SAFE AND SOLID - THE GRANDE PUNTO TAKS A GREAT LEAP FORWARD IN THE COMPACT CLASS
 

A 'solid' car, the result of top quality construction. This is basically the second winning feature of the Grande Punto, which takes a great leap forward in the compact class, confirming Fiat's unquestioned leadership of this category. It is the fruit of a 'robust' project, which set three precise goals from the start: maximum safety, maximum enjoyment at the wheel and the best quality of life on board.

These goals have been achieved in full, because from the very first stages of the planning process the Grande Punto pursued very high quality standards and adopted a very severe engineering process based on a solid platform. This same severity was applied to all stages of the development and industrialisation of the model, applying the most advanced, innovative reliability methodologies. Extensive road tests were also carried out, for a total of 4.5 million kilometres. In the end, the enormous amount of data collected and the experience gained, have helped to increase Fiat Auto's expertise and to establish a strong starting point for the development of future models. It is clear that the new car represents a further step forward in the striving for quality, a value that we find in the Melfi plant, which plays a leading role in the entire process; thanks to cutting edge technologies that can ensure the best quality and safety standards for the new model, and the complete recycling at the end of the car's life cycle of all the materials used to build it.

But quality and reliability are not only expressed in numbers. We form important impressions by looking at and touching the passenger compartment of a car, observing the details, sitting on the seats, gripping the steering wheel, and assessing the appeal of the environment and the quality of the furnishings and finish. This is known as the 'perceived quality'. The judgement that emerges is the combination of a thousand different elements: from the shape of the objects to the materials they are made of, the individual colours and the way they combine, and our tactile sensations. And these stimuli all contribute to an equal degree to determining the final perception. This is why the engineers working on the Grande Punto project focused at length on every single detail, with a care and attention that is unusual in this market bracket.

The best safety in its segment

Fifteen thousand hours of calculations, 60 crash tests, one hundred simulations with a Hyge sled and two hundred tests on components and subsystems. These numbers underline the commitment that went into making the Fiat Punto one of the safest cars, not only in its segment but in the entire world car market, since the model represents the state of the art where passive safety systems are concerned.
 
Total protection, starting from the specific safety features: up to 7 airbags, two of which are of the Multistage type (six are standard on the Dynamic and Emotion specifications); three-point seat-belts with pretensioners and load limiters, five head-restraints and the FPS fire prevention system. The chassis is also new, designed specifically to absorb impact more efficiently. And the bodywork, the bonnet, the doors and the facia crossbeam all play their part in protecting occupants. Nor must we forget the contribution in terms of passive safety from elements such as the seats or the steering column, which were designed taking into account their behaviour in the event of an accident.

The Smart 2 Airbag system

Complete protection, intelligent protection. In the event of head-on impact, occupants are protected by an innovative restraint system known as the 'Smart 2 Airbag', because it is able to adapt the activation parameters automatically to the severity of an accident. Starting with the two front airbags for the driver and passenger, which have a new, different functioning logic. Until now, when the airbags were activated, they have always inflated simultaneously and up to their maximum size, which was established to safeguard occupants during the most serious impact. The Grande Punto on the other hand, adopts dual stage front airbags; when impact is of medium intensity, the system only activates the first stage; but with very strong impact, the control unit activates both stages. The two stages can also be activated with different sequences according to the type of impact. In any case, the bridles inside the bags guarantee that the maximum dimensions and the shape that the cushions assume are as non-invasive as possible for the passengers. Obviously the front passenger bag can be deactivated by the menu on the control panel, so that an infant can be carried in a special seat facing backwards (the pretensioner remains active).

The sensors of the Smart 2 Airbag also control the activation of the seat-belt pretensioners. The Grande Punto fits inertia reel front seat-belts with pretensioners and load limiters. If impact occurs, the electronic pyrotechnical pretensioner retracts the belt in a few thousandths of a second, so that it grips the body perfectly. The load limiters are inside the front reels, and they give in a controlled manner to meter the effort exercised by the belt on the shoulders of the person wearing it.

