Jul 13, 2010 01:52 PM
6861 Views
(Updated Jul 13, 2010 02:14 PM)
A new beginning:Originally I zeroed down on Linea petrol but then recent development in my company made me go for diesel due to increase in running of the car. Diesel Linea was out of budget so I set my eyes onPunto MJD emotion pack. Booked the car on 3rd Mar 2010 and done the TBhp PDI on 4th Mar 2010. After some delay from the bank in the disbursement, I got the delivery of my beauty on 12th Mar 2010. The ca was available in stock and so I got the car for price set before the new excise duty came into picture. So at 6.8L on road, I got the top end version of Punto MJD.
I feel its an absolute VFM car after looking at the Polo diesel pricing. It is very much good to drive it in city. I am not sure how much the interior quality has improved but the interiors certainly feel nice. Its not in the league of i20 but then even it is priced way below compared to i20, so I do not have any problems with it. The BluenMe system rocks like anything. It has increased my phone usage now:P. You really don't need to comment on steering feedback and handling of the car as its a typical FIAT touch on every other FIAT model. The steering in Punto feels meaty and accurate. The auto climate controls works wonder and I no more need to adjust AC frequently.
Dealer feedback:
On 3rd March I went to BUB and paid the booking amount of 50K. They had 3 Puntos in stock: Red, Silver and Black. I had seen couple of Black Puntos and I just fell in love with this color. I was happy to note it is readily available so then I need not wait for 2-3 weeks for delivery then. Now the biggest surprise came as the dealer salesman said I can get it for price set before budget as it is readily available. On 4th March I did the PDI and found everything to be good. I struggled with the BlueNMe as it was a first time experience for me apart from a mere demo while test drive. When we succeeded in testing the BluenMe system, I told BUB to go ahead with this vehicle.
On 5th my bank loan was approved and the bank. On 6th I signed all the documents and the bank person(BUB agent for the bank) submitted the agreement to the bank on Monday 8th. He said the amount would be disbursed by Tuesday 9th evening. Somehow the amount was not disbursed till 11th morning. I went to the dealership and asked about the delivery, he said its difficult to deliver the vehicle on 12th as planned because unless the amount is credited to dealer's account they can not send the papers to RTO. The RTO takes one day so I saw my dream of getting the car on time shattered. Then I went to the manager's cabin and explained him the story.
According to the company policy they can not do anything. They had bank letter about the loan approval though. I requested him to look into it. In the evening I called the salesman and he said he is in RTO. Typically the RTO agent picks up the documents at 11 for the day but then the salesman himself went to RTO and submitted the documents. When I asked about the payment he said they have not received it but then the manager gave his approval just to make sure I do not miss the day. I seriously feel this was a nice gesture as it was bank's fault/delay to pay the dealer. Then in the evening I called up the bank and the lady said the payment is made in the evening on 11th and will be credited by 12th.
So finally on 12th the salesman called me and asked me to come down at 6 in the evening. It was raining heavily on that day but then I decided to go ahead with the delivery and not miss the auspicious day. I took the delivery on 12th evening.
Driving Experience
- Handling: For me, good handling car is not a new territory. My Palio was as stable as anything when I did 15(on odo) kmph. Straight stability of Palio is in its own league. Punto takes this confidence one step further. I have max touched 100 till now(Being it new did not push) and felt like I am doing 60-70. Even on the curves I need not be too gentle going ahead title=. Punto sets a new record in handling department for sure.
Ride: In one word its "Wow". Even when you take it on a broken tarmac, you feel like on a butter smooth road. It absorbes all the bumps and rides well. I would say it has better ride than my Palio. Palio suspension is on a harder side than this. You can feel the well balanced weight of the car and she eagers to be pushed hard.
Visibility: The rear visibility is not as good as my Palio. The rear glass seems a bit cramped and does not give you good overall visibility. The ORVMs come to rescue though.
Driving: I feel its very easy to drive it in city as well as on highway. The key is to keep it in right gear. Its not as peppy as my friend's swift but then not very lethargic as well. I was driving Palio 1.2 for 5 years and find Punto very easy to drive due to good torque. Steering wheel is a treat on this car. Its very accurate and well balanced. Again no news for me as Palio's steering was as good.
Head turner: Its a true eye candy. Whenever I was roaming people were staring at my car and smiling at me. Suddenly everybody has become friendly:P. Every color on Punto looks as classy as other. These Italians surely know something when it comes to designing cars.
