Fiat Punto Evo (2010)

Technological innovation

The technological excellence of the Fiat Punto Evo is in evidence primarily through the extensive range of engines, designed and manufactured by FPT - Fiat Powertrain Technologies, that can be powered by petrol, petrol/LPG, petrol/methane or diesel. The engines are available at Euro 4 and Euro 5 ecology standards (except for the 1.2 petrol engine, which will be available in Euro 5 from 2010). They include the new 1.4 MultiAir and second-generation 1.3 MultiJet: all meet Euro 5 standards and come with the Start&Stop system as standard.

The Fiat Punto Evo represents another advancement in sustainable transport, and it is a step ahead of the EEC regulation that requires new cars to comply with Euro 5 limits only from 1 January 2011.

Depending on the engine, you can get five or six-speed mechanical or robotised sequential gearboxes (Dualogic) that have been optimised for excellent manoeuvrability and very low noise levels.

The following engines are available at launch:

• Petrol:
  • 65 hp 1.2 8v (Euro 4);
  • 77 hp 1.4 8v (Euro 4);
  • 77 hp 1.4 8v (Euro 5) with Start&Stop;
  • 105 hp 1.4 MultiAir 16v (Euro 5) with Start&Stop;
  • 135 hp 1.4 MultiAir Turbo 16v (Euro 5) with Start&Stop.
• Diesel:
  • 75 hp 1.3 MultiJet 16v (Euro 4);
  • 75 hp 1.3 MultiJet II 16v (Euro 5) with Start&Stop and DPF;
  • 90 hp 1.3 MultiJet 16v (Euro 4);
  • 95 hp 1.3 MultiJet II 16v (Euro 5) with Start&Stop and DPF;
  • 120 hp 1.6 MultiJet 16v (Euro 5) DPF.
• Bi-fuel:
  • 70 hp 1.4 8v petrol/methane (Euro 5);
  • 77 hp 1.4 8v petrol/LPG (Euro 4).

The logo on the rear door of the Fiat Punto Evo changes according to the different engine types: the dot is red for high-performance engines (135 hp 1.4 MultiAir Turbo and 120 hp 1.6 MultiJet), green for bi-fuel units and black for other engine types.

MultiAir technology

Making its debut on the Fiat Punto Evo, the 1.4 MultiAir is the revolutionary head of a new family of engines equipped with the MultiAir technology developed and patented by FPT - Fiat Powertrain Technologies. The technology will be gradually rolled out across all Fiat Group engines.

Available in two different power outputs (105 hp and 135 hp), the new engine represents a real departure point from the current petrol engine scene. Compared with a traditional petrol engine with the same cubic capacity, the MultiAir engines provide a significant increase in power and torque, as well as much lower fuel consumption and emissions.

At the heart of the MultiAir is a new electrohydraulic valve management system that enables reduced fuel consumption (by controlling air directly via the engine intake valves, without using the throttle) and harmful emissions (via combustion control), as well as improved performance. As befits a flag-bearer for the downsizing concept, MultiAir is a versatile technology that is easily applied to all petrol engines and may potentially be developed for diesel engines.

The 135 hp 1.4 MultiAir Turbo guarantees the Fiat Punto Evo all the performance and temperament of a sporty, well-balanced car designed for customers who want good driveability and fuel economy. Thanks to the turbocharger, the torque delivery of the 135 hp engine is optimum under all conditions and ensures outstanding acceleration and vigorous thrust at all revs, setting a new benchmark for petrol engines. The new 135 hp engine's top speed and time to accelerate from 0-100 km/h puts it at the top of the supermini class: 200 km/h (205 for the Sport version) and just 8.5 seconds. Excellent performance is combined with respect for the environment (Euro 5 approval) and good fuel economy. This excellence is reflected in particularly low CO2 emissions, equal to 129 g/km, with a combined fuel consumption of just 5.6 litres every 100 km.

Balance and temperament are also attributes of the 105 hp 1.4 MultiAir power unit. This engine sits in the middle of its reference market, where it represents the best choice. The 105 hp MultiAir also complies with Euro 5 standards and records 134 g/km of CO2 (combined fuel consumption is just 5.7 litres every 100 km). Performance is excellent: from 0-100 km/h in 10.8 seconds and top speed of 185 km/h.