The control unit and the sensors

The Grande Punto is fitted with all the most advanced passive safety devices available. A sophisticated "nervous system" has been developed to control them, piloted by an electronic control unit in the front tunnel. This unit receives the signals from the various sensors positioned around the car (as well as those inside the control unit itself) and on the basis of these decides how many and which devices must be activated. This is why the system as a whole behaves in an 'intelligent way'. It is not activated when, in spite of the impact, there is no danger that the occupant will hit against the sides of the car. It recognises the stress that is not derived from impact. It also functions if there is a blackout in the electrical system. Making all this possible, takes extremely sophisticated functioning logics and measurement terminals. Like the CSA (Crash Severity Algorithm) which recognises the severity of the impact and controls the multistage front airbags; or the sensor that detects the presence of a front passenger and may warn the user to fasten his seat-belt with a beep or a telltale on the instrument panel. Or the decentralised sensor that detects head-on impact, and the ECS (Early Crash Sensor), an auxiliary device that is positioned in the front structure of the car and allows the control unit to anticipate the activation of the front airbags; unlike a traditional system, it allows them to unfold completely before the occupants start to move forward towards the steering wheel or the facia.

The curtain bags and sidebags
 
The former are airbags designed to inflate downwards along the windows, to protect occupants' heads in a side-on collision. The curtain bags adopted on the Grande Punto are more protective than other systems (because they always assume the correct position), inflate faster and are less invasive for passengers. They open from the top down and their movement cannot cause secondary injury to the occupants' arms.

They also effectively protect the heads of both front and rear passengers because they cover the whole windows and guarantee protection even if the car overturns. The two bags (one for the left and one for the right) are positioned underneath the roof longitudinals, folded into a closed compartment. At the appropriate moment, the cover folds, allowing the bags to inflate and descend.
 
To protect the pelvis and chest of front seat passengers in a side-on collision, the Grande Punto also provides two sidebags built into the squab of the front seats, where they protect the occupants better, regardless of their stature, position or seat adjustment.

Driver's knee-bag (optional)

The area under the steering column has always been the most dangerous for the knees, but it is rendered innocuous both by the addition of the knee-bag and by a new position for the steering lock, which has allowed the ignition key to be moved from its usual position.

The most stringent tests for total protection
 
To verify the effectiveness of the combined protection system developed for the new model, the technicians of the Fiat Safety Centre subjected the new model to all possible high speed collision situations. They then compared the results with the structural and biomechanical parameters envisaged by some of the world's strictest legislation. The following results were obtained.

Head-on impact

The Grande Punto scored extremely well in two different types of test. The first is carried out at a speed of 64 km/h against a deforming barrier to simulate a head-on impact between two cars; the second envisages a crash at 56 km/h against a fixed, rigid barrier. Thanks to the strong structural architecture and the use of high energy absorption materials, on the Grande Punto the intrusion levels of these tests are extremely limited and allow all the doors to open, without generating significant inertia stress on the occupants because it is efficiently absorbed by the Smart Airbag system. And finally, in the event of head-on impact, the items in the Grande Punto luggage compartment do not hit the passengers.

Side-on impact
 
Two internationally recognised tests underline the new model's ability to guarantee the safety of the front and rear passengers even in the event of a high speed side-on impact. The first is that of 'impact against a deforming barrier', which simulates a collision at 50 km/h between two cars at a 90° angle. The Grande Punto scores extremely well, thanks to the protection given to the pelvis by the sturdy bodyshell structure, to the abdomen and chest by the combined action of the sidebags and door panels, and to the head by the curtain bags. The second test is that of 'side-on impact against a post', one of the most dangerous for any motorist.

Rear impact

From a structural viewpoint, during rear impact tests attention is focused on containing the deformation of the passenger compartment and preventing damage to the fuel tank which could provoke a fire. From a biomechanical viewpoint, efforts are concentrated on protecting the occupant, preventing the seat from collapsing and minimising any injury, particularly to the neck and head which are usually the parts under the greatest stress.

