Italian auto maker, Fiat has unveiled/launched the crossover version of its flagship hatchback, Punto at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo. Christened as "Punto Adventure", it will compete against the likes of Volkswagen Cross Polo and Toyota Etios Cross. (The exact launch date of the car is yet to be announced, but we expect it to hit the showrooms by the festive season).
The Punto Adventure gets a tail-gate mounted spare wheel featuring the "Adventure" badge and a handle for a better grip. Its rear door now opens horizontally. The vehicle has lot of cladding along with larger wheels, roof rails and higher ground clearance, which makes it look muscular and aggressive.
(Inside the cabin, the Punto Adventure looks identical to its sibling hatchback. However, the company has given some tweaks to make it look more upmarket and sporty.)
While Fiat Panda comes with a 4-wheel drive, the company has decided to offer a front wheel drive system for the Punto Adventure. The vehicle doesn't have a rear differential, which is the major reason behind the lack of 4-wheel drive system.
The Cross Punto sports electronic traction control, Anti-lock braking system with Brake Assist and others. The Punto Adventure is powered by the tried and trusted 1.3-litre multijet engine that churns out a maximum power output of 90bhp and 200Nm of top torque. (It also comes equipped with a 1.4-litre FIRE petrol engine which is capable of developing 89bhp of top power and 115Nm of top torque.) Power is transmitted to front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.
Source : CarDekho - Fiat Punto Adventure expert review - Fiat Punto Adventure unveiled or launched at 2014 Auto Expo