Fiat Grande Punto next for India

Well, the Fiat Linea is here, and it looks like most are happy about the car for a change. Fiat can, for the time being, breathe a sigh of relief, I suppose. Only for a short while, let me add – after all, no one knows whether the Indian car buyer would be gutsy enough to go for the Fiat Linea – after sales service and all that, as we know.

Anyway, what would follow the Linea, if all goes well, is the Fiat Grande Punto. The Grande Punto is a much more remarkabale car than the Linea in Fiat’s history – the Grande Punto is the third generation of the Fiat Punto and was launched globally in 2005. Styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the car turned around Fiat’s fortunes in Europe. It is much-loved, and would be a premium hatchback here competing against the Hyundai i20 or possibly even the Skoda Fabia.

The Grande Punto a large hatch by our standards – and much depends on the pricing. If Fiat manages to price it at the level of the Hyundai i20, they may have a winner on their hands.

Fiat may decide to give the Grande Punto the same engine range as the Fiat Linea – in which case, due to the lack of a boot, the car would be a lot better to drive – less weight.

Our story on the Fiat Tata alliance and Linea, Grande Punto launches from 2 years back

At this point, we do not know if Fiat would like to price the Grande Punto purely as a premium hatch, or as a value for money car. The interior trim, engines, fuel efficiency, gadgetry and conveniences would all depend on the decision Fiat finally takes.

Fiat Grande Punto – Dimensions & Weight

• Length (mm) – ?4030

• Width (mm) – 1473

• Height (mm) – 1490

• Wheelbase (mm) – 2510

We shall not talk about power, or features or specs at this point, as all would be pointless till we hear from Fiat. We shall keep you posted.