Pedestrian protection

The front of the Grande Punto was designed bearing in mind the need to protect pedestrians. The lines are smooth and rounded and there are no protruding elements that could be dangerous to a pedestrian. The large surface of the bonnet minimises the risk of a pedestrian's head coming into contact with the rigid front pillars. The most unyielding components inside the engine bay are positioned at a sufficient distance from the bonnet to allow the 'skin' of the bonnet to absorb at low levels the energy generated by impact with the pedestrian's head.

Protection of children

The new model features all the devices that ensure that children travel in complete safety. The main devices that make this effective are the Isofix attachments on the rear seat and the possibility of deactivating the passenger airbag from the onboard computer.

Protection against fire

From the bodyshell to the various components, the Grande Punto was designed and built to meet the latest and strictest internal Fiat standards in the field of fire safety. For example, the adoption of the Fire Prevention System which, in the event of impact above a certain intensity, immediately blocks the electric pump in cars with petrol engines, and the supply solenoid in cars with diesel engines. The switch is positioned under the cover of the front right-hand door pillar, while the plastic fuel tank, which already meets future legislation, is located where it is protected in the event of a collision, and is able to resist any deformation without the risk of fuel leaks.

Active safety

The Grande Punto adopts the most sophisticated electronic systems to control the car's dynamic behaviour, implemented to take dynamic limits even higher so that they are not intrusive for the driver, while enhancing safety. The intervention of these devices has been studied with simulation and careful circuit tests in order to achieve an extremely enjoyable drive. A description of the generous equipment follows.

ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution)

The Grande Punto's excellent braking system is supplemented by one of the most advanced ABS anti-lock braking systems around. It has four active sensors and a hydraulic control unit with 12 solenoids. The ABS system incorporates the EBD electronic brake effort distribution system. This distributes the braking effort to the four wheels to prevent them from locking, guaranteeing full control of the car in all conditions. The system also adapts to the grip conditions of the wheels and the efficiency of the brake pads, preventing them from overheating.

ESP (Electronic Stability Program)

The sophisticated ESP device cuts in when conditions are close to the limit, if the car's stability is at risk, to help the driver control the car. To do so, ESP constantly verifies the longitudinal and lateral grip of the tyres on the ground, and intervenes in the event of a skid to recover direction and stability. Sensors detect the rotation of the car around its vertical axis (yaw speed), lateral acceleration and the steering wheel angle set by the driver (which indicates his chosen direction). It compares these data with the parameters processed by a computer and uses a complex mathematical model to establish whether the car is taking a corner within the grip limits, or if it is about to skid at the front or the rear (understeer or oversteer). To recover the correct trajectory, the system generates a yaw contrary to the one that is causing the instability, braking the relevant wheel (inside or outside) individually and reducing the engine power (by adjusting the throttle valve). This is the peculiar feature of the device developed for the Grande Punto. The brake adjustments are modulated so that they are as smooth as possible (and will not disturb the driver) and the reduction in engine power is also limited, to guarantee excellent performance at all times and superbly enjoyable driving. ESP is always engaged.

Hill Holder - HBA

The Hill Holder is an integral part of the ESP device, assisting the driver on hill starts. It intervenes when the ESP control unit detects a change in the car's inclination through the longitudinal acceleration sensor on the floor under the passenger seat. During a hill start, the control unit prepares to intervene when first gear is engaged and the clutch and brake pedals are depressed. The pressure on the front callipers is maintained for about 1.5 seconds after the brake pedal is released, allowing the driver to set off more easily. On downhill starts with first gear engaged, the Hill Holder is not activated. The same is true for hill starts in which reverse is engaged: downhill the system is activated, whereas uphill it is not activated.

The HBA system is also available, an electro-hydraulic braking assistant which automatically increases the pressure in the braking circuit during emergency braking.

