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General GP Specification downgrades in 2008

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General GP Specification downgrades in 2008

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Watermann

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Thanks to Andy Monty I now know that the Dynamic spec lost it's alloy wheels in 2008. What else did Fiat change around that time on Dynamic and Eleganza ?

2008 is about the age I'm looking to buy, For the same money I was thinking slightly newer and higher miles but maybe slightly older and lower miles would be smarter if the spec is better.

I think the Eleganza also lost its alloy wheels around that time but I have only seen one 09 model which had auto climate control and it may not have been Eleganza so not sure ?

Watermann
 
Good point. It has to be a 1.4 Petrol.
I should add as well the one obvious change around that time was blue to red badge.
 
Watermann said:
Good point. It has to be a 1.4 Petrol.

I should add as well the one obvious change around that time was blue to red badge.
Click to expand...


1.4...?

1.4 8v
1.4 16v starjet
1.4 16v t-jet

Which one are you looking at?
 
It'll be the basic 1.4 77hp. Need to insure a couple of teenagers to drive it as well as me so insurance is a big consideration and this'll be replacing our 1.2 Panda so the basic 1.4 is quick enough !
I also don't have a problem with skinny tyres on steel wheels as I think that teaches the young drivers much more about the car, it's limits, and the laws of physics.
 
Actually, although I did look before, I've now found this which answers a lot of the questions:

https://www.fiatforum.com/grande-punto/148601-grande-punto-series-2-details.html

Which points me toward a mid 08 on Dynamic or Eleganza. And there are very few Eleganzas about so probably Dynamic and live without the extra toys. None are essential to me but anyone comment on the value of ESP ? I know such systems make sense on SUV type stuff but would it really be likely to improve the chances of inexperienced teen drivers keeping the Punto out of a hedge ?
 
Watermann said:
Actually, although I did look before, I've now found this which answers a lot of the questions:

https://www.fiatforum.com/grande-punto/148601-grande-punto-series-2-details.html

Which points me toward a mid 08 on Dynamic or Eleganza. And there are very few Eleganzas about so probably Dynamic and live without the extra toys. None are essential to me but anyone comment on the value of ESP ? I know such systems make sense on SUV type stuff but would it really be likely to improve the chances of inexperienced teen drivers keeping the Punto out of a hedge ?
Click to expand...

I'm lucky enough to own an Eleganza 1.4 8v, and mine doesn't have ESP, but it does have Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. I don't know how common those safety systems are on the Grande Punto, though.
 
I've just looked at that post, and my Eleganza was built just before those tweaks were made, so mine still has the old 15" alloys, and lacks the rain sensing wipers and esp. Those things don't bother me: I love my Grande the way it is!
 
Watermann said:
It'll be the basic 1.4 77hp. Need to insure a couple of teenagers to drive it as well as me so insurance is a big consideration and this'll be replacing our 1.2 Panda so the basic 1.4 is quick enough !
I also don't have a problem with skinny tyres on steel wheels as I think that teaches the young drivers much more about the car, it's limits, and the laws of physics.
Click to expand...

My kids have been driving a 2006 1.2 Active for a couple of years now which is one of the really basic versions on 175 tyres and with no electronics/aircon etc. which they've never had any problems with (other than reversing it into a tree!)
 
Finally getting my head around these specs, it looks as if ESP only became standard on eleganza with the series 2 cars so normally 58 plate or newer (but many 58 and 09 plate were series 1) I think the change from series 1 to series 2 is also when the key changed to the long thin type with the red logo instead of the earlier flat type and the wheels went from 15 to 16 inch.

ESP includes ASR (traction control) and the Hill Holder feature. There are no buttons but the yellow triangle will appear if you attempt to spin the wheels !

The system is upset by tyres of different makes or non standard size and the sensors can play up.
 
I've a feeling that esp figment to eleganza models depended on engine type with the 1.9 diesel having it from launch??? 1.9 diesel sportings certainly all have it, as do t-jets.

As for its effectiveness, it works brilliantly. There are some EU figures showing a massive drop in single vehicle accidents involving vehicles with it fitted; that's why it is now mandatory on all new cars.
 
Watermann said:
Finally getting my head around these specs, it looks as if ESP only became standard on eleganza with the series 2 cars so normally 58 plate or newer (but many 58 and 09 plate were series 1) I think the change from series 1 to series 2 is also when the key changed to the long thin type with the red logo instead of the earlier flat type and the wheels went from 15 to 16 inch.

ESP includes ASR (traction control) and the Hill Holder feature. There are no buttons but the yellow triangle will appear if you attempt to spin the wheels !

The system is upset by tyres of different makes or non standard size and the sensors can play up.
Click to expand...

Yes there is a button, 'asc off', it disables the traction control element of esp for snowy/very slippery conditions when spinning the wheels can help.

Also, I've a feeling larger engined eleganza models had 16inch wheels from day one.
 
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