Goodbye Aveo, hello Punto!!!

[Littleblackalfa]

I've got the next ten years to enjoy it...provided I'm not seduced by another Italian

 

 

heheh... then avoid Teban Gardens...

 

or else you'll be a brother more than a cousin now!!!

 

anyways, congrats on your new bella. What's the price difference between the HGT and the Dynamic?

[Littleblackalfa]

Well, the engine capacity of the Punto is smaller than the Aveo. So, on paper, the Punto is less powerful than the Aveo. But driving the Punto .....it doesn't feel like a 1.3 engine in there!

 

Plus, the 6 speed CVT is real fun to use

 

CVT??? The punto is CVT? hmm... that would give you severe power loss depending on the belt size.

 

Anyways, come join us at www.arocsingapore.com and take part in our driving events. we'll welcome your car amongst us anyday. Heh.

[Littleblackalfa]

something to whet your appetite... from www.novitec.com

 

SPORTS KIT

 

EXTREME KIT

 

You want this, go to www.alfasportivo.com.sg

[Genie47]

Especially when an owner does his own oil change, plug change, PSF change and BF change all by himself. Now this owner is trying to get GM LATCH anchor kit to make car up to USA standard Aveo.

[Fiat124sport]

anyways, congrats on your new bella. What's the price difference between the HGT and the Dynamic?

 

 

Thanks.

 

The price difference? Slightly above 10K I think, can't really remember it though.

[Fiat124sport]

CVT??? The punto is CVT? hmm... that would give you severe power loss depending on the belt size.

 

Anyways, come join us at www.arocsingapore.com and take part in our driving events. we'll welcome your car amongst us anyday. Heh.

 

 

Yes, the Punto Dynamic is CVT, the HGT is a 5 speed manual. Despite its little engine, the Punto is a rather zippy car. Go test drive one and see for yourself

 

Thanks for the invitation to aroc, will definitely take that up.

[Littleblackalfa]

considering it's only 1,000kg, I'd say it zippy. but it would start to lose breath above 130km/h, especially with the CVT. I have no doubts it's nippy, but be careful of the transmission. CVTs aren't exactly italian car traits...

[Littleblackalfa]

from www.italiaspeed.com

 

========================

"dualogic & speedgear

 

Our Dualogic and Speedgear transmissions, veritable mechanical gems, allow Fiat to achieve a double record in this segment. Back in 1999, the Punto was the first mini to be fitted with a Speedgear and now the new model is the only car with a power-assisted transmission applied to a Multijet engine.

 

The Dualogic device is available with the manual gearboxes combined with the 1.3 Multijet 16v and 1.2 8v engines and features an innovative transmission system. On this, an automatic servo device automates the clutch and gear lever to retain all the attributes of a dry clutch and manual gearbox (weight, strength and reliability, low energy consumption).

 

This sophisticated device improves the performance of the manual mechanical transmission components while increasing driving safety via a control system that stops the driver making mistakes and prevents incorrect transmission system manoeuvres.

 

Two operating modes are available: semiautomatic and automatic: The first adopts more advanced control strategies to assure peak performance whether the power unit runs on petrol or diesel. Speeds are engaged by means of a lever on the tunnel. Because no clutch pedal is present, the device is controlled simply by moving the lever: forward to change up (towards the '+' symbol), back to change down (toward the '-' symbol). A simple push is sufficient to ensure the transmission makes a fast, accurate gear change.

 

In detail, the Dualogic transmission operates in semiautomatic mode as follows. Electrical signals reach the control unit via the CAN (Controller Area Network) and may be grouped in two main subsets. One set of data comes from the gearbox area and identifies the position of shift, selection and clutch, hydraulic kit service pressure and also clutch speed of rotation. The other set consists of all the signals received from other New Fiat Punto systems (e.g. engine and brake system) that help define the gear change in a precise, repeatable manner.

