Fiat are making a strong push at the compact hatch market with the introduction of the new FiatPunto 1.4 Essence. The new Fiat Punto 1.4 Essence has a huge emphasis on value for money, coming in with a number of standard features and a particularly low price tag.

New Fiat Punto 1.4 Essence looks rock hatchback market

The managing director of the Fiat Group Automobiles in South Africa notes how they are looking to establish a bigger presence in the passenger car market and intend to do so by providing cars that exceed customer expectation without compromising on safety. Time will tell if the new Fiat Punto 1.4 Essence can live up to Fiat’s own expectations and just how big the response will be for the car from the South African car buying public.

Engine Performance

The new Fiat Punto 1.4 Essence comes with a 1.4 litre DOHC 16V Fire petrol engine which produces 66kW at 6000 rpm and 115Nm of torque at 4500 rpm. These figures result in a top speed of 165km/h and the Punto completes 0-100km/h in 15 seconds. More importantly though, the fuel economy clocks in at a combined cycle of 7.3 litres/100km which is quite decent.

The new Fiat Punto 1.4 Essence comes with the following features as standard:

Front fog lights

14” Alloy wheels

Body-coloured door handles

Power steering with adjustable steering wheel and remote audio/Blue&Me controls

Blue&Me Telecommunication system – allows full Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and allows SMS messages to be read out via voice command

Microsoft USB port

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 steering wheel & gear lever knob

Boot light

Height-adjustable driver’s seat

60:40 split rear seats

New Fiat Punto 1.4 Essence – Price

Fiat Punto 1.4 Essence –R139 900 including VAT and emissions tax.