Worth a Punto

PITSTOP

Fiat is all set to follow up its hugely successful Punto hatchback (six million units sold since 1993 and still counting) with this, the all-new Grande Punto. The company hopes to revive its flagging fortunes with this model "� arguably, their most important one "� which will enter the highly competitive and crucial European hatchback market.

Designed by Italdesign-Giugiaro in partnership with Centro Stile Fiat, the car is larger than is typical for its class and is unusually styled for a Fiat product.

It will be available in both 3- and 5-door versions and will be powered by a range of engines "� 1200cc 65 bhp and a new 1400cc 77 bhp petrol; and four turbodiesels: 1300cc 75 bhp 16v MultiJet, 1300cc 90 bhp MultiJet with a variable geometry turbine and a 1900cc MultiJet with either 120 bhp or 130 bhp.

The current Punto will continue to be available, with a variety of petrol, diesel and methane engines. We've said this before, but it's worth saying again "� what about it, Fiat India?

On the Glam

Hero Honda has launched the bike for the 'I want to commute, but I also want to stand out' crowd. Called the Glamour, the machine's moniker is the logical next step in the manufacturer's eclectic collection of model names.

However, the name is perhaps the only oddity in the package. Running on the successful powertrain from the Super Splendor, the Glamour will cost roughly Rs 1,500 more and comes with the same 9 bhp, '5 kpl more than the Splendor', horizontally-mounted 125cc four-stroke, single cylinder engine.

The grey painted double-cradle frame looks smashing and Hero Honda have chosen (rightly) to add a dash of style to the usually bland matte-black tools/storage boxes mounted under the tank. The body panels are based on the Ambition, but are tweaked and wear a bunch of colours with lots of loud graphics.

Available in four variants (from the basic drum/kick to the top-end disc/electric start model), the Mumbai ex-showroom prices span Rs 46,600 to Rs 50,900. The manufacturer expects to touch production levels of about 30,000 Glamours in six months. Hero Honda also confirmed that their next product is likely to be their first scooter, due sometime after Diwali, in the middle of the festive season.