Fiat Grande Punto (2006-) Review

On the road

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The Grande Punto, although larger than its predecessor, feels no heavier or more inert to handle. It's agile, adept at fast cornering, light and responsive, and really rather fun to drive, yet remaining predictable and safe unless you get really stupid. It doesn't 'nanny' its driver like, say, the 2006 Clio, nor has it become inordinately weighty in order to achieve its five-star NCAP crash test result. Whilst amusing the sportier-minded, it's also a very easy drive for novice or nervous drivers; its pillars are not as thick as those of some contemporaries, giving good all-round visibility, all its corners are easily defined, and with most versions having multi-adjustable seats and steering wheels, it's no problem finding a comfortable driving position. All the controls, buttons and switches are more or less intuitive. The Punto also scores well for its steering: though it has electrically-assisted power steering, it has retained some feel and feedback, at least with the 'City' button switched off. This increases assistance further for easy manoeuvring around town, i.e. when parking; most drivers will find it unnecessary, but it's a nice touch which some will appreciate. Parking sensors and cruise control are optional.

The only black mark is the five-speed gearbox, which comes with the petrol engines and the 75bhp diesel: in all the cars tested, it was awkward and stiff with first gear difficult to select, though it may well loosen up with a bit of mileage. The quick-acting six-speed 'box was far better, with far more accurate action from the gearstick and a lower likelihood of crunching the gears or stalling at a standing start.

Pick of the engines is undoubtedly the 90bhp version of the new 1.3 Multijet diesel. Not only does this come in combination with the superior six-speed gearbox, it is strong, torquey and far livelier than its 11.9second time 0-60mph would suggest. Its sixth gear makes for effortless cruising on the autostrada, and it's nippy around town too.

It effectively makes the 120bhp and 130bhp 1.9-litre diesels redundant: it's just not worth paying any extra for these as they really don't feel any quicker in real-life, every-day driving, and their 8-valve engines feel less flexible than the 16-valve 1.3. They're also considerably less economical, and feel a bit more nose-heavy to drive.

The 75bhp 1.3 is a bit of a plodder, though; it's adequate as a runaround - and would be the perfect hire-car - but it is pretty uninspiring and has to be worked hard, hampered by its sticky five-speed gearbox.

Likewise the 1.4 petrol (77bhp); to get the best out of it, you have to drive like an Italian, foot to the floor at all times. Simultaneously smoking, talking on the phone, gesticulating wildly and flirting with fellow drivers all whilst changing lanes not advised, though.

The 1.2 (65bhp) is pretty good and lively; this may be a better option than the 1.4. Still, a turbocharged, 16-valve 1.4, as expected in the upcoming Punto sporting, might be rather nice... the Punto's chassis could certainly handle a lot more power, and we look forward to testing the Sporting and the even hotter Abarth.