All this tells you that MultiAir has all the necessary attributes to be as revolutionary in the field of petrol engines as JTD and MultiJet were in their day for diesel engines. Fiat's long tradition in engines continues.

Second-generation MultiJet

All Fiat Punto Evo diesel engines are equipped with the next-generation MultiJet Common Rail injection system. This highly advanced solution can control high engine pressures (up to 1600 bar) without being tied to engine speed or the quantity of fuel injected.

In the 1.3 MultiJet Euro 5 versions, the system uses innovative common rail injectors that, thanks to a balanced hydraulic servo-valve, are able to more precisely control the quantity of diesel injected into the combustion chamber, with a faster and more flexible sequence of injections than was previously possible. By reducing the amount of time between injections, these injectors optimise fuel introduction to the chamber and therefore make the diesel combustion process more gradual, with positive effects for consumption, emissions, NVH and handling. In fact, the new common rail injector on the Euro 5 engines cuts consumption and CO2 on the approved cycle by around 2%, while at the same time reducing harmful emissions.

The second-generation MultiJets are therefore the latest development in the Common Rail injection system which, after the JTD (1997) and MultiJet (2003) engines, gives the Fiat Group yet another first in this field.

The 1.3 MultiJet is available in Euro 4 (75 and 90 hp) and Euro 5 (75 and 95 hp) versions, the latter coming with a particulate filter and Start&Stop as standard. In addition, turbo is carried out either by a fixed geometry turbocharger (75 hp) or a variable geometry turbocharger (90 and 95 hp). The Euro 5 versions have next-generation turbochargers that, combined with the new second-generation MultiJet injection system, ensure the best possible turbo function at any engine operating level, with torque delivery at low revs up to 25 per cent higher than on Euro 4 versions.

The performance levels of the 95 hp second-generation 1.3 MultiJet (Euro 5) are well worth a mention: top speed of 178 km/h, 0-100 km/h in 11.7 seconds, consumption of 4.2 l/100 km and 110 g/km of CO2 emissions (in the combined cycle). When combined with the Dualogic gearbox, consumption falls to 4.1 l/100 km and emissions to 107 g/km.

Finally, the Fiat Punto Evo range retains the brilliant 120 hp 1.6 MultiJet Euro 5 with DPF from the previous model. With this engine, the car can reach a top speed of 193 km/h (Sport version) and go from 0-100 km/h in 9.6 seconds. Excellent performance also comes with reduced consumption and emissions: in the combined cycle, these figures are 4.5 l/100 km and 119 g/km of CO2 respectively.

Start&Stop system and Gear Shift Indicator

With respect for the environment and fuel economy still in mind, the new Fiat Punto Evo includes the Start&Stop system. Coming as standard on all the new Euro 5 petrol and diesel engines, and from 2010 also on the 120 hp 1.6 and the 1.2 Euro 5, this device temporarily switches off the engine and restarts it in order to reduce fuel consumption and noise levels. In these situations, which are typical of heavy traffic in urban areas and when stopped at traffic lights, when the control strategy permits, the system automatically cuts out the engine in order to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 15% for an urban route and 3.5% over an NEDC-type cycle.

Moreover, the Gear Shift Indicator (GSI) linked to the Start&Stop system is a kind of co-pilot that discreetly advises drivers when they should change gear, leading to a more fuel-efficient use of the engine. For example, the GSI may suggest shifting to a higher gear, by means of a signal on the instrument panel, in order to allow the engine to combust a leaner mixture, i.e. containing less fuel, or changing down a gear to make best use of the available torque.

Blue&Me-TomTom

Technological innovation also comes in the shape of the latest Blue&Me platform, which makes its debut on the Fiat Punto Evo. Blue&Me-TomTom is a fully integrated infotainment system whose practical colour touch-screen allows you to manage phone calls, satellite navigation and all the driving information you need. The device is the result of a partnership between Fiat Group Automobiles and TomTom, the European leader in portable navigation systems, and integrates with the other car's systems thanks to the Blue&Me system developed with Magneti Marelli.

