From the Outside

It takes but a single look at our trio for it to be evident that the three vehicles in question have their own distinct characteristics. But, it also takes a single look to grasp that perhaps this element of the test is a one-sided battle. After all, can the Asians really challenge the Italian in the looks department? I’m afraid not.

The Fiat Grande Punto exudes Italian style, and is one of the best looking cars on the roads today. It’s just as stylish from the front as it is from the rear. The front end of this machine is low slung with a long nose that resembles a Maserati. The rear end as well is muscular in all the right places with its vertical tail lamp cluster and sharp creases. And in keeping with the overall design, the sides bear a coupe-like profile. The ‘Emotion’ variant we tested had some recent cosmetic upgrades that included a smart set of hub caps, front fog lamps, and a rear defogger and wiper.

The Maruti Suzuki Ritz, on the other hand, is a tall-boy design that clearly puts function before form. It’s not a bad looking car mind you – with large imposing headlights in front, and tall, tapering vertical lamps at the rear. It’s just that the overall proportions aren’t quite as cohesive as that of the Punto. Nevertheless, in deep blue, the Ritz does look quite appealing. And with its chiselled face, it does make its presence felt on the road.

The Hyundai i20 had the most flowing lines and curves of the trio. The car we tested had 5-spoke alloy wheels, and, in white, actually looked quite sophisticated and upmarket. The overall design isn’t as taut as the Punto, but it’s appealing nonetheless. The front and rear lamps reach deep into the fenders to give both ends a fair bit of presence and flair. This model also had some nice touches as well, such as side indicator lights that were integrated into the wing mirrors.

The i20 may not be a mini Maserati, but it holds its own no matter what the company. At the end of the day, though, inherent Italian flair wins the day hands down.

From the Inside

On the inside, the i20 well and truly turns the tables on its European rival. While the Grande Punto does retain some element of style in the interiors as well, it’s just not very well put together I’m afraid. The Punto is grossly let down by the hard plastics and poor fit-and-finish. Plus, the combination of black and grey is a little dull. It does have some redeeming features though, such as an informative on-board computer and display, not to mention several cup holders and cubby holes around the cabin. However, this model doesn’t come with Fiat’s Blue-and-Me, which allows you to sync your phone via Bluetooth to the stereo.

The Ritz once again is functional. However it does have some interesting touches as well, such as a large speedometer that essentially comprises of the entire instrument cluster, which appears very Mini-esque in its execution. And, like the A-Star, it also has an individual, hooded tachometer mounted on top of the dash. The white gauges give it a sporty feel, and the center console-mounted gear lever falls perfectly to hand. Moreover, the interior quality in the Ritz is top notch.

The i20, however, just feels like it’s in a different league on the inside. I particularly liked the mocha dash and door panels. The built-in stereo offers CD/MP3 capability, as well as and aux-in jack for iPod connectivity. The blue digital readout on top of the center console gives you a host of information, and the clear individual gauges in the instrument cluster work perfectly as well. This model also offers steering mounted controls and electronic climate control that’s integrated perfectly in the silver center console. Even at the rear, the i20 is the most comfortable with maximum legroom.

The i20 may be the most expensive car here, and, in this trim a lakh more than the Ritz, but, judging by its cabin, it feels as if it provides even more value than its relatively lofty price tag suggests. It really is an exceptional cabin, befitting of a modern premium hatch.

On the Road

Under the skin, all three have 1.2 litre petrol units mated to 5-speed manual transmissions. The Ritz produces a maximum power output of 84bhp at 6000rpm, along with torque of 83lb/ft at 4500rpm. The i20 provides a power output of 79bhp at 5200rpm, along with maximum torque of 82lb/ft at 4000rpm. Meanwhile, the Grande Punto’s 1.2 is the least gutsy of the trio with 67bhp at 6000rpm, but it does produce maximum torque of 70lb/ft quite low in the rev range, at just 2500rpm.

