The Fiat Punto is a stylish little car made in Italy, bringing a dash of style to the small car market. Offered as either a three door or five door, the little car not only has panache but also has practicality to boot. Superb styling incorporates a sturdy body shell that has excellent rigidity and strength. The simple, yet head turning, design of the hatchback exterior is carried through to the interior which also has some nice chic detailing.

This little Italian car has some fantastic engines. Unfortunately, Australia offers just the standard 1.4-litre petrol engine at present, which sings sweetly and is driven through a tight five-speed manual or sequential gearbox. Peppy response is accompanied with frugal fuel use, with under 6L/100km an accessible target. I would like to see the 1.4-litre Turbo engine and a JTD (diesel) version also available in Australia, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

Three models are available to the Fiat Punto buyer, and they are actually very well equipped cars. A good package of bells and whistles to make any journey enjoyable is what the Punto is all about . Once inside the cabin, the ergonomic dash and its appealing design instantly impresses. A wide variety of textures and materials are applied throughout the cabin and work well, as well. The carbon effect dash has a quirky appearance and is appealing to the eye, while the seats are comfortable and are enjoyable to sit in. Room inside the little Fiat Punto cabin puts it into the top of its class. Five adults can seat themselves inside a Punto without too much trouble.

Even the base model (Punto Pop) comes with electric windows and ABS as standard. Also as standard is a trip computer and electrically adjustable wing mirrors. Added to the menu is a healthy 4 speaker CD/radio with 2 tweeters that offers nice clear surround sound. Add front airbags and three point safety belts all round, and you have a superb little city runner or motorway traveller.

Press the throttle hard in any of the Fiat Puntos and the drive becomes a lively experience. The suspension copes well with undulations, and well balanced handling encourages you to look for the best that the 1.4-litre engine can give. Whilst the 1.4-litre engine is a willing unit, the standard Punto was never intended to be a tyre smoker, and as long as you are aware of this the frugal, relaxed drive of the FWD Punto impresses. One thing that is very typical of the Italian car marques is that their cars do have a habit of agreeing with you.

The new little Fiat Punto is a safe (five star -NCAP crash test result) and fun car to drive and Fiat maintains the car’s value-for-money ethos.. Fiat’s skill in small car making is very evident in this stunning little number. From the hints in the nose treatment of the little Fiat’s big cousin -Maserati ­ to the squat back end, the car looks brilliant.

Current Fiat Punto models include the:

• Fiat Punto Pop
• Fiat Punto Easy
• Fiat Punto Lounge

For any more information on the Fiat Punto , or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quotes requests out to our national network of Fiat dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

Back to Fiat Car Reviews