Blue&Me-TomTom is fixed in an easily accessible and safe position (without loose cables), from which it can nevertheless be removed for other purposes. The system can also be operated from controls on the steering wheel and by voice recognition. There is an exclusive "Car Menu" to let you display information on the car and all connected devices:

• "eco:Drive Info": real-time information on your driving style and suggestions for reducing environmental impact and optimising consumption by changing gear and accelerating appropriately to suit the nature of the route;
• all trip information on a single screen: distance travelled, consumption and range;
• fuel reserve warning and directions to the nearest filling station;
• places of interest, Fiat Group service centres and methane and LPG filling stations;
• management of the mobile phone connected to Blue&Me: calls, information, contacts and call log.

Lastly, on this new Fiat model you can also get Blue&Me (including hands-free function with Bluetooth® interface and advanced voice recognition, USB port, MP3 player and SMS message reader) and Blue&Me Nav, which adds a satellite navigation function at a very competitive price. The innovative Blue&Me system has won prestigious international awards and been a real commercial success. It is fast approaching one million units installed on various Fiat Group Automobiles models.

Respect for the environment

At Fiat, innovation also means looking after the environment. In fact, the environment is one of the main issues driving product development, and ensures that the Fiat range is the greenest in Europe. The Fiat Punto Evo is no exception. The new MultiAir engines are proof of that. Compared with a conventional petrol engine of the same size, they produce more power (up to 10%) and torque (up to 15%), while consuming significantly less fuel (up to 10%) and emitting less CO2 (up to 10%), particulates (up to 40%) and NOx (up to 60%).

In the same way, the second generation MultiJet diesel engines offer more accurate combustion control, with benefits for consumption, emissions, NVH and handling. This has been achieved through a new common rail injector that regulates the introduction of fuel to the combustion chamber which, for the Euro 5 engines, cuts fuel consumption and CO2 on the approved cycle by around 2%, while at the same time reducing harmful emissions.

Still with reduced consumption and emissions in mind, the new Punto Evo offers Start&Stop, the system that temporarily switches off the engine when the car is stationary and then restarts it. Start&Stop comes as standard on all new Euro 5 petrol and diesel engines.

The two bi-fuel systems (petrol/methane and petrol/LPG), which unquestionably give the Fiat Punto Evo the most complete and eco-friendly engine range in the segment, are further proof of Fiat's commitment to protecting the environment. What is more, Fiat is the undisputed global leader in the segment of original dual-fuel petrol/methane cars (OEM) and, more recently, of dual-fuel petrol/LPG cars.

The two 'green' versions have a specific 1.4 8v Fire engine with 77 hp (for example, the Natural Power one delivers 70 hp, when operating on methane, and is Euro 5-approved) manufactured by Fiat Powertrain Technologies and designed specifically to integrate fully with the two fuel supply systems.

The methane-fuelled engine is not only the most ecological bi-fuel engine in the B segment, producing just 115 g/km of CO2, but is also the most economical thanks to unprecedented running costs of under 4 euros per 100 km. Among other advantages, methane-fuelled engines benefit from the highest government incentives in Italy: 5,000 euros if combined with a contribution for scrapping your old car. It should not be forgotten that the Fiat Punto Evo Natural Power ensures a range of more than 1,000 km on the combined cycle and 1,200 km on the extra-urban cycle and, when operating on methane, it guarantees excellent handling and good performance: the top speed is 156 km/h and it goes from 0-100 km/h in 16.9 seconds.

Then there is the LPG-fuelled version in addition to the Natural Power one, developed using Fiat's extensive experience in alternative fuels to respond to the extraordinary growth seen in this market. The Fiat Punto Evo GPL boasts a record range of 1,500 km in the extra-urban cycle, running costs almost 50% lower than a petrol equivalent, as well as reduced consumption (7.4 l/100km in the combined cycle) and CO2 emissions (119 g/km).

Staying on the environmental theme, Fiat Punto Evo customers can use "eco:Drive", the innovative software that uses the USB port to analyse driving style and help you reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

How does it work? As you drive, "eco:Drive" collects information on vehicle efficiency and your driving habits. All data are sent through the Blue&Me infotainment system's USB port to a standard USB drive, from where they can be read on a computer. Users can then take a careful look at their fuel consumption and emissions for each trip (creating their own eco:Index) and get tips on achieving a more eco-friendly driving style. They can actually improve their score by progressing through a series of tutorials: motorists who are keen to become more eco-responsible drivers can expect a 15% improvement in their driving style, which means cutting CO2 emissions by 15% and an annual fuel saving of 120 to 200 euros.

