Fiat Punto - Most Economical Car In Oz

Fiat Punto - Most Economical Car In Oz

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As fuel prices reach record heights in New Zealand, the Australian Government has released figures that reveal the Fiat Punto is the most economical conventional car on the other side of the Tasman with the Punto 1.3 JTD five door offering an official fuel consumption figure of 4.6 litres per 100 km, or a remarkable 61 mpg.

This provides the new Fiat Punto with a level of fuel economy that is the same as the Honda Civic Hybrid and just two tenths of a litre behind the Toyota Prius, both which cost considerably more than the Fiat Punto.

“These figures reveal just how outstanding the technology is in the Fiat Punto,” says Lawrie Malatios, General Manager for Fiat cars in New Zealand. “Unlike its fuel economy rivals, there is no penalty to be paid for achieving the Punto’s fuel economy.”

“In the showroom, the Punto 1.3 JTD is line-ball at $25,990 with its normal rivals and significantly less costly than its hybrid competitors. On the standard equipment list, the Punto is no stripped economy car with no equipment. Luxury items as cruise control, CD player with remote steering wheel mounted controls, remote central locking, remote power boot release, air conditioning and power windows and locks are all standard. In the area of safety it has everything, with a five star Euo-NCAP rating, six airbags and ABS brakes leading the safety equipment list. On the road its offers the driving experience that would be expected of any car coming from Italy and is styling shows it has the appeal of its performance cousins from Maserati.”

“Combining the ultra low fuel economy, the significantly lower purchase price and the long standard equipment list, not to mention its high levels of safety, the Punto has to be the most economical car in New Zealand,” says Mr Malatios.

The Fiat Punto range includes three diesel engines in its line-up, all offering the latest Multijet diesel systems, a technology that was invented by Fiat and which has enabled its engines to leap in front of the pack with significant gains in fuel economy, emissions and performance. This advanced engine is mated to a six speed gearbox that allows it to maximize its economic potential. The remarkable fuel economy from what is an essentially conventional car provides a stark contrast to the Hybrid cars that, despite their technology, offer little or no advantage over the Punto while suffering cost and operational drawbacks.

“The Fiat Punto proves that search for fuel economy does not mean that style, driving enjoyment and comfort have to be abandoned,”says Mr Malatios. “As fuel prices rocket, there could not be a better time to buy an exciting, sexy, fun to drive car – provided it’s a Fiat Punto, of course!”

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