ASR and MSR
The New Fiat Punto Sporting is fitted with a very sophisticated automatic traction control device to restrict drive wheel slip in the case of reduced road grip. This is known as ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) and comes as standard on all versions equipped with ESP. The ASR works at any speed and acts on the torque according to the measured grip coefficient.

The device computes degree of slip on the basis of wheel rpm calculated by the ABS sensors and activates two different control systems to restore grip:
" when an excessive power demand causes both drive wheels to slip (e.g. as occurs during aquaplaning or when accelerating over a road surface that is uneven, snow-covered or icy), it reduces engine torque by reducing the throttle opening angle and thus air flow;
" if only one wheel slips (e.g. the inside wheel following acceleration or dynamic load changes), this is automatically braked without the driver touching the brake pedal. The resulting effect is similar to that of a self-locking differential.

The ASR maintains vehicle safety as much as possible and is particularly useful when grip is lost (icy multi-storey car park ramps are one example) and whenever the asphalt does not guarantee even friction.

Another not inconsiderable advantage of the ASR is the lower stress exerted on mechanical parts such as the differential and gearbox due to more effective control of low speed take-off and traction.

The ASR comes on automatically whenever the engine is started. To turn off the device, all you have to do is press a switch on the central console. When the ASR is active, a warning light on the control panel flashes.

A control panel warning light comes on (with the switch led off), to indicate system faults or irregularities. ASR deactivation is required when snow chains are used because the wheel must be able to slip by tiny amounts to pile up the snow so that force can be transmitted to the ground and the ASR tends to avoid this type of action.

The MSR (Motor Speed Regulator) cuts in when the gear is shifted down abruptly under conditions of low grip. This device restores torque to the engine to prevent the wheel skidding as a result of lock.

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ESP
To ensure greater mastery of the car, the New Fiat Punto also offers the sophisticated Electronic Stability Program, a system that cuts in under near-limit conditions when car stability is at risk and helps the driver to control the car.

To achieve this result, the ESP continually monitors tyre grip in both longitudinal and lateral directions. If the car skids, it cuts in to restore directionality and ride stability. It uses sensors to detect rotation of the car about its vertical axis (yaw speed), car lateral acceleration and the steering wheel angle set by the driver (which indicates the chosen direction). It then goes on to compare these data with parameters generated by a computer and establishes - via a complex mathematical model - whether the car is cornering within its grip limits or if the front or rear is about to skid (understeer or oversteer).

To restore the correct trajectory, it then generates a yawing movement in the opposite direction to the movement that gave rise to the instability by braking the appropriate wheel (interior or exterior) individually and reducing engine power (via the throttle).

This is the key attribute of the device created for the New Fiat Punto. It acts in a modulated fashion on the brakes to ensure the action is as smooth as possible (and the drive is not therefore disturbed). The engine power reduction is contained to ensure outstanding performance and great driving satisfaction at all times. The ESP is permanently engaged.

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johnpen said:

Have you fitted the kit yet? and if so any pictures or comments as I'm interested in getting it.

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