The Fiat Punto boasts features that until now have been the preserve of higher segment cars and is ahead of many of its competitors in this field. One example is an automatic dual zone climate control system that makes its first appearance in segment B on this very model. Another example is Dualdrive electric power steering: though the previous Punto was first to introduce this device in 1999. The new model is also one of the few to offer 5 different telematic packages: radio with tape player, radio with CD, radio with CD and MP3 player, satellite navigation system and CONNECT OBN. The New Fiat Punto pursues a philosophy of making driving easier and more satisfying by adopting Cruise Control, rain sensors and parking sensors. 

automatic dual zone climate control system

Interior climate is one of the main comfort factors during a trip and is also very important for interior safety because temperature, humidity and ventilation affect the driver's well-being and thus his level of alertness. And of course the heating and ventilation system is also responsible for demisting the windscreen and side windows. 
For this reason, the New Fiat Punto comes with a sophisticated climate control system that automatically controls temperature, air flow, air distribution, compressor activation and recirculation by means of an electronic control unit. It also acts as a dual zone climate control system, i.e. able to ensure two different temperatures simultaneously: one in the right part of the passenger compartment and the other in the left. 

The quality of air reaching the inside of the car is improved by a filter that traps particles measuring more than 0.5 microns and pollen (that could cause allergies). 
The New Fiat Punto also implements an equivalent temperature climate control strategy. It records internal and external temperature by means of certain sensors and assesses the sensation of thermal well-being experienced by passengers, i.e. the energy exchange between human body and passenger compartment that is affected by humidity, temperature and treated air flow. 

Another sensor located in a central position at the windscreen base records solar radiation on the car and the angle at which the rays strike the passenger compartment. This allows the system to prevent an excessive increase in temperature inside the car caused by the sun and thus to inform the climate control system in time. 

All these parameters are monitored continuously and used to update the distribution, ventilation and mixing automatically. Air temperature and fan speed are therefore adjusted to ensure passengers experience the desired sensation of thermal well-being (achieved by setting the required temperature). The result is a constant climate, even with significant changes in external conditions. 

The system may be adjusted to one of five set combinations to allow air taken into the car to reach all areas of the passenger compartment: 

- 'def', directs air only to the windscreen to demist and defrost; 
- 'vent', offers an immediate sensation of well-being as the interior reaches the required temperature; 
- 'floor', assures rapid heating; 
- 'bi-level', directs warmer air from the floor outlets and cooler air from the facia outlets; 
- 'heat', ensures the passenger compartment is properly heated and also prevents demisting. 

The system also offers three possible temperature settings: 

- 'LO' (maximum cooling) that is activated when a temperature setting of below 16.5°C is chosen. In this case, the system ensures that the air distribution is directed to the front (vent position); air flow is the maximum permitted by the device and the compressor is on (recirculation is set by the user); 
- 'HI' (maximum heating) becomes operational when the temperature requirement is higher than 32.5°C. Air distribution is set to the floor position; output is again as high as possible; the compressor is controlled as required by the control unit and recirculation is left to the motorist's discretion; 
- 'MAX DEF' (fast defrost), essential in winter, during periods of high rainfall and sometimes in spring and autumn; the compressor comes on automatically to ensure air taken into the passenger compartment is dehumidified and the windscreen and rear window are demisted/defrosted quickly. 

The possibility of altering interior temperature gradually, half a degree at a time, makes for outstanding climatic comfort. The knob can be used to bring about a temperature change of 16°C, with a maximum temperature difference of 7 degrees between the left and right areas. 

Manual adjustment is used for:

- setting interior temperature (right and left), 
- voluntary changes to air flow distribution, 
- fan speed (to alter air flow) and fan shut-off, 
- compressor deactivation (in practice, the system works as an automatic heater), 
- the recirculation control, 
- the 'MAX DEF' function for fast demist/defrost. 