ASR (Anti Slip Regulation)

ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) is also built into the ESP system, optimising traction at all speeds, assisted by the brakes and the engine control.

The device monitors the wheel speed calculated by the ABS sensors to establish the amount of slip and triggers two different control systems to recover grip. When an excessive demand for power causes both drive wheels to slip (for example, aquaplaning or accelerating on an uneven, snow-covered or icy road surface), the system reduces engine torque by decreasing the throttle valve aperture and thus the air flow. If, on the other hand, only one wheel slips (for example the wheel on the inside of the bend, after acceleration or a dynamic change in the load), this wheel is automatically braked without the driver having to touch the brake pedal. The effect is similar to that of a self-locking differential. This gets the Grande Punto out of any difficulties on surfaces where grip is poor.

ASR is engaged automatically every time the engine is started, but can be excluded by a pushbutton on the central console. ASR must be excluded when snow chains are fitted because in this case, in order to transmit torque to the ground, the wheel needs to be able to 'accumulate' the snow, with small slips that the ASR tends to avoid.

MSR (Motor Schleppmoment Regelung)

This system is also an integral part of ASR, which acts during sudden gear changes when changing down, returning torque to the engine, and preventing excessive traction on the drive wheels which can cause the car to lose stability, particularly when grip is poor.

Enjoyable to drive and to ride in

The Grande Punto is an extremely enjoyable car to drive, thanks to the suspension that makes it handle very well, isolating it from the road, to a braking system that is powerful and effective in all situations, and to tyres that were studied specifically for the best comfort and maximum safety. And last but not least, "Dualdrive" electric power steering is available on all versions.

The new suspension on the Grande Punto

One of the goals set by the engineers who worked on the 'Grande Punto' project was to create a suspension system capable of offering performance comparable to that of upmarket cars. Devices that could guarantee easy, precise steering, excellent roadholding and the highest possible level of comfort for passengers. The choice went to two systems that have been tried and tested on other Fiat models, suitably modified and updated. The overall review of the geometries entailed the following changes:

The rear axle structure is made up of lateral links pressed in two half-shells welded to a lateral torsion element which has a cylindrical butt join on the links. And finally, the larger rear axle anchorage bushes support a higher longitudinal flexibility of the suspension under load, while the particular shape of the buffer pads ensures a prompt dynamic response when cornering.

Braking system and large tyres

In line with its high active safety targets, the Grande Punto is equipped with highly efficient, extremely sensitive braking systems. First of all the braking system is backed up by the most sophisticated electronic and mechanical aids - ABS with EBD, ESP complete with ASR/MSR, Hill-holder, HBA (with ESP) - and it is of the servo-assisted hydraulic type, with two independent, cross-over circuits (each circuit governs a front wheel and the diagonally opposite rear wheel) to guarantee braking and stability even if one circuit should fail.

Throughout the range, the car is equipped with ventilated disc brakes on the front wheels, with drums or discs at the rear to match the weight and power of each engine. The 1.4 8v and 75 bhp 1.3 Multijet are available with ventilated 257 x 22 mm disc brakes and 228 mm rear drums (203 mm on the 1.2 8v). The 90 bhp 1.3 Multijet and the 120 bhp 1.9 Multijet adopt 284 x 22 mm ventilated discs; 228 mm rear drums for the 90 bhp 1.3 Multijet and a solid 264 x 11 mm disc for the 1.9 Multijet.

And finally, the tyres for the Grande Punto were chosen so as to obtain the best compromise between handling and comfort. To optimise the car's performance, and roadholding, safety and comfort in particular, 175/65 R15, 185/65 R15, 195/55 R16 and 205/45 R17 tyres were chosen, depending on the outfit. For the 175/65 and 185/65 tyres a 15" sheet metal rim was chosen with a 6" dovetail groove, and a new design, made of high yield steel which optimises the weight without affecting performance. The Grande Punto offers a wide choice of 16" and 17" alloys which differ in style, size and paintwork.

