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 Fiat 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)

Fiat 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.

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