Fiat Grande Punto (2006-) Review

Comfort and Equipment

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The Grande Punto rides much better than its predecessor, absorbing ruts, bumps and broken road surfaces well and running smoothly and quietly on the autostrada. It's much better sound-proofed, too, with only a little wind noise at high speeds and good insulation from the outside world. The front seats are supportive and well-shaped, as well as being multi-adjustable with lumbar support and anti-submarining structure.

Despite its name, the Grande Punto just doesn't feel that roomy, though. This is mostly down to the relatively low roof and close-angled windscreen - it doesn't have the mini-MPV feel of so many superminis, which is actually a bonus for many buyers, who don't want to feel as if they're driving a van. The driving position is thus quite low-set and sporting. The cabin is wide, with plenty of elbowroom, though rear legroom is still not that generous, and there's not a lot of room for easy access to the rear seats in the three-door versions despite the sliding front seats. If the rear is in regular use, especially if you have to fasten in child seats, the five-door model is recommended. The five-door models are designed to take three passengers on the rear bench, the three-door models just two, though a three-seat layout is a cost option in the latter.

Not all versions come with split-folding rear seats, and though the rear seats do fold more or less flat, they don't slide, fully tumble or do anything else clever to further increase versatility and practicality. The boot is deep, taking 275litres of luggage with the rear seats in place, helped by the flat rear tailgate - but in an irritating oversight, it does not have a handle or release button on the exterior, utterly ridiculous for an urban runaround. This will be an absolute pain when it comes to loading up shopping. The boot can only be released via a button on the dashboard (which needed to be punched surprisingly hard in one of the cars tested, not boding well for long-term durability of this function) and when it does release, it has to be lifted via the underside of the tailgate, entailing touching the rear bumper which is likely to get wet and dirty. Other sillinesses? The cup-holders provided are not big enough to accommodate drinks cans, or bottles of popular-brand mineral water...

Equipment levels start from the very basic and go up to the lavishly-kitted; you pay your money and make your choice. Items on offer include full climate control air conditioning, a full-length panoramic sunroof, hands-free Bluetooth-compatible phone, rain-sensing-wipers, cruise control, cargo boxes and a full range of accessories; the basic Blaupunkt radio/CD player is unremarkable with erratic radio functioning and weedy sound, but the upgrade is a bit better. Serious music fans will probably put in their own aftermarket system anyway. Trim and upholstery comes in a variety of colours and designs, from plain and monochrome to two-tone finishes with bright orange, blue and other colourful panels, which cheer up the cabin no end, if you think you can live with this long-term. Full leather upholstery and Recaro sports seats are optional, too.