Manual choices always over-ride automatic settings. They are also indicated by deactivation of the Full message (Auto remains visible) and stored until the user cancels the command. Each time the system is turned on, it returns to the conditions saved upon deactivation, except for the 'MAX DEF' function, which is zeroed. The entire system can also be turned off manually to deactivate the air conditioning system fully. 

dualdrive electric power steering

The power steering system is a particularly attractive new addition introduced on the previous model and also available for the New Fiat Punto. It comes with two operating modes and uses the power generated by an electric motor instead of power from a hydraulic pump driven directly by the engine. 

This device is just as revolutionary as the alternator, electronic ignition and front wheel drive in their day and is destined to bring about a considerable increase in energy saving, noiselessness, reliability and respect for the environment while also significantly improving the way we drive and enjoy our cars. As far as customers are concerned, Dualdrive electric power steering represents the end of an age of compromises. 

This is because, to date, designers have always been forced to choose an average effort to be applied to the wheel halfway between maximum steering lightness (best for parking) and a much stiffer control effective at high speed (ensures better control). This occurred because the power steering servo level is constant at any speed. 
The steering response of the Fiat Punto's electric steering system is, however, proportional to car speed: the higher the speed, the lower the assistance and the stiffer the wheel response to ensure greater driving precision. 

The Fiat Punto system is particularly innovative even for an electric power steering system and offers customers an extra feature: i.e. a choice of two different setting programs. The first ensures maximum empathy between driver and car and is ideal for mixed out-of-town routes. The second lightens the steering to minimise effort and is therefore ideal for driving round town and parking manoeuvres. 

To turn on the latter, all you have to do is push the city key in the middle of the facia. But fear not if you set off down the motorway with the device in this position. To ensure customers maximum safety in all cases, both programs offer the same degree of power assistance over 70 km/h and therefore ensure a steering wheel response suited to high speed. 

The Fiat Punto's electric power steering system is easy to use, satisfying and safe and also offers other advantages: after cornering - for example - steering wheel return is controlled actively with speed and damping adjusted to driving conditions. 

These benefits can be perceived by anyone entering a Fiat Punto for the first time while others become evident at a later stage. Fuel saving is the first and foremost of these additional benefits. 

Unlike a conventional power steering system that requires the pump to be driven continually, the Dualdrive electric power steering only takes up power when necessary, i.e. when the steering wheel is turned. 

This result is a lower power requirement and a consequent fuel saving of 3% over mixed routes. Equivalent to the effect of reducing car weight by 50 kg. Lower fuel consumption, therefore, and also a more noiseless passenger compartment due to elimination of the noisy hydraulic pump. 

On the environmental front, electric power steering helps reduce emissions (as a direct consequence of the lower fuel consumption) but also increases percentage recyclability of the device itself. Because the unit contains no fluid or rubber to be disposed off, the figure of 85% for hydraulic systems is increased to 95% for the electrical system. 

The component is also highly reliable because it works at a lower temperature than a hydraulic power steering system and is not affected by possible impurities in circuit fluid.

The device, simple in concept but difficult to build, is built into the steering column and includes an electronic control unit, an electric motor, a toothed coupling and a steering wheel position and torque sensor. 

The Dualdrive electric steering system is also absolutely safe. If a fault occurs, a warning light comes on and the Fiat Punto may be steered in the same way as any car with manual steering. For safety reasons, the system will work only with the engine running. 

telematic equipment

The range of telematic equipment available on the New Fiat Punto is also very attractive. Packages include three types of radio, a satellite navigation system and a CD-changer, all by Blaupunkt. 

The radios were designed in conjunction with the German company, a world leader in the sector and all share the feature that the sound system has been thoroughly developed and adjusted to the specific passenger compartment. They are integrated with the design of the dashboard and laid out in user-friendly fashion. The radios are located on the upper part of the facia (the correct arrangement for the driver) and are also within easy reach of the passenger. 

The three radios come with six speakers and offer a power output of 4x30 Watt. They offer RDS (Radio Data System) and a TA (traffic announcement) function. The radios are also fitted with a useful device that ensures the radio is turned on at the volume setting active when it was turned off. 

