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Global Viewpoints
Fiat's century car
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For the new Punto compact hatchback, Fiat opted for distinctly different styling for the three- and five-door versions.
The Punto's new torsion beam rear suspension is so high in torsional stiffness that the anti-roll is eliminated, saving about 6.5 kg (14.3 lb).
Interior of Fiat Punto HGT.
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Fiat has marked its 100th birthday with the introduction of a new Punto compact hatchback, opting for distinctly different styling for the three- and five-door versions of the car. Most manufacturers concentrate their exterior design skills on styling the front end of new cars but Fiat has given the 21st century version of the Punto individualistic rear-end styling, too. It has shifted away from the previous Punto's rounded lines for increased angularity — particularly in three-door form — with a concave hatch. The five-door, while being less avant-garde, is also aesthetically pleasing. Overall length of both versions is 3.8 m (12.5 ft). The original Punto's high rear-light theme has been retained, but the lights are now deeper, more prominent, and contribute significantly to the little car's looks.
There is wide engine choice, from 1.2 to 1.8 L, the largest engine being a de-tuned version of the Barchetta sports car unit. Both naturally aspirated and turbocharged diesels (common-rail direct injection) are available. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is an option, as is a six-speed gearbox on the 1.2-L Sporting version. All models get electric power steering with a dual-mode arrangement with a switch overriding the regular setting to give added assistance when parking or at low speeds. At speeds above 70 km/h (43 mph), it automatically reverts to the regular setting.
The Punto has a new semi-independent torsion beam rear suspension. The beam is manufactured using what Fiat calls an innovative pressing technique that it claims ensures ideal torsional stiffness. Because of this, Fiat has dispensed with an anti-roll bar, saving about 6.5 kg (14.3 lb).
The Punto is being manufactured in Fiat factories at Melfi, Mirafiori, and Termini Imerese, with a total production target of between 600,000 and 700,000 units a year, 50% of which will be sold outside Italy. Ing. Roberto Testore, Fiat Auto's Chief Executive Officer, said that to meet market demands over the coming years, Fiat's manufacturing operation needs to be "leaner, more rational, and more flexible." He added: "We have to respond to complexity with simplicity by creating 'open-ended' products with features that are highly standardized but that at the same time can be readily customized. What this means is that right from the sheet metal phase and even in mass-production, we have to 'design in' the possibility of combining integrated subsystems." Ing. Paolo Cantarella, Chief Executive Officer of Fiat SpA, said: "By 2002 we plan to launch an average of four new models a year. Our aim is to achieve an output of 4 million cars a year in the second half of the next decade, which would make Fiat Auto one of the biggest manufacturers in
the world."
All Puntos get electric power steering with "city" mode. System components include 1) power assistance mode warning light on panel, 2) power assistance mode selection button on panel, 3) the electric power steering unit, and 4) electronic control unit.
Stuart Birch
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