'Dualdrive' electric power steering

The servo-assisted steering has two functioning logics, and exploits the power generated by an electric motor rather than that of a hydraulic pump driven directly by the engine. With electrical power steering, the steering response is linked to the car's own speed: the higher the speed the lower the effect of the servo, and the greater the effort on the steering wheel, the more precise the steering.

That is not all. This electrical servo-assist is also innovative because it offers the driver an extra choice, between two different setting programs. The first guarantees the best understanding between the driver and the car, so it is ideal on mixed out of town routes. The second makes the steering lighter and thus requires less effort, and is perfect in town and when parking. The latter is engaged by pressing the 'city' key at the centre of the facia. And if the driver forgets to deactivate the device when he enters the motorway, he does not need to worry. To guarantee maximum safety at all times, the two programs have the same level of servo assist above 30 km/h, so that the response of the steering wheel is suitable for high speeds.

The quality of life on board

One expects not only enjoyable driving but also a sense of well-being on board a Fiat car. This means surrounding the driver and passengers with technologies that guarantee the highest levels of acoustic and climatic comfort. The result is a hushed, enveloping interior environment without vibration, thanks to the painstaking soundproofing and the high torsional and flexural rigidity of the bodyshell. The Grande Punto also offers 'dual-zone' automatic climate control, three levels of audio system (Hi-Fi, Hi-Fi with subwoofer and an 'Interscope' Hi-Fi sound system), comfortable, functional seats, an instrument panel that makes the information easily and immediately available, a large, panoramic opening sunroof, and a hands-free telephone system with Bluetooth technology. In other words, the new car fears no rivals where comfort is concerned. And the Grande Punto offers the best the market has to offer in terms of automatic devices that make driving less tiring, such as Cruise Control, a rain sensor and a parking aid. Last but not least, the new model offers a tyre pressure sensor and other interesting features that make travelling in the Grande Punto an extremely comfortable experience.

NVH comfort (Noise-Vibration-Harshness)

The Grande Punto has achieved a high standard of comfort, which translates into quiet, vibration-free driving, thanks to a particularly rigid bodyshell structure. The car leads its category for torsional and flexural rigidity; on the 3-door version torsional rigidity is 113,000 daNm/rad (93,100 daNm/rad for the 5-door), while flexural rigidity is 1.320 daNm/rad (1,270 daNm/rad on the 5-door).

Particular attention also went into the rigid attachment of all the mechanical parts, and to the suspension which was designed to achieve the best possible results in terms of handling and comfort in all conditions.

Climate system

The climate in the passenger compartment is one of the main comfort factors on the road, and it is also an important element in preventive safety, because temperature, humidity and ventilation affect the driver's well-being and therefore his attention level. But the heating and ventilation system is also responsible for demisting the windscreen and side windows. This is why the new model is offered with a choice between three heating systems: a conventional heater, a manual climate system, and an automatic dual-zone system. The latter includes an elecronic control unit that governs the temperature, airflow and distribution, and activates the compressor and recirculation function. The system also implements an 'equivalent temperature' climate control strategy. A number of sensors register the indoor and outdoor temperature and evaluate the sensation of thermal well-being perceived by the passenger, i.e. the energy exchange between the human body and the passenger compartment, which is affected by the humidity, the temperature and the flow of treated air. Another sensor, positioned centrally at the base of the windscreen, measures the solar radiation in the vehicle and the angle at which the rays hit the passenger compartment. It ensures that the sun's rays do not cause the interior temperature to climb too high, by informing the climate system. The dual-zone device can provide two different temperatures and air flows simultaneously: one on the right of the passenger compartment, and another on the left.

Radio and Hi-Fi system

The audio equipment on the new model is particularly interesting, with a choice of two radios and three audio systems (Hi-Fi, Hi-Fi with subwoofer and an 'Interscope' Hi-Fi Sound System). The audio systems have 6 speakers and all share the same painstaking design of the features and the layout of the speakers, which was studied and calibrated specifically to the passenger compartment. The first level, with a 40W output, features two tweeters close to the door handles, two woofers on the front doors and two full-range speakers in the rear side panels. The second Hi-Fi system has the same features plus a subwoofer in the luggage compartment (with 100W bass-reflex amplification), for a warmer sound and better listening; the third level increases the power amplification with four 60W musical channels, plus a specific calibration of the 6 speakers and the subwoofer (100W bass-reflex amplification), which produces amazing listening in terms of performance and dynamism. This system was developed with Interscope, a prestigious Universal Music brand.

All 3 systems have 6 speakers manufactured with Water Resistant technology. There is a choice of two radios (available with CD or CD-MP3 file player) which are incorporated ergonomically into the design of the dashboard. They are positioned in the upper part of the facia (the best position for the driver) where they are easily reached by the passenger, but they can also be adjusted using the controls on the steering wheel. Both include RDS (Radio Data System), the TA (traffic information) function, and PTY (the code by which radio stations indicate the type of programmes broadcast, so that the system can automatically select only the type of music preferred by the listener). Every time the radio is turned on, it adopts the volume setting in place when it was turned off, while another device automatically corrects the equalisation on the basis of the speed of the car. The driver can also choose between 'pre-set equalised effects', or set and memorise the sound parameters he prefers. And finally, on request, Lineaccessori offers a CD-changer that is positioned in the luggage compartment and operated using the radio controls.

Seats

The front and rear seats of the Grande Punto were designed to guarantee the best comfort for every passenger percentile. This was made possible by working closely with the best Italian ergonomics and sports medicine specialists. To enhance comfort and vibration absorption, the front seats have a new lumbar support system that sustains the back better. And the front seats are filled with special foam that adapts to the shape of the body, and have an 'anti-submarining' structure that prevents the body from sliding forward under the seat-belt in the event of a violent head-on collision. The front seats have the following adjustments: height, longitudinal (with a stroke of 240 mm), squab rake (with a knob for continuous step adjustment), and lumbar (with an electric control). And finally, the height of the head-restraints also adjusts, and they can be fitted with an anti-whiplash system on request, which brings the head-restraint closer to the neck of the occupant in the event of a crash.
 
Depending on the version, the rear seats have a fixed or 40-60 split squab. They also incorporate an anti-submarining structure and "differentiated thickness" padding, that varies with the area of the seat (this is a parameter that measures the ability of the padding to yield under the weight of the body). The rear seats are fitted with Isofix anchorage points to transport child seats, while head-restraints are standard on the rear side seats (the centre head-restraint is optional).
The 3-door Grande Punto offers homologation for two rear passengers as standard (a third passenger on request) highlighting the sporty character of the high containment seats, whereas the 5-door version is homologated for 3 rear passengers.

Instrument panel

The instrument panel is incorporated in a dashboard with soft lines that harmonise stylistically with those of the facia. The large, visible digits of the graphics ensure that the information is easily and immediately legible. At night-time, legibility is guaranteed by the orange lighting, a shade that helps the eyes to focus more rapidly when passing from the darkness outside to the luminous dashboard.

The instrumentation is available in two different versions and incorporates a number of important functions. For example, the multifunction display which gives access to different menus and sub-menus. They speak the driver's language (with a choice of Italian, English, German, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Flemish and Polish) and allow him to use numerous functions, which include the time, date, programmable beep, radio data display, check control, etc. Plus the trip computer, which provides a set of data regarding previous journeys and the current journey, consumption (both instant and average), average speed, remaining range, travelling time (from the start of the journey), and mileage travelled.

Panoramic sunroof

The Grande Punto is made all the more enjoyable by a large sunroof, which occupies practically the entire roof of the car, and comprises two glass panels - a fixed one at the rear and a mobile panel at the front with electric drive. There is also a deflector at the front that was designed in the wind tunnel to eliminate all aerodynamic turbulence, even at high speed, which significantly enhances comfort. Inside, there are two sunshades which slide independently towards the rear of the car.

