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

Engines:

The Punto Evo is offered with the 1.2 litre / 1.4 litre FIRE petrol, the 1.3MJD (diesel) and the 1.3MJD (diesel) with VGT (90HP) versions. The 1.4 petrol engine produces 90PS@6000rpm and 115Nm@4500rpm. The 1.3 MJD produces 76PS@4000rpm and 197Nm@1750rpm of power and torque. The MJD with variable geometry turbo produces 90PS and 209Nm of torque. The 1.2L FIRE produces a measly 68PS@6000rpm and 96Nm@2500rpm.

We drove the Punto Evo with the 1.4 FIRE unit which has been doing duty on FIAT cars for quite some time now. This unit is easily not the most refined power plants on the market currently but is decently grunty too.

On paper, the power figure is impressive however the same cannot be said about the torque output as it comes in at a higher rpm. The gearbox has an improved shift feel but still retains long throws. The shift into the 2nd gear particularly, isn’t assuring while overall its quite precise to use. The clutch operation is good too and isn’t a workout in stop and go traffic. The engine feels a bit sluggish at lower half of the rev band and feels most responsive above 4000 rpm though slightly coarse. As long as one does not expect quick acceleration figures, the Punto Evo 1.4 remains a sedate drive in normal everyday driving conditions. The rev limiter for the FIRE unit cuts in at 6500rpm. The insulation of the cabin also seems better than the 1.3MJD and remains fairly silent up to 100-110kmph past which wind noise and tyre-roar gain prominence but never is a bother.

The 1.3MJD with variable geometry turbo feels instantaneous in response thanks to the torque which is almost twice as that of the petrol engine. In gear acceleration is brisk, and despite the variable geometry turbine setup, the 90HP feels extra eager post 2000rpm. A special mention has to be made about the ultra light clutch of the 1.3MJD which is a joy to use, although it has long travel pedal action. The 90HP also enjoys a short throw gearbox and better slotting feel through the gates. This makes the 90HP the most effortless and fun to drive hot hatch amongst the Evo clan. What’s more, the 90HP only gets better as speeds build up and the diesel drone is almost completely drowned with ambient sounds. The wind noise in the 90HP is tad bit pronounced than its petrol engined sibling at triple digit speeds.