Economic, stylish, reliable (Fiat Punto 1.2 ELX 5dr)

Member Name: Matthew31

Product:	Fiat Punto 1.2 ELX 5dr
Date:	30/04/01 (1246 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: cost, space, safety and style

Disadvantages: None arisen so far

Having had my trusty Fiesta stolen a few weeks ago (see Churchchill Insurance opinion) I had to go out and buy a new car. As I wanted a car that was relatively new and reliable but with only a small budget to play with I had a look at all the small cars on the market. I eventually plumped for a nearly new (1 yr old) Fiat Punto and I'm pleased with the chice.

The outstanding feature of the car is it's spaceous feeling and the amount of room inside. It doesn't feel like you're in a samll car and the boot space is massive. It comfortable holds 4 or 5 people on long trips. It has a very well thought out interior, providing excellent accommodation not only for passengers but all their bits and pieces - there are endless nooks and crannies on board, including several for mobile phones. The boot is a decent size too. The five door model, which has different rear-end styling, provides slightly more shoulder room.

The performance and ease of driving is excellent. It couldn't be much easier, really. The driving position is good, the controls are light and there is the the 'City' mode for the (standard) power steering, which lessens the parking effort still further. The gearbox is precise and very user-friendly.

If you're concerned about security and safety the Punto enjoys all the lastest safety developments in superminis, including a driver's airbag, the option of sidebags and a passenger airbag that can be deactivated. The Punto has also rated as the safest car in its class tested so far in the recent round of Euro NCAP crash tests. ABS wasn't standard on our Punto but is an optional extra. Apparently it's a lso one of the hardest cars to break into and is fitted with an immobiliser as standard.

As for it's running costs and depreciation value the Punto has traditionally held its value fairly well, while low fuel consumption and competitive servicing and insurance costs all help this to be
one of the cheapest cars to run.

The standard stereo system is pretty good - easy to use, and crisp sounding - but mine also came with a sub woofer (well it sounds good) so the quality is excellent. If you go for the ELX rather than the standard model, you'll have electric windows, a plusher more comfortable interior, split folding rear seat, delayed courtesy light, door pockets, height adjustable front head restraints, oddment nets in front door panels, 2 reaer head restraints, central locking, trip computer and body coloured bumpers.

If your budget is tight go for the bog standard model, it's still and excellent buy. Not really knowing much about cars before hand I researched have have test driven every supermini known to man...and in my book the Punto is the best value for money.

Summary: