Fiat Avventura review, test drive

A drive in Fiat's new crossover the Avventura proves that it is more than just a rugged looking Punto.

Published on Aug 31, 2014 12:28:00 AM

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Fiat Avventura.

To keep dynamics intact, Fiat has recalibrated the suspension set-up and added an anti-roll bar at the rear. The anti-roll bar is very similar to that found on the Linea but has been fine-tuned here. Then there are the fatter 205/55 tyres that, besides elevating aesthetics, are quite grippy too. All of which adds a significant 65 kg(approximately) of weight. And these changes are quite evident from behind the wheel.

However, when you first slip into the driver’s seat you will be pleased with the new equipment here. The addition of a ‘tilt-meter’ and digital compass sitting on top of the AC vents immediately grab your attention. It’s aimed at off-road use and works like the gyrometer in your smartphone and displays the car’s tilt along both its axes; quite a cool party-trick. Just like the Punto, the dash gets a part-soft touch, two-tone treatment but the soft portion here is finished in a light grey Alcantara-like material and the door pads are made from art-leather. Save for an added boot-release button, the overall dash and equipment is the same as the top-spec Punto. So you get climate control, electric windows, a rear AC vent and an audio system that supports CD, MP3 and an Aux-in. Unfortunately, while the ‘Blue&Me’ Bluetooth interface works great with voice commands and telephony, it still doesn’t support audio streaming.

The Avventura also gets bespoke hybrid leather and fabric seats and these help spruce up the cabin. The middle of the backrest and seat squab is made from fabric to keep you cool while the rest is leather which makes them visually appealing and purposeful at the same time. Also, the soft seat cushions and ample lumbar support makes them one of the most comfortable front seats in this segment. Since the Avventura shares its wheelbase with the Punto hatchback, rear seat space stays the same, which means it isn’t the most spacious rear bench but for most frames, knee room won’t be an issue.