This system is available for the Fiat 500, Grande Punto, Bravo, Qubo and Croma models, and over 50,000 customers have already downloaded it free of charge from the www.fiat.com/ecodrive website in the first eight months since its launch. More than 22,000 people use it all the time to monitor their driving style, taking part in a lively exchange of views on "eco:Ville", an online community where you can share your commitment to eco-friendly driving. A great public success but also a concrete commitment, "eco:Drive" tips have made it possible to save more than 1,900 tonnes of CO2 in Europe - enough energy to light up the streets of a city the size of Geneva for 20 months.

Safety

The Fiat Punto Evo is designed and built to achieve the highest levels of safety. The model boasts a large number of safety devices (standard or optional depending on the market and trim), starting with those dedicated to passive safety: two front airbags, two front side airbags, front and rear window bags and a driver knee bag (the Fiat Punto Evo is one of the few cars in this segment on which this bag is standard on all trims), ensuring protection for occupants in nine areas of possible contact in the event of a crash.

The Fiat Punto Evo is also one of the few cars in its class equipped with adaptive 'cornering' front fog lights that switch on automatically with dipped beams according to the steering angle.

The new Fiat Punto Evo guarantees consistent and reliable road holding thanks to the latest electronic dynamic control systems for braking and traction. There is the ABS system with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and, above all, ESP (Electronic Stability Program) complete with Hill Holder to help with hill starts (the Fiat Punto Evo is the only car to have this available across all engines).

In addition, the new model has all the dynamic and comfort features that allow users to embark comfortably and safely on any journey. There is a powerful and effective braking system, tyres designed specifically for maximum comfort and safety, and the proven suspension structure: independent-wheel MacPherson type at the front and semi-independent-wheel with torsion beam at the rear.

Finally, the Fiat Punto Evo has technologies that ensure the highest levels of acoustic and climate comfort for driver and passengers, which is key for preventive safety: from the two-zone automatic climate control to a number of features that make driving easier, such as cruise control, rain sensors and the parking aid system.

Style and comfort

The work of the Fiat Centro Stile has made the Fiat Punto Evo even more attractive. 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 dashboard, modelled on the consoles and air vents, is the standout feature with its laminated materials that differ in colour and texture according to the trim. The top of the dashboard is also refined thanks to an embossed surface that makes it more pleasing on the eye and to the touch, as well as ensuring there are no reflections in the eyes of the occupants.

In between the upper part and the front fascia on the passenger side, there is a diffused ambient light that is particularly pleasant when driving at night.

The new central control console has been split into two, with the stereo characterised by a glossy black surface at the centre of which lies the LCD. The air conditioning controls are located underneath, in a separate panel, while in the upper section there are air vents with a storage compartment that, on some trims, comes with a door that can also be used as a base for installing Blue&Me-TomTom.

The instrument panel has larger dials for the speedometer and rev counter, with newly designed numbering and a new cowl visor to keep out the sun.

All the framing is coloured differently depending on the trim. The door panels have also been given a facelift, giving them a more cosy feel that includes large fabric-upholstered areas. The armrest inserts also differ according to the trim, while the pocket is larger and comes with a bottle holder.

All the seats in the various trims are made from innovative materials that have been improved not only aesthetically but also ergonomically. In addition, compared with the previous model, there are more storage compartments and the Blue&Me system's USB port has moved to the central console.

The Fiat Punto Evo has also undergone significant external changes to both the front and rear, such as a new bumper with improved technical and functional areas: for example, there are two radiator grilles combined in a single trapezium-shaped area with two side attachments containing the direction indicators, while the lower grille incorporates the new circular fog lights with an adaptive cornering function. You can tell the different versions apart by the front bumper: the sporty trims have a hexagonal-mesh grille and a dark line with an embedded Fiat logo; the Comfort Line versions have a horizontal-mesh grille and a chrome-coloured line. Compared with the previous model, the headlights stand out more and are technically superior, as well as offering the daytime running lights function at the side and different framing (dark for Sport Line versions, chrome-coloured for Comfort Line versions).

