Built like a tank and expensive like a tank!

Built like a tank and expensive like a tank!

I have been driving a Punto Evo 1.4 Emotion (Petrol) for almost 2 years now and have clocked almost 13,000 KMs. The first thing to notice about this car is the build quality. Driving in Gurgoan makes minor accidents almost unavoidable. But let me tell you, it's hard to get a dent on this car! The metal quality and even the plastics are best in class. Driving quality is top-class as well. The engine just hums even at high speeds. Steering control is really fine tuned to the speed of the vehicle. Brakes work like magic (never ever got a screeching sound despite multiple sudden braking events). High ground clearance ensures that underbody hardly ever hits a bump. Long wheel base and heavy weight makes this car extremely stable even at 120+ kmph. The engine is top class. I have been driving this car for 2 years now and have clocked 13,000 KMs. I have done several rough terrain trips with it. Despite this, the engine of my car hasn't exhibited any significant degradation of performance. The interiors are plush and there are almost all the features you will need on a regular basis including fog lamps and rear viper. The only thing which I found missing was reverse parking sensor which I got fitted later on. One thing you will notice if you ride in multiple cars is that insulation of this car is just amazing. Keep all you windows tight, the external noise will get truncated to a fourth or maybe less. One thing that Fiat has worked upon hard is the service. Today, the service centers are prompt do a good job at regular servicing, and are also thoroughly monitoring by the OEM - service centers become worried if you rate the service experience below 9/10 The car has it's own share of problems as well. The mileage is a put off - 9.5-10 kmpl in city. The seat covers even for the top model are a little put-off (not leather). The turning radius is large. Service centers are not aplenty (but you will not them more than once a year). But I don't consider these as buying decision changing issues. I guess this car faces a branding issue because of all the troubles it used to bring to its owners in the past. But things have really changed for Fiat since then.