Grande Punto 1.2 Vs 1.4
Discussion
I've been looking at getting a newish car that is economical and the Grande Punto fits the bill. My housemate has one which I've been in plenty of times and it is a nice car.
He has the 1.2 which tends to get classed as too sluggish in reviews, but didn't seem to struggle at all on a camping trip to Wales carrying two people and with the back seats and boot full of gear.
I've been reading reviews and it appears that the 1.2 and the 1.4 both have identical MPG figures and Tax Bands (139g/KM), therefore should both cost the same to run. The only differences being the 1.4 is over a second quicker to 60 (13.1 as opposed to 14.5 so it still isn't blisteringly fast)and the 1.2 is in a slightly lower insurance group.
Just what is the point in the 1.2 then? The only reason I can't think of is to provide a model in which much younger drivers can get insured on it, hence increased sales.
Have I hit the nail on the head? Is it worth getting the 1.4 over the 1.2?
I like the fuel efficiency of the 1.2 and it doesn't seem that slow to me, but obviously if running costs are the same I will go for the 1.4 instead.
Opinions on both cars would be appreciated.
Thanks...
He has the 1.2 which tends to get classed as too sluggish in reviews, but didn't seem to struggle at all on a camping trip to Wales carrying two people and with the back seats and boot full of gear.
I've been reading reviews and it appears that the 1.2 and the 1.4 both have identical MPG figures and Tax Bands (139g/KM), therefore should both cost the same to run. The only differences being the 1.4 is over a second quicker to 60 (13.1 as opposed to 14.5 so it still isn't blisteringly fast)and the 1.2 is in a slightly lower insurance group.
Just what is the point in the 1.2 then? The only reason I can't think of is to provide a model in which much younger drivers can get insured on it, hence increased sales.
Have I hit the nail on the head? Is it worth getting the 1.4 over the 1.2?
I like the fuel efficiency of the 1.2 and it doesn't seem that slow to me, but obviously if running costs are the same I will go for the 1.4 instead.
Opinions on both cars would be appreciated.
Thanks...
I thought the 1.4 8v was replacing the 1.2 8v, 2009ish ....having a look you still seem to get both right up to when the EVO came out though!?
Its bound to be a bit better to drive even if not obviously so on paper anyway.
Its bound to be a bit better to drive even if not obviously so on paper anyway.
Edited by p17sut on Friday 6th August 12:59
Edited by p17sut on Friday 6th August 13:04
I was stuck with the same problem, I was looking at a 1.2 stripe edition as it had the small engine, but the body styling of the sportier models, and seeing as it was to be my first car, that was very appealing with insurance issues.... I managed to get a test drive of one and it was a great car, the engine didn't feel like it had much pulling power but if you worked the gears, it was fine however, when I saw the price of a 1.4 16v sporting it was nearly the same price, a little more, yet it had a much much higher spec as standard, including bluetooth, voice command, ipod connection, steering wheel controls, sports seats (very comfy and they look awesome) as well as all the exterior options such as sports suspension, 17inch alloys and fog lights... Basically, when i finally specced up a 1.2 stripe edition to come close to a sporting its price exceeded that of an actual sporting ....
So I then took a test drive of a 1.4 16v sporting ( the only model to have a 6 speed gearbox which helps mpg while cruising), and this felt like it had a much stronger engine, and gearbox (despite rumors of fragility, It felt much faster,quirkier and overall better....
In the end I ended up getting a 1.4 16v sporting as it was great value when considering it's specification, aesthetically it's the nicest looking model in the range both in and out, It has, on paper equal mpg to a 1.2, however I feel it'll have better mpg as you don't have to drive it as hard to get sporty performance ...
Finally, I've found that the 2nd hand value of the sporting edition holds better as they are more in demand due to their looks and spec, I personally managed to pick up last year, an 06 with 27,000 miles on the clock, in mint condition for £4700, and looking at todays prices of cars of the same model/year/milage they fetch easily £5000-£5500, and which you probably already know, for a car to not lose any money over a year, that's great
.... So without a doubt, go for a 1.4 sporting, you won't regret it ! 
So I then took a test drive of a 1.4 16v sporting ( the only model to have a 6 speed gearbox which helps mpg while cruising), and this felt like it had a much stronger engine, and gearbox (despite rumors of fragility, It felt much faster,quirkier and overall better....
