Hi guys,
can any other Punto 1.2 owners ( 2017 ) relate to the flat spot in the middle of 1st gears range, really feels like car actually slows down for a second before picking up again, before changing up.
Have read about the problems with earlier 1.2 500 engines getting up hills , is this still the same 1.2 unit, and would fitting something like the racechip throttle control work ?

Yes - there is indeed a flat spot when driving off in 1st. It occurs in our Punto 2016 1.2 8V. It seems to relate to the accelerator position. It reminds me of the old distributor-based cars - if the timing was slightly out then you got a dead spot for a second or so before the power arrived - feels exactly the same.

If you move the car in 1st without touching the pedal, the flat spot does not seem to be there. As soon as the pedal is pushed, then there is a very short lack, almost cut in response before the power is supplied.

I am convinced this is a deliberate part of the design. There is also some form of sensor on the clutch pedal as well - move the clutch in and out and the revs go up and down. I suspect the only way this car could achieve the modern emissions standard from such an old FIRE engine was to cut the power during initial acceleration - who knows just my guess.

I am also certain that a software fix would put the problem right. But as we all saw from the infamous WatchDog report, it takes a lot to convince the powers that be that there is an obvious problem.