A quality little runner (Fiat Punto 1.2 3dr)

Member Name: Greenyman

Product:	Fiat Punto 1.2 3dr
Date:	14/07/09 (369 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, easy to run, very reliable

Disadvantages: Awkward doors, slight lack of grip in tyres

THE PUNTO

To all car lovers out there I would like to draw your attention to this keen little runner. I realise after the countless series of 'Topgear' shown on the BBC that most of you will be more mesmerised by the likes of Ferrari 360's and Lamborghini Gallardo's. However for those with a more down to earth perspective, this is a great affordable car that will never fail to get you from A to B. I have the 1.2Litre petrol model. As standard this comes with driver and passenger airbag, central locking, electric front windows, power steering, adjustable steering wheel and an adjustable driver's seat. I find this a very handy feature as you can move the seat forward or back, higher or lower it and you can even adjust the hardness of the driver's seat. There is also radio equipment provided. Having bought mine 2nd hand it came with a CD player as well. The version I purchased is the 51plate model, which comes with a very nice sporty blue interior. I cannot complain! Along with the dual drive it offers a great ride. This attribute offers a 'city drive' mode which proves more than useful when dealing with tight parking scenarios. Give this button a click and the handling brings a new meaning to power-steering.

MODELS

Now the engine size is optional for this adorable little car. It comes with a 1.1, 1.2, 1.4 turbo, or 1.6 petrol or there is a 1.7 diesel option if you want your pennies to stretch that bit further with fuel. Even still this reliable fiat will not burn a hole in your wallet regardless of your choice of engine as it is quite fuel efficient chugging out a healthy 31mpg with the 1.2. Anyway I will not bore you with the mindless garble of a petrolhead and leave it to you to seek out its specifications as necessary. I am sure you are more eager to hear about its pros and cons...

RELIABILITY

Well, despite what you may have heard about Fiat, this car defines reliable. Its 8 years old now and not once has failed to start on me or broken down during my ownership. It has its tiny let downs here and there but nothing you can't expect from any car these days. The handbrake cable does seem a little fragile having broken twice although this is a minor setback to the car's performance. With about 55,000 miles on the clock I can pretty much claim this vehicle to be faultless. Even with the electrics, which undoubtedly seem to be the most common let down, I have never suffered any problems.

PERFORMANCE

Now do not let the size of this car deceive you. It may be small but it packs a punch. Its lightweight allows a good acceleration off the line, which comes in handy when overtaking. The City drive that I previously mentioned makes light work of sharp bends and car parks. The steering becomes so light you can literally use your fingers to navigate the wheel. Top speeds are more than adequate. If you're heading on a long trip down the motorway, the Punto will roll along nicely at speeds of up to 90mph without a struggle. But, to be the bearer of bad news, not all the Punto's qualities are good ones. For instance, although it boasts good car parking skills, once stationary you need to ensure you haven't parked within a 2 mile radius of any other car seeing as the oversized driver and passenger doors will swing open independently. Also, with the standard tires that come with this model, it seems they forgot to add the tread groves as in damp conditions you may feel like your taking corners on slicks, resulting in a smidge of under-steer here and there. This is not a severe floor though, being barely noticeable. All in all though, the car has a nice smooth ride guaranteed not to disappoint.

INTERIOR

As noted before the edition I bought has a very nice blue interior with comfortable seating. Despite being a 3 door the front seats are highly adjustable allowing plenty of leg room in the back considering the size of the car. There is a neat spare change holder that conceals itself away as part of the dashboard. There are sun visors for both front seats including a mirror on the passenger's side. You will never find yourself uncomfortable driving this car as you can adjust pretty much anything you need to suit your comfort. There is more than sufficient boot space and a roomy glove box. So don't hesitate to take this car out for your weekly shop. One feature I find very practical is a small pocket down to the right of the steering wheel, ideal for keeping your phone, wallet or keys in so you can quickly grab when you need to jump out the car.

PRICES

Depending on which model you go for the price will vary. The older models such as the 3 door hatchback I own start from around £5,000. However, if the new Fiat Grande Punto takes your fancy, then prices for that start at around £7,000. I have not had the opportunity to test drive this new model, although with its new aesthetically pleasing looks I am sure its bound to please. If you're not looking to buy new, then 2nd hand is an option to save some money. I managed a deal of £2,000 for my car with about 30,000 miles on the clock, just to give you an idea of a price range. As for insurance, the Punto rates in at insurance group 2, proving yet again to be very affordable. This combined with x years no claims will crush that price tag.

Without being bias I think this is a great little car. Ideal for a first car being cheap and easy to run. It is getting 4 stars from me. Sorry for the long review but this fiat deserves a chance in the modern day market so do consider it when thinking of your next purchase. I hope this has been of help. Thanks for your time.

Summary: A brilliant first car that will keep on going

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