Can FIAT’s gorgeous Punto succeed in stealing the limelight from the ever practical Maruti Ritz?
MALL IS THE NEW BIG in the country. We Indians have always wanted more in our cars - more features, more fuel efficiency and most importantly, more space without making a major dent in our pockets. Its human nature to follow the philosophy of more is never enough. Even the country's hatch segment has already seen five new launches this year, from the Rs 1 lakh TATA Nano to the top of the line Honda Jazz. Maruti unleashed their premium hatch, the Ritz a couple of months back and while all was going well for India's largest carmaker, FIAT decided to play spoilsport by pricing their offering, the gorgeous Grande Punto, bang in the middle of the Ritz range. We were surprised, for here was a package with the right mix of standard features and sexy Italian looks at an affordable price. So, does that mean the Ritz's party has been spoiled even before it turned hot?[/img]
MALL IS THE NEW BIG in the country. We Indians have always wanted more in our cars - more features, more fuel efficiency and most importantly, more space without making a major dent in our pockets. Its human nature to follow the philosophy of more is never enough. Even the country's hatch segment has already seen five new launches this year, from the Rs 1 lakh TATA Nano to the top of the line Honda Jazz. Maruti unleashed their premium hatch, the Ritz a couple of months back and while all was going well for India's largest carmaker, FIAT decided to play spoilsport by pricing their offering, the gorgeous Grande Punto, bang in the middle of the Ritz range. We were surprised, for here was a package with the right mix of standard features and sexy Italian looks at an affordable price. So, does that mean the Ritz's party has been spoiled even before it turned hot?[/img]