The Fiat punto has proved to a very reliable car since we got out N reg 55SX 3 years ago. It surprising just how much you can fit in these little cars, ours has been used more like an estate than a supermini with regular heavy loads going in the back.

The rear suspension brushes needed replacing just six months after we go it but it didn?t cost to much, its needed a few exhausts but they only cost £30 so that not a problem either. What I like so much about this car is the things that go wrong are very easy to fix.

Fuel economy is good, performance from the 1.1 fuel injected engine is OK and cabin space is top notch.

The car also has genuine Italian character with its alfa like driving position, longish gear lever and good handling.

The only thing that lets this car down is its poor ride quality but the room, the toys (electric windows, central locking etc) make up for this.

One of the minus points is that a drivers airbag is not standard on S and SX models. The newer model makes this version look a little dated.

The Punto 55SX 5 door is a long way from the cars Fiat were producing in the 80?s!

____Added September 2002____

Sadly after the car has just been written off, a pegeut 106 has just hit the side of it, requireing a new fron wring, two new rear doors and a new suspension. The punto had done 60,000 trouble free miles and we are very sad too see it go, we might get a bigger car now, but the Punto will be sadly missed. RIP 1996-2002.