 

The Dualogic system uses these two groups of information to manage comfortable or sports drive in manual or automatic mode and using different operating strategies. It does this by mapping pedal position (interpreted as performance requests as the values increase) and engine rpm.

 

Once the New Fiat Punto has been started, pressure on the brake pedal confirms to the system that a driver is present in the driver's seat. First gear or reverse may then be engaged (the second may be engaged to set off if the ground is slippery). To ensure safety and prevent undesired gear changes, the system engages neutral when the engine is still running and the door has been opened. The Dualogic device also prevents errors that could damage the engine or gearbox by indicating emergency situations or manoeuvres that are not allowed by means of visual and acoustic alarms.

 

When in automatic mode, the Dualogic system offers two options: Normal and Economy. The Normal strategy offers outstanding driving comfort to assure scintillating speed increases and gearshifts under all conditions. The Economy strategy is used when you wish to reduce fuel consumption while still maintaining top level handling and driving comfort.

 

With both options, the system stretches to a higher ratio once the rpm level has been reached, when the engine delivers maximum torque or power. In automatic mode, the system recognises the road gradient (by means of a software algorithm) and modifies the gear shift point to ensure the best possible compromise between the driver's needs, ground conditions and vehicle situation (speed and engine rpm) at all times. Another specific feature of the Dualogic is its ability to assess vehicle deceleration and adjust downshifts. In semiautomatic mode, for example, the system allows downshifts, particularly when the driver demands a lower gear to take a corner at speed during a sporty drive. In automatic mode, the system anticipates the downshift to ensure the driver can always call on the most appropriate speed to maintain the required comfort level or fuel saving.

 

The Dualogic is the best compromise for those who prefer an automatic but do not wish to give up the satisfaction and fun of a manual gearbox.

And so from the Dualogic to the Speedgear. Apart from the New Fiat Punto you can count on the fingers of one hand the cars in this segment with an electronically-controlled continuous automatic transmission - and in 1999, the previous model that originally launched the unit was the only one in the world. In this type of device, a pulley and steel belt system offers a continuously variable transmission ratio to ensure a gear range (ratio between longest ratio and shortest ratio) that is much broader than on conventional automatics.

 

The New Fiat Punto device also allows a choice between a fully servo-assisted drive (when it works in the same way as a conventional automatic transmission) and manual management with sequential shifts.

 

Two gearboxes in one - and more. When the unit changes over to automatic, the driver can choose between two operating modes: one designed for performance and the other for comfort. All in all, the driver can always choose between three driving modes: two automatic and one manual (sequential). When in manual mode, gear changes can be made without taking your foot off the pedal and six speeds are available.

 

The new Speedgear gearbox is always complemented by a torque converter in place of an electromagnetic clutch and this brings considerable benefits. It reduces fuel consumption and increases the engine brake effect (because converter locking is governed by gearbox software). Take-off is smoother, steep gradients can be climbed without problems and parking manoeuvres are easier.

 

The electronically controlled device ensures smooth operation and jerk-free management of transients (acceleration and over-run) because the accelerator operating signal may be filtered.

 

From an engineering viewpoint, an automatic transmission is the best complement to a power unit: partly because it can exploit engine power to the full while safeguarding it from stress and partly due to the driving comfort it offers. For example, the system includes an electronic device for detecting a fast acceleration request (corresponding to a downshift on a manual gearbox) that is more sensitive and effective than the kick-down on a conventional automatic transmission. When in manual mode, the Speedgear allows the driver to decide which gear to engage for driving satisfaction and performance.

 

To choose this driving mode, simply move the lever to D position and then move sideways into the gate to the left of the automatic selection gate. In this position, the lever can only carry out two movements: forward to change up and back to change down. Each gearshift is shown on the display. When the vehicle stops, the device changes to first gear ready to set off.

 

When it changes to automatic mode (lever in position D), the system offers further selection opportunities. In other words, between a livelier gearbox management strategy (short ratios) and a more comfortable strategy that is better suited for town driving, for example. In the latter case, the gearbox automatically selects longer and thus quieter ratios.

