Fiat Punto 1.3 JTD

[omicron]

Words - Joe Kenwright
7-day Test

Those Australians who have owned Fiats would remember them as cars that rewarded good driving and ongoing maintenance with nimble handling, willing engines and character in spades. Fiat has based its local comeback on a new Punto that was only launched in Europe last year. Because the market doesn't need another light car that demands a $10,000 premium over the Korean entry models in this segment, the smaller Punto diesel needs to do something different from the other small Europeans in the Polo/206/Fiesta class. It achieves this but in the process, it won't suit everyone.

The test car had the tiny 1.3-litre twin-cam all aluminium diesel that weighs all of 130kg. One of the latest common rail designs, Fiat claims it is so efficient that it doesn't need the particulate traps of rivals when emissions are even lower than Euro IV emissions standards (Australia requires Euro III). It achieves this by a clever sequence of rapid injection cycles that vary according to engine temperature. Fiat also claims this reduces diesel knock and clatter. A variable geometry turbo with intercooler plays its role in boosting power to 66kW/4000rpm (88hp)with 200Nm/1750rpm (147lb-ft) of torque. Designed engine life has been boosted to 250,000km, not the usual 150,000km, with oil change intervals of 30,000km and a throwaway paper filter, not cartridge. A timing chain is used instead of a belt.

On paper, it appears to be the total eco-friendly, low-maintenance, long-life package. But could you live with it long term? The tiny 1.3 capacity means that lag is a bigger factor than usual. The little Punto diesel feels like it was designed to potter through crowded villages below the turbo's boost and then cruise flat out at over 120km/h sipping on diesel in the tiniest quantities. The six-speed manual, which is a delight to use, seems set up for this scenario with a low first gear that will trickle along below the turbo's boost and a sixth gear that is too tall for cruising at Australia's most common 100km/h open road speed limit.

In the cut and thrust of most Australian urban cities between zero and 70km/h, that leaves several holes in the tiny diesel's delivery. It means that some clutch slipping and revs are needed to get first over a fairly sizeable initial hole until the turbo spools up at which point the engine wakes up and flies. If the air-conditioning decides to cut in during this process, it will hose out the fire. Several times the air-conditioning caught me napping in this no-go zone and stalled the engine. Even if the fancy technology makes this little engine behave like a 1.6-1.8-litre petrol engine most of the time, occasionally it will remind you of its 1.3 starting point.

This means while cruising in traffic you might need to drop down two gears instead of one to access the engine's torque for a rapid move. As a manual, it is not a car you can drive while brain dead or focusing on an intense mobile phone conversation. There just isn't enough happening down low for lazy and inattentive drivers. A six-speed auto option will be a welcome future addition for inner city dwellers. Yet Fiats have always required this level of commitment from the driver and the rewards are there.



The little Punto was the first light car since the Fiesta Zetec that had me chafing at the bit to take it on a fast country drive. Switchable power steering assistance gives the driver the choice of light steering for city use, heavier for high speed. A blast up a mountain pass with the little diesel flowing on boost between its first five ratios was a pleasure to savour. The engine's light mass leaves a balanced chassis noticeably free of front-drive tyre scrub even when the tyres are screaming in protest.

Unusually for a diesel, it loves to rev and rewards the driver for doing so. The diesel's much bigger front discs come in handy when the turbo encourages late braking into corners and a fast exit with the turbo still on boost. Fiat has managed to bottle some of its old petrol engine brio and applied it to a diesel. Despite the hammering, it would still only sip 5.1litres/100km so the claimed combined figure of 4.6 is achievable.

The ride is also outstanding for a small European car with none of the low speed harshness that plagues even the most expensive Volkswagens. The generous 185/65 R15H tyres are probably a factor in this. In fact, the whole package feels very similar to the Ford Fiesta. When both slog it out to be the European benchmark for the same class, it's clear they are shooting for the same goalposts. The Punto feels just a little more substantial than the Fiesta in line with Fiat's claim that it is amongst the biggest in its class. While front seat space is exceptional, the rear seat and luggage space are just adequate. It is a classic Italian mother-in-law's back seat -- not so comfortable that she would always want to be there.

The styling has a strong feel-good aspect to it with its baby Maserati front. The cabin is also striking. The test car had a pearlised blue highlight running through the dash with matching cloth inserts in the seats and doors. The embossed seat pattern made the seats look like a blow-up surf mat or mattress. This youthful feel was a far cry from the sombre, grey feel of most cheap little cars. The lack of storage space and centre console bin were the only drawbacks.



It wouldn't be a Fiat if it didn't take your body a week to get used to the driving position. There is a hint of the short leg, long arm Italian cabin architecture of old compounded by really aggressive lumbar support. A reach and tilt adjustable steering column helps compensate as does a height adjustable driver's seat (but no lower cushion tilt). Ultimately, it's the odd pedal angle that determines how you sit. Even though it will take time to get used to, it felt normal after a week.

It was also interesting to see how it would stack up under a gruelling Monday to Friday stop-start regime of four kilometre trips, typical of a daily run to the shops or station. Because this diesel warms up so quickly, it still averaged 6.3lt/100km in this leg when most petrol engines of this size blow out to 10lt/100km under these conditions. It qualifies as a frugal city commuter and long distance weekend getaway. If you were wanting to make a quiet 2am escape after a night on the town, it's noisy enough on start-up to wake the neighbours but quickly settles down.

It wouldn't be a Fiat if it didn't have at least one annoying fault. Never fear, the Punto has one. Grip the key too hard while starting it and you will pop the hatch open. After the third time, I learnt to insert the key with the hatch button away from my thumb. Nothing like a small intelligence test to make you appreciate a fun little car!

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I want one.

[Raza]

It's a looker.

[cawimmer430]

It's a looker.

For an economy car. 

Check my "Guess the Car" thread...