In the end I ended up getting a 1.4 16v sporting as it was great value when considering it's specification, aesthetically it's the nicest looking model in the range both in and out, It has, on paper equal mpg to a 1.2, however I feel it'll have better mpg as you don't have to drive it as hard to get sporty performance ...
Finally, I've found that the 2nd hand value of the sporting edition holds better as they are more in demand due to their looks and spec, I personally managed to pick up last year, an 06 with 27,000 miles on the clock, in mint condition for £4700, and looking at todays prices of cars of the same model/year/milage they fetch easily £5000-£5500, and which you probably already know, for a car to not lose any money over a year, that's great
.... So without a doubt, go for a 1.4 sporting, you won't regret it ! Good call on the 1.4 Sporting suggestion. I like the look of these a lot. Unfortunately they seem to be quite uncommon. There are only two for sale within 30 miles of me, compared to literally hundreds of 1.2 variants.
One of the 1.4 Sportings near me seems perfect, its just a shame that its £7500. I was thinking of spending about £6000 but I suppose I could stretch a bit for the right car. Might go for a look at it tomorrow.
The 1.9 Multijet is tempting but its claimed 50mpg isn't really significantly higher than the 1.4 Sporting. I've noticed lately that the price of diesel is increasing faster than petrol. The fact that I only do about 4000 miles per year means that I probably wouldn't save anything.
One of the 1.4 Sportings near me seems perfect, its just a shame that its £7500. I was thinking of spending about £6000 but I suppose I could stretch a bit for the right car. Might go for a look at it tomorrow.
The 1.9 Multijet is tempting but its claimed 50mpg isn't really significantly higher than the 1.4 Sporting. I've noticed lately that the price of diesel is increasing faster than petrol. The fact that I only do about 4000 miles per year means that I probably wouldn't save anything.
Even thought I have a 1.4 sporting I would still go for the M-Jet anyday, yes on paper the figues look similar however, a like a 1.2 compared to a 1.4, you have to push it harder to get the performance, so even better, go for 1.9 and you'll have the BEST performance in the range, and the mpg really is as quoted.... I found that I don't get over 33mpg, however all of my driving is around town....
Take my word for it, If you can get any car within the range with a budget of £6000, go for an M-Jet over a 1.4 sporting anyday.... however, If you don't really find the extra power necessary than go for the 1.4 ...
Overall I think it's all personal preference, the 1.4 16v sporting may hold it's value better as it's a rarer model, although you'll probably save money on fuel with a M-jet Sporting (and have better performance)....
Take my word for it, If you can get any car within the range with a budget of £6000, go for an M-Jet over a 1.4 sporting anyday.... however, If you don't really find the extra power necessary than go for the 1.4 ...
Overall I think it's all personal preference, the 1.4 16v sporting may hold it's value better as it's a rarer model, although you'll probably save money on fuel with a M-jet Sporting (and have better performance)....
Edited by Carlique on Tuesday 10th August 00:49
Carlique said:
Even thought I have a 1.4 sporting I would still go for the M-Jet anyday, yes on paper the figues look similar however, a like a 1.2 compared to a 1.4, you have to push it harder to get the performance, so even better, go for 1.9 and you'll have the BEST performance in the range, and the mpg really is as quoted.... I found that I don't get over 33mpg, however all of my driving is around town....
Take my word for it, If you can get any car within the range with a budget of £6000, go for an M-Jet over a 1.4 sporting anyday.... however, If you don't really find the extra power necessary than go for the 1.4 ...
Overall I think it's all personal preference, the 1.4 16v sporting may hold it's value better as it's a rarer model, although you'll probably save money on fuel with a M-jet Sporting (and have better performance)....
Only 33mpg, do you have a heavy-footed driving style or anything? I also tend to do about 80% of my driving around town and on country lanes.Take my word for it, If you can get any car within the range with a budget of £6000, go for an M-Jet over a 1.4 sporting anyday.... however, If you don't really find the extra power necessary than go for the 1.4 ...
Overall I think it's all personal preference, the 1.4 16v sporting may hold it's value better as it's a rarer model, although you'll probably save money on fuel with a M-jet Sporting (and have better performance)....
Edited by Carlique on Tuesday 10th August 00:49
At the minute there are two things that cause me concern with the Diesel: its more expensive than petrol so would I end up spending more money on fuel if I drive mostly around town? Does an extra 5mpg make up for an extra 5p per litre on fuel?
The second issue is Autocar saying that the 1.9 Multijet is the engine to avoid. However, it doesn't explain why and I can't find any particular bad press about it either. Isn't this engine used in a lot of other cars?
There are a lot more Multijet Sportings for sale than 1.4 Turbos though so getting a good 1.9 would be easier. I could be persuaded to get one!
Do all of the Sporting models come equipped with aircon and cruise control?
Galsia said:
Carlique said:
Even thought I have a 1.4 sporting I would still go for the M-Jet anyday, yes on paper the figues look similar however, a like a 1.2 compared to a 1.4, you have to push it harder to get the performance, so even better, go for 1.9 and you'll have the BEST performance in the range, and the mpg really is as quoted.... I found that I don't get over 33mpg, however all of my driving is around town....
Take my word for it, If you can get any car within the range with a budget of £6000, go for an M-Jet over a 1.4 sporting anyday.... however, If you don't really find the extra power necessary than go for the 1.4 ...
Overall I think it's all personal preference, the 1.4 16v sporting may hold it's value better as it's a rarer model, although you'll probably save money on fuel with a M-jet Sporting (and have better performance)....
Only 33mpg, do you have a heavy-footed driving style or anything? I also tend to do about 80% of my driving around town and on country lanes.Take my word for it, If you can get any car within the range with a budget of £6000, go for an M-Jet over a 1.4 sporting anyday.... however, If you don't really find the extra power necessary than go for the 1.4 ...
Overall I think it's all personal preference, the 1.4 16v sporting may hold it's value better as it's a rarer model, although you'll probably save money on fuel with a M-jet Sporting (and have better performance)....
Edited by Carlique on Tuesday 10th August 00:49
At the minute there are two things that cause me concern with the Diesel: its more expensive than petrol so would I end up spending more money on fuel if I drive mostly around town? Does an extra 5mpg make up for an extra 5p per litre on fuel?
The second issue is Autocar saying that the 1.9 Multijet is the engine to avoid. However, it doesn't explain why and I can't find any particular bad press about it either. Isn't this engine used in a lot of other cars?
There are a lot more Multijet Sportings for sale than 1.4 Turbos though so getting a good 1.9 would be easier. I could be persuaded to get one!
Do all of the Sporting models come equipped with aircon and cruise control?
In 53k miles my 1.9 multijet has needed a new airflow meter and EGR valve which is not too bad but I do a lot of long runs which it seems to like, it never runs as well after a few days of short trips.
As much as I have enjoyed my Multijet, if you are doing mostly town driving I would be tempted to stick to the petrol.
Pooh said:
The improved fuel consumption will more than make up for the cost of fuel and the diesel is much faster in real world driving but having said that, if fast acceleration is not a priority there is probably less to go wrong with the 1.4 (no EGR valve problems, gummed up inlet manifolds etc) and it is a smoother quieter unit.
In 53k miles my 1.9 multijet has needed a new airflow meter and EGR valve which is not too bad but I do a lot of long runs which it seems to like, it never runs as well after a few days of short trips.
As much as I have enjoyed my Multijet, if you are doing mostly town driving I would be tempted to stick to the petrol.
At the moment I cycle to work and I only drive in if the weather is really bad. As long as the car doesn't mind being sat undriven for up to three days at a time its good. It will probably be driven once or twice for 3-5 miles during the week and driven distances comprising of 50 mile roundtrips at the weekends. I guess my estimation of 90% city driving was quite pessamistic. In 53k miles my 1.9 multijet has needed a new airflow meter and EGR valve which is not too bad but I do a lot of long runs which it seems to like, it never runs as well after a few days of short trips.
As much as I have enjoyed my Multijet, if you are doing mostly town driving I would be tempted to stick to the petrol.
I do a lot less miles than average but if the diesel saving are still going to be worthwhile I would get one.
I'm basically looking for something comfortable and cheap to run that is also fairly quick when I want it to be.
From what I've read, new diesel cars are not suited to regular short journeys due to the clogging up of the particulate filters.
I've decided that I'm going to go for a 1.4 Sporting.
They seem to be very uncommon though.
Any common faults or issues that I should be looking out for?
Thanks for your replies...
I've decided that I'm going to go for a 1.4 Sporting.
They seem to be very uncommon though.
Any common faults or issues that I should be looking out for?
Thanks for your replies...
Good choice ! Let us know how you find it , I know I love mine
The only common faults which you'll find across the whole range of grande punto's are small things such as, broken glovebox handles and little bits like that.... I found before I got mine, a good look on fiatforum.com will give you ALL the information you need on specific models etc...