At the rear, there is a new bumper incorporating the number plate; innovative taillights with a guide light that can be seen at night in the shape of a pair of brackets opening on the left and closing on the right; the central Fiat logo that is also used to unlock the boot; and the new Punto logo with a different coloured dot depending on the engine. The original side mouldings blend into the new-look front and rear parts (the three-door versions are enhanced by a chrome-coloured line featuring the car's logo).

The latest design has also stretched the car to a total length of 406 centimetres, meaning that it retains its winning characteristics of driver and passenger comfort. The other external dimensions remain the same, with a width of 169 centimetres, a height of 149 cm and a wheelbase of 251 cm.

Finally, there is a range of 13 colours, seven of which were not available for the previous model: Grigio Intellettuale (Tech house Grey), Blu Temerario (Acid jazz Blue), Blu Illusionista (Brit pop Blue), Nero Rubacuori (Progressive Black), Verde Avventuriero (Unplugged Green), Bianco Radioso (Easy listening White) and Rosso Sfrenato (Tango Red).

Range (Italian market)

To make it easier to choose the right version for a particular client, the Fiat Punto Evo has two families: the first - Comfort Line - includes the Active (three- or five-door), Dynamic (three- or five-door) and Emotion (five-door) versions, and is aimed at customers looking for comfort, elegance and functionality. Those who seek a car with an out-and-out sporty temperament will be more attracted by the second family - Sport Line - that includes the Sport and Fun versions, all exclusively three-door.

The Comfort family also includes the eco-friendly versions with bi-fuel methane and LPG setups, available on the Active, Dynamic and Emotion trims (the latter being new and completing an unparalleled market offering).

The range is completed by the line dedicated to the Dualogic robotised sequential gearbox combined with the 90 hp 1.3 MultiJet (available trims are Emotion, Sport, Dynamic and Fun) and 77 hp 1.4 16v (Dynamic and Fun trims) engines.

The following come as standard on the Active version: Dualdrive, ESP, front airbags and driver knee bag, five standard seats, two rear headrests, height-adjustable driver's seat, height- and depth-adjustable steering wheel, wiring for stereo. On top of this equipment, the Fun version adds: painted wing mirrors, 15" alloy wheels, spoiler, bronzed headlights, cornering fog lights, side airbags and window bag, 40/60 split seat, remote door locking/unlocking.

The Sport trim enhances the Fun configuration with manual climate control, 17" alloy wheels, ambient light, side skirts, leather steering wheel and gear knob, radio/CD/MP3 player, heated wing mirrors and tinted rear windows.

Starting from the standard Active trim, the Punto Evo Dynamic adds: manual climate control, side airbags and window bag, 40/60 split seat, painted wing mirrors and remote door locking/unlocking. On top of the Dynamic trim, the Emotion adds: twin-zone automatic climate control, radio/CD/MP3 player, 15" alloy wheels, bumpers with metallic-paint insert, ambient light, cornering fog lights, electric rear windows, leather steering wheel and gear knob, heated wing mirrors with temperature sensor, front armrest with storage compartment.

Clients can customise their Punto Evo with a series of packs that will enhance the car even more to their own taste. For the Active versions, there is a pack containing fog lights and remote door locking/unlocking, while from the second trim level there are two available packs: Info & Entertainment or Style.

In the first case (Info & Entertainment), the packs available for the Dynamic and Fun trims include MP3 stereo, Blue&Me system and satellite navigation capability; for the Sport and Emotion versions there are two solutions: each have Blue&Me, sat nav capability and cruise control, but the My Blue Sound pack adds a sound system and the My Blue Comfort pack adds parking sensors.

The second pack (Style) has climate control, 16" alloy wheels and tinted rear windows for the Fun version; fog lights, 15" alloy wheels, body-coloured side strips and bumpers with metallic-paint insert for the Dynamic trim; Sky Dome electric sunroof, kick plate and 16" alloy wheels for the Emotion trim; Sky Dome electric sunroof, anti-whiplash seats and bronzed 17" alloy wheels for the Sport trim.

Finally, the Fiat Punto Evo range offers several optional extras, including twin-zone climate control, Interscope sound system, Sky Dome electric sunroof, and lots of accessories and external stickers to make the car truly unique.