As expected, Suzuki’s K-series engine shines on the road as well. It does feel the most refined of the three, and at a speed of 100km/h on the highway in top gear, it’s ticking over at a very relaxed 2700rpm. The i20 meanwhile isn’t far behind at 2900rpm, but the Grande Punto appears slightly stressed at 3500. And, as the figures indicate, the Ritz was the most responsive from behind the wheel. The combination of its smooth engine, and a shift linkage that’s excellent with short and snappy shifts, meant that it felt the most spritely of the trio. The ride quality is also quite good, with the ability to soak up potholes and bumps. The problem came on the highway, though, where it can begin to get unsteady. Resulting from its tall-boy design and narrow tires, you can feel the car being buffeted around by crosswinds.

The Punto, meanwhile, feels exceptionally solid on the highway. It certainly had the best road-holding and ride/handling compromise of the test vehicles. Unfortunately, this was a trait that you couldn’t exploit because its 1.2 litre engine simply didn’t have enough power to sufficiently propel its comparative girth. The gearshifts as well were lacklustre with a gear lever that felt only remotely connected to the shift linkage below it. On the whole, the driving experience felt far removed from the Grande Punto with Fiat’s impressive 1.3 litre diesel unit, which does the inspiring chassis a great deal more justice.

The i20 may not have been the most powerful car here, but, in keeping with its overall character, the driving experience did feel the most complete of the trio. It’s an incredibly easy car to drive around town, with a very light steering and gearbox. Its lower center of gravity and wider tires in comparison to the Ritz means that it also feels far better planted on the road. The ride quality is good, and although the chassis isn’t very communicative, it is very competent. It doesn’t exactly live up to its ‘Sportz’ badge – the driving experience isn’t as involving as the Ritz – but, on a daily basis, you’ll be hard pressed to pick out any specific faults either.

Verdict

If its style you’re after, look no further than the Fiat Grande Punto. It truly is one of the most appealing cars on the Indian roads. After all, no one does grace and glamour quite like the Italians. However, Fiat does need to work on its interior quality, and you really do need to opt for the Grande Punto with either the 1.4 litre petrol engine or the impressive 1.3 litre diesel unit to make the most of its chassis. Alternatively, wait for the Punto Sports that’s expected soon.

For the value conscious buyer, it doesn’t get much better than the Maruti Suzuki Ritz. It provides a great deal of utility and value-for-money. And, being a Maruti, reliability and service won’t be an issue either. Moreover, it’s the most fun to drive of the trio, although it could certainly do with a set of wider tires.

If you’re willing to spend the extra money though, the i20 offers a fantastic value proposition as well. It’s certainly the most complete hatch here, and feels more expensive than it really is. It has the most features, does absolutely everything well, and is virtually in a different league. This model is very tangible proof of the huge leaps made by the Korean brand over the years.

With that said, the competition is just hotting up, and no one can afford to rest on their laurels – even market leader Maruti.

	Hyundai i20 - Sportz
	Engine	:	1,197cc / 4 cylinders / 16 valves / DOHC
	Fuel	:	Petrol
	Transmission	:	5-speed manual / Front-Wheel Drive
	Power	:	79bhp @ 5200rpm
	Torque	:	82lb/ft @ 4000rpm
	Price	:	5.32 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi)

	Maruti Suzuki Ritz - Vxi
	Engine	:	1,197cc / 4 cylinders / 16 valves / DOHC
	Fuel	:	Petrol
	Transmission	:	5-speed manual / Front-Wheel Drive
	Power	:	84bhp @ 6000rpm
	Torque	:	83lb/ft @ 4500rpm
	Price	:	4.32 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi)

	Fiat Grande Punto-Emotion
	Engine	:	1,172cc / 4 cylinders / 8 Valves / SOHC
	Fuel	:	Petrol
	Transmission	:	5-speed manual / Front-Wheel Drive
	Power	:	67bhp @ 6000rpm
	Torque	:	70lb/ft @ 2500rpm
	Price	:	4.9 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi)