Fiat launches the 2012 Punto – Elegance and dynamism in a tailored suit
The introduction of the 2012 Fiat Punto brings the unmistakable Italian- style that Fiat has become synonymous with and delivers it together with elegance and dynamism in an all-new package. The 2012 Punto for the first time, in a Fiat vehicle, offers the award-winning MultiAir engine, class-leading emissions mitigation technology, innovative technology and telematics and an unparalleled commitment to its robustness and reliability with a five-year 150 000km warranty.
Although it is an evolution of one of Fiat’s most popular cars in South Africa, the Fiat Punto, the 2012 Punto intensifies the distinguished personality of the vehicle with an important aesthetic update that includes new exterior colours and the seat upholsteries and class-leading features and technologies. The 2012 Punto is a car that arouses strong emotions; it combines intrinsic beauty with comfort, practicality and usability of a car from a higher segment. It is a technological and tactile delight appealing to all the right senses that give a car a soul.
Fiat has built a reputation for itself as a technology leader with technologies like its advanced normally-aspirated and turbocharged MultiAir engines – technology that won the 1.4 MultiAir Turbo the coveted Best New Engine of 2010 in the International Engine of the Year Awards. The 2012 Fiat Punto, not only features a host of dramatic and stylish aesthetic updates both inside and outside of the car, but also builds on the features that appeal to the modern buyer. In addition to its design, technology advanced mix of materials and textures the 2012 Punto is spacious, with excellent front visibility, offers easy access and a capacious luggage compartment.
Having produced more than 8.5 million vehicles globally since the Punto was introduced to the world in 1993 (the year of the first launch) the Fiat Punto has been one of the company’s best selling vehicles. The same holds true for South Africa where the Punto has been one of the company’s best-selling products since its introduction in 2005 and will be sure to continue with this Italian-built trendsetter.
Renewed style in the spirit of “elegance and dynamism”
The 2012 Punto is more stunning than ever thanks to the work of Fiat’s Centro Stile. In particular, the interiors of the new model have been completely redesigned to represent the most evolved expression of Italian style, with top quality materials and superb attention to detail. The result is a bright and elegant cabin with completely renewed fascia, seats, storage compartments and instrumentation.
On the outside, both the front and the rear have been thoroughly restyled, as shown by the attractive lines of the new bumpers and the incorporation of innovative and original headlights and taillights. The latest design has also “stretched” the car to a total length of 406 centimetres, so that its winning characteristics of driver and passenger comfort remain unchanged. The other external dimensions remain the same, with a width of 169 cm, a height of 149 cm and a wheelbase of 251 cm.
On the outside, the 2012 Punto presents a new front distinguished by a new bumper painted in the same shade as the body with sleeker and deeper front air dams providing a more dynamic and aggressive look. The direction indicators are positioned alongside the air intake in the front bumper and complement the fresh new facade. The rear bumper is incorporated and of the same body colour. The number plate holder is recessed while integrated into the C-pillars are the entirely new taillights. Inside, brand-new seat fabrics upholstering and original dashboard inserts emphasise stylistic elegance. The new style innovations of the 2012 Punto are completed with a new design for the 15” alloy wheels and three new metallic bodywork colours: Rock’n’Roll Blue, Ruby Red and Intellectual Grey.
A choice of engines offering innovation, efficiency and reliability
The 2012 Punto continues to be a constant point of reference when it comes to engine innovation. They are increasingly lively and thrifty, combining innovation and reliability with eco-friendliness each time. The 2012 Punto is available with three engine derivatives: a 1.4l 8V Fully Integrated Robotic Engine (FIRE) producing 57kW at 6000rpm and 115Nm of torque at 3250rpm; a 1.4l MultiAir producing 77kW at 6500rpm and 130Nm of torque at 4000rpm; and finally the award-winning 1.4l MultiAir Turbo engine producing 99kW at 5000rpm and 206Nm of torque at 1750rpm.
