It is reasonable to say Fiat has a great reputation for design and driver appeal however an unfavourable one for dependability and quality. That is quickly changing however along with the Grande Punto is really a perfect illustration. Neatly styled, great to drive and solidly built it is a far greater long-term prospect than Fiat's of old and includes an excellent selection of engines such as the exceptional MultiJet diesels.

Functionality

The entrylevel engine within the Grande Punto is the 1.2litre which boasts a small 65bhp. It is rather exciting but does have to get worked quite challenging out-of town. At the conclusion of 2007 a new 1.4litre T-Jet engine was launched which utilizes a turbocharger to create an impressive 120bhp. It is got loads of pulling power also and is really a remarkable motor to use with hardly any turbo lag while acceleration doesn't disappear - even if you close to the red-line. Using a 0-60mph time of 8.9 seconds it is not a serious hot-hatch however, remains a jewel of an engine and economic too, returning 43mpg. The diesel lineup is just as powerful as the acclaimed MultiJet engines are used by the Fiat. To get a little more pace nonetheless there is the exceptional 120bhp 1.9litre MultiJet which is really our pick of the product range combining punchy ingear pace and 50mpg market.

Managing

There are more agile little hatchbacks about but a well-balanced chassis and because of specific turn - in, the Fiat stays composed in corners and feels sure-footed, helped by its own grippy tyres. It rides pretty good however the Sporting versions are a tad too firm and over irregular surfaces the ride suffers. The Grande Punto also includes a 'city' button to supply additional light steering at parking speeds, however the event is overridden immediately above 19mph.

Relaxation

The Punto rides easily and succeeds to maintain road, wind and motor noise to a nadir.

Practicality

However using the back seats folded this expands to over 1000 litres. The cottage hlike a few storage locations plus there's a bag organiser which may be purchased as an accessory - this lifts the ground of the boot therefore that it becomes level with the back seats folded and also functions like a box to conceal valuables. Split rear seats aren't regular on the versions geared toward younger customers.

Security

The Grande Punto attained a maximum fivestar evaluation for occupant protection within the European New-car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), including a course-best three stars for pedestrian-protection. But, the evaluation applies to lefthand drive versions. It was found in October 2006 that righthand drive versions weren't fitted with a part that reduced the danger of severe knee injuries for the motorist. It prompted Fiat to recall auto s sold in britain as much as that try make them safer, therefore the evaluation might be put on righthand drive variants of the auto. Additionally, it scored three from four stars within the child protection component which analyses the operation of the advised child seat.

Dependability

Fiat is, in addition, working to enhance quality and decrease the amount of niggling faults discovered with its automobiles.