The panoramic roof gives occupants a different relationship with the surrounding environment, in which they can enjoy the luminosity and sense of freedom that comes from the large window. The system allows the roof to be kept closed with the sunshade open to illuminate the passenger compartment. And to create the sensation of travelling in an open car, it takes just seven seconds to open the front glazed panel entirely, and to enjoy a real 'window on the sky'.

Hands-free system with voice recognition

The Grande Punto offers a sophisticated hands-free system with voice recognition for total safety in all conditions, as well as respect for the law, because the driver can use it without taking his hands off the wheel. The system allows a driver with a Bluetooth mobile 'phone to use the telephone even if it is in a pocket or a handbag, automatically lowering the volume of the radio if this is on, and using the loudspeakers of the stereo system to amplify the other person's voice. What is more, the system is compatible with the latest cell phones and can be updated to new standards and to future telephones.

The hands-free telephone on the Grande Punto is perfectly integrated into the car and the control keys are located on the steering wheel; this allows immediate, safe access to the system, so that the driver can look up a number in the phone book using the control panel display, or 'mute' a call for greater confidentiality. The peculiarities of the system include the fact that it is only necessary to register one's cell phone with the system once, and the fact that one's personal address book can be transferred to the car, and therefore updated automatically every time the system recognises a cell phone, guaranteeing privacy by exclusive access from the registered telephone that contains the address book.

The onboard monitor displays the number or the name of the person calling if the name is in the phone book, and a number can be dialled 'aloud' by dictating it digit by digit or by pronouncing the person's name if it is memorised. And thanks to an advanced voice recognition process, the system does not have to learn the voice. It can manage and memorise up to 5 mobile phones simultaneously, allowing several people in the same car to use the hands-free device; obviously the programme can be modified whenever necessary. And finally, with the 'voice recognition hands-free system' it is possible to reproduce a personal ring tone on the radio.

Cruise Control

Cruise Control is a system that helps the driver to manage the car's travelling speed, enhancing travelling comfort, and it is available on the Grande Punto. The device governs the throttle valve directly, so that the cruising speed set by the driver is maintained automatically. All the driver has to do is to turn the ring nut on the lever to the left of the steering wheel to the 'ON' position, shifting it towards 'plus' (or 'minus') until it reaches the desired speed. When the ring nut is released, the car will continue to travel at the memorised speed without the driver having to press the accelerator.

Cruise Control can operate throughout the range of rev speeds permitted by the engine, but only for speeds above 40 km/h. So it is advisable to use the device with road conditions that allow the memorised speed to be maintained safely. If the driver presses the accelerator (for example, to overtake), Cruise Control is momentarily deactivated even though the system remains active. The car responds to the accelerator, but as soon as the pedal is released, the system will return to the memorised speed. For obvious safety reasons, the device is automatically deactivated when the driver presses the brake or clutch pedal. In this case it is necessary to press the 'RESUME' button, on the end of the Cruise Control lever, to return to the set speed.

To definitively deactivate Cruise Control and cancel any previous setting, turn the ring nut to the 'OFF' position and turn the engine off. A telltale on the multifunction display indicates whether the system is activated or deactivated. ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) has priority over Cruise Control, but once ASR has ceased its intervention, the system returns to the set speed.

Parking sensor

During parking manoeuvres, obstacles behind the car may be out of the driver's field of vision, or the driver might simply not know exactly how far he is from the car parked behind. This is where the parking sensor can help, it is activated every time the ignition key is turned to the MAR position and reverse is engaged.

The system comprises an electronic control unit, which has an interface for the CAN network, four ultrasonic sensors in the rear bumper (two at the sides of the bumper and two beside the number plate), and a beeper. The four sensors cover both the outside rear corners of the car (starting from a distance of less than 60 cm) and the mid rear areas (starting from a distance below 150 cm).

How does it function? There are four ultrasonic transducers which act as intelligent impulse transmitters and receivers. The latter are emitted every time reverse is engaged and when they meet an obstacle they are reflected and received as an echo by the sensor. At this point, the incoming signal is converted into a digital signal and sent to the electronic control unit, which triggers the beeper. The information is transmitted to the driver by regular acoustic signals, and the interval becomes shorter until it becomes a continuous signal when the car is 30 centimetres from the obstacle. The beeper stops if the lateral sensors detect an obstacle approaching for more than three seconds. This is to prevent the system from continuing to beep during manoeuvres along a wall parallel to the axis of the car.

Rain sensor

Preventive safety means being assured of excellent visibility at all times. This is why the Grande Punto offers a rain sensor as standard equipment, because it keeps the windscreen clear even in bad weather. The system is applied in the upper part of the passenger compartment, behind the rear-view mirror, and automatically activates the windscreen wipers, adjusting frequency according to the intensity of the rain. It is activated by moving the right-hand lever of the control stalk to the first position (intermittent). It is based on the principle of the refraction of infrared rays through the glass and the drops of water. The optical part of the sensor (lens) sends the infrared light to the windscreen. The latter reflects it and sends it back to the sensor. Because the luminous energy sent to the windscreen is constant, the value measured on reception decreases proportionally to the increase in the quantity of water and other impurities on the glass. Changes in the signal are elaborated by the electronic part of the sensor, which activates the appropriate wiper frequency.

Because the wet surface of the windscreen bothers the human eye more at night than during the day, the sensor also regulates the windscreen wiper on the basis of the ambient light. It recognises the streaking caused by worn blades and compensates for the effects of the ageing of the windscreen and the electronic elements. In particular situations it uses special wiping cycles, for example when there are sparse drops of water or other impurities on the windscreen (salt deposits, dirt, etc.). The sensitivity of the rain sensor can be adjusted using the two-position ring nut on the right lever of the stalk. If the engine is stopped with the system running, it will be automatically deactivated. To start it again, when he restarts the engine, the driver can either turn the lever on the stalk to zero and then return it to the first position, or adjust the sensitivity of the sensor. To indicate that it has been reactivated, the system gives one pass of the wipers, even if the windscreen is dry. The sensor is activated automatically after the window washer pump is used, for the time necessary to remove the drops on the windscreen.

Tyre pressure sensor

The new Fiat model also offers a tyre pressure sensor, which signals any anomalies with both a beep and a telltale on the display. The TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) monitors two conditions: insufficient inflation pressure and a puncture. If one of the thresholds is passed, the signalling telltale is activated and a message appears on the display. In the event of a puncture, the control panel also emits a beep.

'Small' devices for great comfort

With the Grande Punto the quality of the way we live and travel in our cars changes. The merit goes to various systems such as the 'Follow me home' function which keeps the headlights on for a few seconds, the new FIX&GO system that repairs a punctured tyre, or darkened glass for greater privacy. And on the 5-door versions, the electric rear windows are available with an anti-pinch sensor incorporated into the upper seal. If the device detects the presence of an obstacle between the seal and the upper edge of the glass, it immediately inverts the movement of the window winder.

Another interesting feature of the new model is the deadlock, a technical feature that allows the inside door handle and all the levers connected to the lock to be put in neutral. This is an important step forward in protecting cars against theft: the deadlock makes any effort on the part of a thief to force the lock or its internal mechanism completely ineffective. The device must be activated deliberately (so as not to lock anyone inside the car). After the first turn of the key in one of the front doors or after the first impulse on the remote control, a second turn, or second impulse, must be given, and this engages the deadlock. The Grande Punto also offers a supplementary heater and a cargo box. The former is an electric heater incorporated in the climate system which heats the air rapidly - without having to wait for the engine fluid to heat up - so that the passengers have an immediate perception of warmth.

In addition to this advantage, driving in winter climates is safer because the warmer air means that the windscreen demists faster. And the cargo box raises the loading floor so that small personal items can be stored underneath, and produces a single level floor when the rear seat is folded down.