The switch is positioned under the cover of the front right-hand door pillar, while the plastic fuel tank, which already meets future legislation, is located where it is protected in the event of a collision, and is able to resist any deformation without the risk of fuel leaks.

Active safety

Fiat Grande Punto adopts the most sophisticated electronic systems to control the car's dynamic behaviour, implemented to take dynamic limits even higher so that they are not intrusive for the driver, while enhancing safety. The intervention of these devices has been studied with simulation and careful circuit tests in order to achieve an extremely enjoyable drive. A description of the generous equipment follows.


ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution)

Fiat Grande Punto's excellent braking system is supplemented by one of the most advanced ABS anti-lock braking systems around. It has four active sensors and a hydraulic control unit with 12 solenoids. The ABS system incorporates the EBD electronic brake effort distribution system. This distributes the braking effort to the four wheels to prevent them from locking, guaranteeing full control of the car in all conditions. The system also adapts to the grip conditions of the wheels and the efficiency of the brake pads, preventing them from overheating.


ESP (Electronic Stability Program)

The sophisticated ESP device cuts in when conditions are close to the limit, if the car's stability is at risk, to help the driver control the car. To do so, ESP constantly verifies the longitudinal and lateral grip of the tyres on the ground, and intervenes in the event of a skid to recover direction and stability. Sensors detect the rotation of the car around its vertical axis (yaw speed), lateral acceleration and the steering wheel angle set by the driver (which indicates his chosen direction). It compares these data with the parameters processed by a computer and uses a complex mathematical model to establish whether the car is taking a corner within the grip limits, or if it is about to skid at the front or the rear (understeer or oversteer). To recover the correct trajectory, the system generates a yaw contrary to the one that is causing the instability, braking the relevant wheel (inside or outside) individually and reducing the engine power (by adjusting the throttle valve). This is the peculiar feature of the device developed for the Grande Punto. The brake adjustments are modulated so that they are as smooth as possible (and will not disturb the driver) and the reduction in engine power is also limited, to guarantee excellent performance at all times and superbly enjoyable driving. ESP is always engaged.


Hill Holder - HBA

The Hill Holder is an integral part of the ESP device, assisting the driver on hill starts. It intervenes when the ESP control unit detects a change in the car's inclination through the longitudinal acceleration sensor on the floor under the passenger seat. During a hill start, the control unit prepares to intervene when first gear is engaged and the clutch and brake pedals are depressed. The pressure on the front callipers is maintained for about 1.5 seconds after the brake pedal is released, allowing the driver to set off more easily. On downhill starts with first gear engaged, the Hill Holder is not activated. The same is true for hill starts in which reverse is engaged: downhill the system is activated, whereas uphill it is not activated.

The HBA system is also available, an electro-hydraulic braking assistant which automatically increases the pressure in the braking circuit during emergency braking.


ASR (Anti Slip Regulation)

ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) is also built into the ESP system, optimising traction at all speeds, assisted by the brakes and the engine control.

The device monitors the wheel speed calculated by the ABS sensors to establish the amount of slip and triggers two different control systems to recover grip.

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