Fiat Automobiles South Africa has began imports of the Punto 1.2 Active from India to slot in at the entry-level end of its range and provide a replacement for the ageing Palio which what phased out of this market at the end of last year. It will neatly fill out strong South African market demand for a modern, affordable, practical, entry-level yet stylish hatch.

The Fiat Punto 1.2 Active thus joins the range in South Africa – an up-to-date hatch which ticks every single one of these boxes. Built in a sprawling ‘technofest’ of a facility in Pune, South India, the new Punto with close to 90 percent local content is an achievement for this greenfields project which has only been operational for two years and already features two current Fiat models on its CV – the Linea and the Punto. Comprising both an engine and an assembly plant, the Pune facility has the capacity to churn out more than 3,000 vehicles per day.

To satisfy the surprisingly discerning Indian market, the Punto had to meet three main critera: firstly it had to be a modern, stylish vehicle; secondly it had to be uncompromisingly practical – space, comfort and a generous spec list were non-negotiables; and finally it had to be as robust as the Taj Mahal. Fortunately these are features that are just as appreciated by South African consumers which is why the Punto 1.2 Active makes a welcome addition to the local Fiat range.

The European-built Grande Punto will gradually be phased out to make way for the Indian-built Puntos at the bottom end of Fiat’s B-segment line-up in South Africa. At present there are two Punto models available in South Africa – the new 1.2 Active, launched here, and the much higher-specified but still value-oriented 1.4 "Emotion" level version which was released onto this market towards the end of last year (and also imported from India). The range's halo models, including, the Grande Punto T-Jet, will shortly be replaced as, during the second half of this year, the all-new Italian-built Punto Evo will make its local market debut. This model, while clearly an evolution of the Grande Punto, is noticeably more upmarket in terms of styling, specification and performance.

But now coming back to the Punto 1.2 Active – a brief description of what it’s like to drive in India as experienced by a South African may help to contextualise this charismatic newcomer for local buyers. "It’s sheer insanity and frankly you need to be certified to do it but nevertheless, we were able to coax three intrepid South African motoring journalists onto India’s roads (and I use that term loosely) - reports Fiat South Africa - Imagine cramming every conceivable mode of transport from a tuk tuk to an elephant onto a road no wider than a king-size bed and you have some idea of what it’s like. Completing the picture are sari-clad honies on motorcycles (riding side-saddle of course) and whole families sandwiched onto ancient Royal Enfields together with the kitchen sink. With every centimeter you inch forward, the traffic haemorrhages yet another tributary of mechanical mayhem. (No wonder it took us half a day to drive 250 kilometres.) Add to this the deafening cacophony of hooters blaring at ‘vuvuzelian’ levels and the slogan “Incredible India” takes on its true meaning. “Please horn” are words resplendently emblazoned on every truck tailgate which is just another way of saying: “I will attempt any one of many kamikazian moves so please be sure to honk when your life flashes before your eyes”. Compounding this scenario is the fact that lawlessness appears to be actively encouraged – hell, even the traffic lights in this big free-for-all have a sign for U-turns permitted. Road markings are virtually non-existent but you still pay for the pleasure of driving on India’s finest as toll booths are more numerous than mushrooms after the rain. Suffice it to say that the most important safety feature on a car is most certainly not airbags or ABS but the hooter."

The new Fiat Punto thus cuts a dash in India. Stylistically superior, the simple lines of the Punto are in stark contrast with its fussy contemporaries. In fact, in an Indian context, the latest brace of Puntos and Lineas are regarded as more premium and upmarket than their obvious competitors. And, while the emphasis is on value, comfort has not been compromised – power steering, air conditioning and electric front windows all form part of the Active package.

Performance-wise, the 1.2-litre engine (which is part of the Fiat "Fire" family) has more than enough grunt to keep up with traffic and positively shines out on the open road. Maximum power of 49 kW might not sound that impressive but bear in mind that being an 8-valve unit, the engine features low-down grunt for added flexibility and so maximum torque is available from just 2,500 rpm. Smooth and very free-revving, this little motor impresses with its levels of refinement. Further enhancing the driving experience is the drive-by-wire throttle. Meanwhile the structural integrity of the Grande Punto-derived newcomer means that rigidity and safety tolerances are at the very top of the class. Add to this the inclusion of Fiat’s unique Fire Protection System (FPS) and anti-submarine seats and it adds up to a package that offers more than its price competitors.

The recommended retail price on the South African market for the newcomer is just R106,900. However, for a limited time only, Fiat dealers will be able to offer the new Punto 1.2 Active for the introductory launch price of just R99,900. The new Punto 1.2 Active comes standard with a 3-year 100,000 km warranty as well as Fiat’s free roadside assistance for one year. Service intervals are set at 20,000 km.