Fiat launches its premium small car Grande Punto in India

17 June 2009

Italian car maker Fiat has launched Grande Punto, its first premium small car in India, in both petrol and diesel variants. The models are priced between Rs3.99 lakh and Rs6.11 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The launch of the Grande Punto comes a week after Honda introduced its small car Jazz. Grande Punto was first launched in Europe in 2005. The small car segment comprises 70 per cent of the Indian market.

The car would be rolled out from Fiat's plant at Ranjangaon in Maharashtra in four variants each in both petrol (1.2 / 1.4 litre) and diesel versions (1.3 litre).

Commenting on the launch of the car, Fiat India Automobiles' chief executive officer Rajeev Kapoor said, "The launch of Grande Punto marks a new milestone for Fiat in India as we bring the quintessentially Italian designs to Indian shores."

Fiat believes the small-car segment is under-tapped, and there is demand for international brands on Indian roads, he added.

Grande Punto is a hatchback and a joint venture Fiat and Tata Motors. The car comes with premium features like anti-lock braking system and electronic brake distribution.