For the first time on a Fiat product, the 2012 Punto features Stop&Start technology with a Gear Shift Indicator across the model range, which assists in reducing the vehicle’s emissions and offers better fuel consumption figures. Stop&Start technology automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a complete stop and the gearbox is placed in neutral. In addition, while driving, the Gear Shift indicator suggests the best gear according to a number of programmed parameters in order to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 15% for an urban route. Fuel consumption figures are an extremely low 5.7l/100km and 5.6l/100kms for the 1.4 8v and 1.4 MultiAir, and 1.4 MultiAir Turbo respectively in the combined cycle.
A model to suit all tastes
The 2012 Punto range comprises of four models in three trim lines – Pop, Easy and Lounge – each featuring a different content offer with the aim of satisfying different needs and budgets. The Pop, Easy and Lounge trim levels address the traditional customer in a crescendo of comfort and style features.
The Pop trim level is available on the 2012 Punto entry model and offers a high level of comfort without compromising on convenience. Standard features include, Dualdrive electric power steering with a ‘city’ function, air conditioning, electrically operated front windows, a smoker’s kit with cigar lighter and ash-tray, height and reach-adjustable steering wheel, driver’s seat with height adjustment, remote door locking and unlocking, and Start&Stop emissions mitigation technology.
In addition to the 2012 Punto Pop’s specification the Easy trim level – available on the 1.4 8V FIRE and 1.4 MultiAir models – adds 15” alloy wheels, exterior trim accents in body-colour and burnished headlight clusters to give the vehicle a more sporting look. Inside, Easy trim level features Denim Extra cloth upholstery with an electro-welded patterned insert available in red, blue and light grey colour combinations, CD MP3 compatible radio with steering wheel controls featuring six speakers and a roof-mounted aerial and comfort panel with trip computer and radio display between the speedometer and tachometer.
The Lounge trim level is available exclusively on the 1.4 MultiAir Turbo model has a very high level of specification. In addition to the Pop and Easy trim level’s standard features, Lounge enhances its offering through exterior aesthetics complemented by door mirrors that include a demisting function and external temperature sensor and 15” burnished alloy wheels. The 2012 Punto Lounge invites you in with black Castiglio Cloth upholstery, leather-covered steering wheel and gear knob, rear electric windows, centre armrest with storage compartment, dual-zone automatic climate control and 40/60 split rear seat bench.
Safety is a priority not an option
The 2012 Punto is designed and built to achieve the highest levels of safety. The model range boasts a large number of safety systems (standard or optional depending on the model) starting from those dedicated to passive safety: two front airbags are standard across the range, two window bags and a driver knee airbag are standard on the Easy and the Lounge models (making the 2012 Punto one of the few cars in its class with a knee airbag) and two front side airbags which are standard on the Lounge and available as an option on the Easy models.
The 2012 Punto is also one of the few cars in its class that can be equipped with adaptive ‘cornering’ front fog lights that switch on automatically with dipped headlights according to the angle of steering – this feature is not available on the Pop, optional on Easy trim lines, and standard on the Lounge model. And don’t forget that the 2012 Punto also guarantees constant and reliable road holding thanks to electronic dynamic control systems for braking and steering. ABS and EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) are standard across the complete model range while the Lounge benefits from ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and Hill-holder to help with hill-starts.
Pricing, Warranty and Service Plans
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Fiat Punto 1.4 Pop: R129 900*
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Fiat Punto 1.4 Easy: R149 900*
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Fiat Punto 1.4 MultiAir Easy R169 900*
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Fiat Punto 1.4 MultiAir Turbo Lounge R209 900*
*Prices are inclusive of VAT and CO2 emissions tax.
Peace of Mind
Enhancing the ownership prospect, 2012 Fiat Punto has 30 000 km service intervals and enjoys full after-sales support in South Africa thanks to a comprehensive parts inventory and the back-up of trained technicians at Fiat dealerships countrywide.
In order to provide truly carefree motoring peace-of-mind Fiat Group Automibiles South Africa offers Fiat owners a five-year or 150 000km warranty including paintwork and rust anti-perforation. Fiat also offers a four-year or 60 000km service plan on MultiAir models – 1.4 MultiAir Easy and 1.4 MultiAir Turbo Lounge.
All new Fiat models are covered by the AA Fleetcare roadside assistance for 12 months. The service is active 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is available by calling the dedicated toll-free number 0800 223 727.
