted on mechanical parts such as the differential and gearbox due to more effective control of low speed take-off and traction. The ASR comes on automatically whenever the engine is started. To turn off the device, all you have to do is press a switch on the central console. When the ASR is active, a warning light on the control panel flashes. A control panel warning light comes on (with the switch led off), to indicate system faults or irregularities. ASR deactivation is required when snow chains are used because the wheel must be able to slip by tiny amounts to pile up the snow so that force can be transmitted to the ground and the ASR tends to avoid this type of action. The MSR (Motor Speed Regulator) cuts in when the gear is shifted down abruptly under conditions of low grip. This device restores torque to the engine to prevent the wheel skidding as a result of lock. Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) On the new model, however, the brake assist devices cut in at this point. Although the pressure on the pedal is unchanged, the car is decelerated by the same amount, as it would be if it were braked with all the necessary force. And there is more. Emergency brake assist devices can even help experienced drivers who brake quickly and apply the correct amount of force in emergencies. This is because the system reduces brake activation time in all cases, i.e. the period between the time when pressure begins to be applied to the pedal and the moment when the circuit reaches maximum pressure and is able to offer maximum performance. Hill Holder The New Fiat Punto: Technical Specifications Transmission
Dimensions Performance
The New Fiat Punto: Standard equipment and options
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