Good luck finding a car
, I know I love mine The only common faults which you'll find across the whole range of grande punto's are small things such as, broken glovebox handles and little bits like that.... I found before I got mine, a good look on fiatforum.com will give you ALL the information you need on specific models etc...
Good luck finding a car
Edited by Carlique on Thursday 12th August 17:31
Hi Galcia,
Just looked at your 'garage' pics.
I had a Lotus Excel at the same time as the 1.4 Active Sport.
Traded both for the TJet, very happy with the performance...and economy.
Best of luck with the hunt.
Do check out and available Tjets', there are extras on the 16V that were standard fit on the turbo. Like A/C, a must have for me. Misting is a problem in damp humid and cold conditions.
Just looked at your 'garage' pics.
I had a Lotus Excel at the same time as the 1.4 Active Sport.
Traded both for the TJet, very happy with the performance...and economy.
Best of luck with the hunt.
Do check out and available Tjets', there are extras on the 16V that were standard fit on the turbo. Like A/C, a must have for me. Misting is a problem in damp humid and cold conditions.
Edited by dpr59 on Thursday 12th August 20:58
dpr59 said:
Hi Galcia,
Just looked at your 'garage' pics.
I had a Lotus Excel at the same time as the 1.4 Active Sport.
Traded both for the TJet, very happy with the performance...and economy.
Best of luck with the hunt.
Do check out and available Tjets', there are extras on the 16V that were standard fit on the turbo. Like A/C, a must have for me. Misting is a problem in damp humid and cold conditions.
I presume that the 1.4 Sporting and the TJet are the same model?Just looked at your 'garage' pics.
I had a Lotus Excel at the same time as the 1.4 Active Sport.
Traded both for the TJet, very happy with the performance...and economy.
Best of luck with the hunt.
Do check out and available Tjets', there are extras on the 16V that were standard fit on the turbo. Like A/C, a must have for me. Misting is a problem in damp humid and cold conditions.
Edited by dpr59 on Thursday 12th August 20:58
I thought that they all came with sports seats, air con and cruise control as standard?
Just had a look on The Fiat Forum and there don't appear to be many problems with Grande Puntos although the claimed MPG of the Multijets and TJets is apparantly optimistic to say the least.
I'm keeping an eye out for one in New Orleans Blue or Exotica Red nearby although by the looks of things I could be looking for a while - on Autotrader I can only find 7 for sale privately in the Country!
When I got mine I went to order a 1.4 16V non turbo in Black with A/C, this is the only one with the 6 speed box.
Couldn't get one in black, as the Punto Evo was about to be released and no more GP production. I was offered the Black TJet 16V Petrol Turbo. The A/C was extra on the 16V and std on mine. Also better trade in, which helped.
As for mpg.
I've never averaged below 35 but never above 41 over a tank full.
A small engine with a turbo will always be thirsty if driven hard, petrol or diesel.
'Normal' driving to and from work about 38mpg.
My first one was New Orleans blue, nice colour.
http://s7.photobucket.com/albums/y280/dpr59/Cars/
Couldn't get one in black, as the Punto Evo was about to be released and no more GP production. I was offered the Black TJet 16V Petrol Turbo. The A/C was extra on the 16V and std on mine. Also better trade in, which helped.
As for mpg.
I've never averaged below 35 but never above 41 over a tank full.
A small engine with a turbo will always be thirsty if driven hard, petrol or diesel.
'Normal' driving to and from work about 38mpg.
My first one was New Orleans blue, nice colour.
http://s7.photobucket.com/albums/y280/dpr59/Cars/
Edited by dpr59 on Friday 13th August 17:47
Galsia said:
I presume that the 1.4 Sporting and the TJet are the same model?
They are the same model, same spec, same everything, however the 1.4 16v sporting is does not have a turbo, but has a 6 speed gearbox, however the 1.4 T-Jet does have a turbo, but only a 5 speed gear box. IMO the T-Jet is the better car as it has greater performance, however the mpg on a 16v non turbo is probably a bit better.... Where are you currently located ? As I'm going off to uni in september and I wont be taking my car so I may be selling it. I'm in North Manchester and the car is a 1.4 16v sporting, exotica red, 32,000 miles, just serviced, taxed and MoT'd as well as a set of new tyres a few weeks ago .... If your interested just PM me, thanks.
Edited by Carlique on Friday 13th August 23:05
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