 

Through its electronic link to the accelerator (drive by wire), this gearbox also ensures very smooth operation during acceleration and over-run for a highly satisfying drive.

 

To select one of the two driving modes, you have to press a button on the gear control panel. You can switch from one to another at any speed. The speed engaged (if a manual gearbox is used) or the selected operating mode (for an automatic transmission) is indicated on the instrument panel.

Convenient, easy to use and safe. On this front too, the New Fiat Punto Speedgear gearbox offers the maximum guarantees. Some device functions are designed to safeguard the unit itself and assure absolute control over the car at all times.

 

- SHIFT-LOCK: this device allows you to move the control lever from position P only after pressing the brake pedal;

- KEY-LOCK: the ignition key may be removed only with the gearbox in position P;

- START-UP: the engine may be started only with the gearbox in positions N or P;

- EXCESS RPM: the system engages a higher speed before the engine reaches an excessive rpm. Conversely, it delays the changeover to a lower gear when the manoeuvre seems likely to increase rpm to excessive levels (only in manual position);

- REVERSE: reverse cannot be engaged above a certain speed. When the speed again drops below a set limit, reverse may be engaged. With the control in R position, the system automatically activates the reversing lights."

===================================

 

err... it's electro hydraulic transmission, and it's CVT. now I know why it's zippy. your pulley ratios for manual mode are very close to an actual manual gearbox. Fiat has been using these since 1999. that's 6 years of experience. ok lah. I think it's safe to say the initial bugs have been rolled out more or less. Heh.

[Cupydus]

Hi Bro,

 

Was reading up this Forum for the past few days while waiting for my new ride, a blackie HGT..... finally collected it today..... Am really glad that there are fellow Fiat owners ard.....

 

Do get me when u guys have meet-ups and also hope to know more bout AROC as I've always admired the 147s..........

 

Cheers,

87

[Littleblackalfa]

ooo!!! a HGT!!! come join us lah... go to www.arocsingapore.com

[Normal_aspirated]

congrats on yer new HGT.

[Davedesouza]

the Punto HGT is my dream ride nw but cant afford SE brendon gave me 3 test drives to convince me but at the end of the day can only afford the 1.3 but HEY, i'm, still happy! if u selling your HGT front bumper or rims, please let me know bro! kekeke

 

dave

[Fiat124sport]

Hi Bro,

 

Was reading up this Forum for the past few days while waiting for my new ride, a blackie HGT..... finally collected it today..... Am really glad that there are fellow Fiat owners ard.....

 

Do get me when u guys have meet-ups and also hope to know more bout AROC as I've always admired the 147s..........

 

Cheers,

87

 

 

Hi Bro,

 

Congratulations on your new ride. A blackie HGT

[Fiat124sport]

the Punto HGT is my dream ride nw but cant afford SE brendon gave me 3 test drives to convince me but at the end of the day can only afford the 1.3 but HEY, i'm, still happy! if u selling your HGT front bumper or rims, please let me know bro! kekeke

 

 

What rims did your Punto come with?

[Cupydus]

Hi Manz,

 

Will surely pop by AROC to look see..... Thks for the invitation.

 

Cheers

[Cupydus]

I briefly spoke to Brandon on the day of my collection, he relayed ur interests in getting the HGT rims (If I were to chg em), noted. Do get me when u guys are having any meet-ups, byw u guys join the AROC.....

 

Cheers

[Cupydus]

Hi Broz,

 

The HGT came with the 15" (5 x twin spoke rims), exactly the HGTs that was on display in the showrooms, with the P6000 rubbers.

 

Sad but true, with the 4 x 98 PCD, there is not many rims choices ard. In fact there seems to be OZ & MOMO rims, with only a handful of rim designs. Haiz.....

 

Cheers

[Wankie]

Think OZ & Momo pcd98 now also very difficult to find. I know some alfa owners are using momo and oz rims with pcd100 and the offset wheelnuts.