Fiat with a hint of Maserati
Not only is it one of the best-looking cars in is class with its Maserati-like front end, but it is also a well-specced, impressive little performer.
Considering it only has a 1.4-litre engine tucked in under its stubby bonnet there is nothing shabby in its 0-100km/h sprint time of just over nine seconds and top speed of 187km/h.
In fact, the little Fiat's combination of sprightly performance and excellent roadholding converts into lots of fun to drive.
The engine does have quite a distinctive growl at high revs and some might find its taut suspension a little too hard for comfort, but considering the car's sporty heritage, this is easy to live with.
The TJet is surprisingly spacious with lots of leg and shoulder room and the cabin has a young, zippy feel. A stubby short-shift gear lever, small steering wheel and nicely-shaped, two-tone seats add to the sporty appeal of the living quarters.
The hard plastic dash tends to distract a little from the overall look and feel of the inside although this is off-set by well positioned dials and silver-rimmed gauges.
Being Italian, it won't be normal for the Fiat not to have a few quirks. Like when you flick the light stalk to dim the main lights and the indicator clicks on to indicate a right turn, or when the ESP light comes on for no reason while cruising sedately through town.
Because of the tiny black-on-black buttons on the car's electronic key switch, I regularly unlocked the boot while trying to unlock the doors. But maybe regular pizza meals, double espresso coffees and the odd shot of grappa give Italians better eye-sight than the rest of us…
The Grande Punto certainly delivers in the creature comfort and safety departments with driver, passenger and side airbags, ABS brakes with EBD, adjustable headlamps, auto locking doors, immobiliser, aircon, smart sound system with audio controls on the steering-wheel, electric windows and mirrors, power steering and trip computer.
Although the steering column is only height adjustable it's not difficult to find a comfortable driving position.
In addition to being nippy and well-equipped the Grande Punto really has something to brag about when it comes to looks. Sporty alloys, bee-sting aerial, a stubby bum, sloping roof-line, narrow black mesh grille and menacing front lights give the car lots of edgy appeal.
Unfortunately one of the sacrifices of shapely, enlarged A- and C pillars is reduced visibility when reversing.
Depending on how active your right foot is, fuel consumption is in the region of 9l/100 km which is not bad, considering the zippy nature of its engine.
The Grande Punto is a pleasure to drive in the city. Fiat has always made super town dwellers and this one is one of the best in its class. Steering is light and precise, so squeezing into the tightest parking spot is as easy as sprinkling Parmesan over pasta.
Unfortunately our test vehicle, like the whole range Grande Punto range, is expensive, although not wildly out of line when you shove it in the ring with the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Honda Jazz, Toyota Corolla and VW Polo, although, admittedly they all have bigger engines than the Fiat.
Not that engine size counts for too much in this company because the wanna-be Maserati out-ranks them when it comes to driveability, funky looks and performance.
There are four 1.4-litre Grande Punto models to choose from, ranging in price from R138,500 to R199,900, as well as a 1.2-litre three-door at R123,100.
Fiat has worked hard at improving its quality and service in South Africa and this is slowly starting to reflect in the brand's sales figures, although the brand is not nearly as popular in this country as it is in Europe.
Fiat has flexed its muscles and flashed its wallet at Chrysler and a GM model or two which could be good news for the future strength of the brand.
I don't know about you, but I would rather drive a car that is related to Maserati and Ferrari, than to a PT Cruiser any day...
More by Henrie Geyser: motoring editor
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