Fiat Punto Road Test / Car Review

Introduction

Fiat's Punto has been around for a while now and you can find a wide range of second-hand examples at many dealers. Sincethis is arguably the best small car the Italians have ever produced, that's good news for family buyers. Particularly since there's an exhaustive range of engines, bodystyles and trim levels.

History

1994 to 1999

To say that the Punto rescued Fiat in the UK is probably an over-statement, but the fact remains that since its introduction in early 1994, sales for the franchise have spiralled. Originally, there was a choice between 1.1, 1.2 and 1.6-litre petrol power (as well as a sporty 1.4-litre turbocharged unit) and 1.7-litre normally aspirated diesels soon followed.

So did a 1.2-litre Selecta automatic (with belt-driven CVT transmission) and a six-speed manual version. A cheeky 1.6-litre cabriolet arrived at around the same time, followed a year later by