The difference between the three levels lies in the player. In the first case, it plays tapes and offers autoreverse and a Dolby B noise reduction system. The second radio plays CDs (individual) while the third level package adds an MP3 file player. All come with a mechanism to adjust volume to vehicle speed. 

When connected to a handsfree kit, the radio deactivates automatically (mute position) when the GSM phone rings. In this case, a Phone-in function also allows calls to be transferred from a mobile phone (with a handsfree control unit) to the speakers via the radio. 

The entire system is also protected against theft due to a communication link with the electronic unit that manages the electrical system (body computer). This is how it works. 

When the radio is turned on, the body computer reads the radio safety code (four-figure) and activates it only if the numerical sequence is recognised. This makes the device unusable on any car (unless fitted with the same device). 

Lastly, the customer may also fit a CD-changer to the Punto facia and a multiple CD player (up to five CDs) that can be controlled by the radio keys. Customers can also choose a Navigation system with Dot Matrix pictogram display for dynamic navigation and a CD-changer. 

CONNECT OBN

Uniquely for the car industry, the New Fiat Punto offers an integrated GPS/GSM system belonging to the CONNECT family with RDS radio, CD player, handsfree phone, MP3 player and navigation system. Its name is CONNECT OBN (Off Board Navigation) and it is the first device that does not use CD-ROM maps for navigation because all the information is sent out by a centralised system at the Arese Contact Centre. 

The navigation system may be set in two ways: customers can do it in conventional manner by using a keypad on the display or, more simply, have it done by an operator, a true on-board assistant, who helps out when you press the green CONNECT key. In both cases, the route is downloaded on line onto the display so that the user can follow pictogram instructions on the screen (and voice commands). 

The most immediate benefit that customers will appreciate is the fact that they no longer need to use map CD-ROMs. Because CONNECT OBN provides you with a constantly updated, comprehensive map of all Europe. You will no longer need to buy a costly CD-ROM whenever you travel abroad (about 100 € per country) or an update CD-ROM (required at least every 2 years). The benefit will be felt by customers who travel for pleasure and those who use their vehicle for work. 

The new Off Board navigation feature is complemented by all the CONNECT services provided by Targa Infomobility, which represents a veritable revolution in the field of on-board telematics. And all at the press of a single key. Sophisticated technology that is easy to use and always ready to serve the driver. More than twenty thousand subscribers throughout Europe cannot be wrong. They can call on our operators at the Arese Contact Centre who are always ready to provide information and solve problems, 365 days a year. 

Motorists are just a phone call away from personal assistants who speak their language (14 are already active), can help them find their way and give them information on traffic conditions and the weather en route to their destination. They can even recommend a restaurant, book a hotel or buy airline tickets for motorists. The service can guide you step by step to your destination and even notify you of traffic changes (follow me service). And still remember to give you the match results. 

CONNECT OBN is destined to make the idea of a car journey as a period of detachment from everyday activities and habits a thing of the past. Instead a car journey will become a time in our day that allows us to maintain contact with the outside world and even offer a few extra opportunities. 

Examples include the possibility of sending emails and SMSs and also being able to talk on a GSM phone with handsfree set in peace and safety. And more. Due to innovative Off Board navigation, customs can listen to MP3 music files or conventional audio CDs without interruption because the route memory is stored in a system with infinite capacity.

In short, a system so sophisticated and comprehensive that it won the Medal of Achievement at the Computerworld Honours 2003 and is in the running for first prize in the Transportation category. Without mentioning that it also participated in the Telematics Services and Application Award 2003 in the Best Consumer Vehicle Application category. 

Last but not least, the price is very competitive and designed to appeal to younger customers who have so far been completely excluded from access to infotelematic tools. 

cruise control

Cruise Control is a system that helps motorists to manage vehicle speed and improve travelling comfort. The device allows a cruising speed set by the driver to be maintained automatically by governing the engine throttle directly. Simply turn a wheel on a dedicated stalk to the left of the steering wheel to ON position and then turn another one (actually a manual accelerator) towards the '+' (or '-') sign to achieve the required speed. When the ring is released, the car continues to travel at the saved speed without the driver pressing the accelerator pedal. 

