2014 FIAT Punto Evo India Review (1.4 Petrol, 1.3 90 hp Diesel) : Evoluzione

Interiors

Like the exterior, the interiors of the Punto Evo are a substantial upgrade. While the earlier design was simply classy and elegant, the new dash design is contemporary, very European. The dashboard has a double layer curvy console with tri-tone effect. The two options available are beige and black/gray and the racy all black. The new dashboard you see in the pictures has a soft feel satin finish fabric in beige while the rest is a mix of piano black, chrome and black grain surfaces. Our preconceived notion about the durability and resistance to soiling was safely put to rest when we saw the fabric repelling rain droplets. Gone are the days when air-conditioning was a luxury on the “Dx” models made available by manufacturers, these days cars being driven with the windows rolled down are a rare sight. The beige fabric should put up a good resistance to weathering then, with the help of some TLC from the owner as well.

The all black interiors are found on the 90HP version we drove, and despite the so called `dreary` feel, we liked it for the sporty feel it exuded. The beige trim is replaced with what feels like textured rubber/vinyl finish. The roof lining on the all black interiors is also, black. The seats of the all black interiors have gray striped center panel with good body hugging contours.

The central console has piano black finish with brushed silver surrounds. A small storage space is available at the top of the central AC vents as well, but has affinity to AC condensate. It can easily accommodate couple of small cell phones or a wallet. The AC vents on either side are circular while the central ones are rectangular. The media centre console with the CD changer is completely new with small buttons. The AC controls are similar as the GrandePunto/Punto. The interior amber lighting streak on top of the glove box is a classy touch as well.

Here are some more important details represented through pictures

USB/AUX port with small cubby hole next to it

Flip to open central storage console above the AC vents

Storage space on the door pads is not much. That’s a 500 ml bottle in the pic

All black interiors on the 90HP version aren`t boring by any length of imagination. In fact, we love them

The Gray striped fabric on the 90HP version looks great.

Rear AC vent keeps the rear occupants in comfort

Extra non-functional buttons on the central console.

Comfort at the rear isn`t class leading, but nothing to complain about either.

The `U` spoke alloys on the 1.4 FIRE version look gorgeous.

We love the all black interiors on the 90HP version. Oh, we told you that already!

Extra chrome embellishment on fog lamps

Beige interiors add a touch of elegance to Evo`s cabin

Rear seats with 60:40 folding option

Soft touch Satin fabric does well to repel water droplets and should be durable.

LED effect turn indicators on ORVMs

Re-designed headlamp cluster, headlights provide good throw and illumination

Amber theme interior lighting looks nice

Rear window cannot be rolled down completely.

Chrome door handles look out of place

Rear central AC vent with bottle holder works for rear passengers

12V power outlet near the gear shifter with storage space underneath

Spare for emergencies, but can only be driven upto 80kmph.

The floor mats retain the `previous` Punto branding

The USB port that nestled inside the glove compartment has now been moved ahead of the gear lever with AUX in port as well, sporting FIAT`s Blue & Me sticker. There is a small cubby hole which is handy for change coins etc. This set up has cost the space which was earlier utilized by twin cup holders in the Punto. A small rectangular recess lies under the handbrake lever, which isn’t the most convenient to access, with a 12V outlet near it. On both the tested cars, we struggled to pair our smartphones with the Blue & Me, though this could be an isolated case.

The stitching on the leather wrapped multifunction steering is all black, while the 90HP gets white stitching which accentuates it’s otherwise all black cabin. The speedometer console on the Evo is all new with twin binnacle style having brushed silver surrounds. The dials are new and look better once back lit with amber light. The speedometer console is shared across all variants. The leather wrapped gear knob is same in the 1.4 Fire and 1.3 MJD 90HP variants. FIAT has also provided height adjustable driver seat and seat belts with height adjust as well.

The seats also share the twin tone theme with beige and dark gray fabric seats which complement the interiors. The front seats themselves are very supportive and offer a long range of travel for taller drivers/occupants. The space for rear occupants is just about enough and the seats offer a 60:40 split with adjustable headrests. The rear central AC vent does a good job of keeping the comfort level high. The boot space remains unchanged at 280 litres with a pressed steel disc wheel underneath as the spare wheel for emergencies.

The overall build quality of the interiors is good with some rare bits and pieces exuding a low rent feel.

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