The Cruise Control system can work within the entire range of rpm levels allowed by the engine, but only at speeds over 40 km/h. It is therefore advisable to turn it on only if road conditions allow the set value to be maintained in safety. 

When the accelerator pedal is pressed (during overtaking, for example), the Cruise Control system is temporarily disabled even though the system stays on. The car therefore accelerates as required, but the system automatically restores the car to the stored speed as soon as the pedal is released. For obvious safety reasons, the device is released automatically when the driver presses the brake or clutch pedal. In this case, you can go back to the preset speed by pressing the RESUME button at the end of the Cruise Control stalk. 

Turn the wheel OFF and turn off the engine to deactivate the Cruise Control finally and cancel all previous settings. A warning light on the multifunctional display indicates system operation or deactivation status. 

The Anti Slip Regulation function takes priority over automatic speed control: the system goes back to the set speed when the ASR ceases to work. 

parking sensor

When parking, some obstacles located behind the car may be outside the driver's field of vision or the driver may simply not be able to calculate the distance to a car parked behind. 

This is a job for the parking sensor, which comes into play whenever the ignition is turned on and reverse is engaged. 

The system consists of an electronic control unit, four ultrasonic sensors in the rear bumper (two on each side of the bumpers and two beside the number plate) - and a buzzer. The four detectors specifically cover the rear side areas of the car (from a distance of less than 60 cm) and the middle rear areas (from a distance of less than 150 cm). 

Let's take a look at how this works: The four detectors are ultrasound transducers that act as smart pulse transmitters and receivers. Pulses are emitted whenever reverse is engaged and are reflected and received as an echo from the sensor when an obstacle is encountered. The input signal is now converted into a digital signal and sent to the electronic control unit, which activates the buzzer. 

The information is then transmitted to the driver in the form of bleeps at intervals. The bleeps are emitted closer and closer together and become a continuous signal when the car reaches a distance of 30 cm from the obstacle. 

The sound buzzer is interrupted when the side sensors detect an object approaching for longer than three seconds. This is to prevent the system from continuing to emit a sound when manoeuvring along a wall parallel to the car's centre line. 

rain sensor

Excellent visibility at all times is an important passive safety factor. The Fiat Punto therefore comes with a rain sensor that keeps the windscreen clean at all times, even when the weather is bad. 

The system is applied to the upper part of the passenger compartment, behind the central rear view mirror and automatically activates the windscreen wiper and adjusts sweep rate to rain intensity. It is activated by moving the right-hand column switch to the first position (intermittence). Its operation is based on the principle of refracting infrared beams through the glass and raindrops. The optical part of the sensor (lens) sends infrared light to the sensor. The lens reflects it and sends it back to the sensor. Because the light energy sent to the windscreen is constant, the value recorded at the time of reception falls in proportion to the increase in the quantity of water and other impurities on the glass. The change in the signal is processed by the electronic part of the sensor that activates the appropriate sweep rate. 

Because a wet glass surface disturbs the human eye more by night than by day, the sensor also adjusts windscreen wiper activation on the basis of environmental light. It also recognises the water streaks caused by worn blades and compensates for the effects of ageing on the windscreen and the electronic system. In specific situations, it also adopts special sweep cycles: for example, when individual drops mark the windscreen or impurities are present on the surface (salt deposits, dirt etc.). 

Rain sensor sensitivity may be modified by adjusting a wheel on the right-hand switch. If the engine is turned off with the system activated, the system is deactivated automatically. To reactivate, when the engine is turned on you can choose to move the switch to zero and then back to the first position or alter sensor sensitivity. 
The system indicates reactivation by controlling one wiper sweep even if the glass is dry. After operating the washer pump, the sensor is activated automatically for the time required to remove the drops that have fallen on the window.