The Punto... Practical, pretty, perky

Perky, and economical.

The outstanding feature of the new Fiat's is the new group of 1.4 engines they are armed with, for not only do they give the little city slickers more punch but they are also cleaner and more frugal.

Styling has not changed dramatically....it's more of an evolution than a revolution, but it has added a slightly sharper edge to the car's looks. Even though Fiat fans will recognise the new model immediately, the package is dressed up and slicked back enough to appeal even wider to stylish trendies and also practical enough to pull small families and empty nesters to this little bambino.

Where the Punto also scores good marks is with class-leading features, clever technology and telematics, funky new colours, jazzed up interiors and a peace of mind five-year/150 000 km warranty

Small, cute, economical

Fiat has built its reputation on producing small, cute and economical, yet spirited, city cars that are as easy to drive and as easy to squeeze into tight spots as sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese over pasta - in other words, a perfect match for the Punto's DNA.

Punto comes to South Africa with a long list of solid credentials, having sold more than 8.5 million world-world since it was launched in 1993 and it brings to the party its advanced normally-aspirated and turbocharged MultiAir engines - technology that won the 1.4 MultiAir Turbo the coveted Best New Engine of 2010 in the International Engine of the Year Awards.

The Lounge trim level is available exclusively on the flagship 1.4 MultiAir Turbo.

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The latest Punto is available with three engine derivatives: a 1.4 8V Fully Integrated Robotic Engine (FIRE) producing 57kW and 115Nm; a 1.4l MultiAir that makes 77kW and 130Nm; and a gutsy 1.4l MultiAir Turbo engine that churns out 99kW and 206Nm of torque from as low as 1750rpm.

The range comprises four models in three trim levels - Pop, Easy and Lounge - kitted out to serve different target markets and requirements.

The Pop trim level is the entry model and includes electric power steering (with a 'city' function for easy parking), air conditioning, electrically operated front windows, height and reach-adjustable steering wheel, driver's seat with height adjustment, remote door locks and start-stop technology.

The Easy trim is the next level up on the ladder and in addition to the Pop's trim and kit it also has 15-inch alloy wheels, exterior trim accents in body-colour, and burnished headlight clusters to give the vehicle a more sporting look. Inside trim is also snazzier and the cabin has been upgraded to include a CD MP3 compatible radio with steering wheel controls, a trip computer and a radio display.

Brimming with driver aids

The Lounge trim level is available exclusively on the flagship 1.4 MultiAir Turbo and in addition to all the fancies of the lower models it struts its stuff with demisting outside mirrors, external temperature sensor, sexy GTi-styled alloys, black upholstery, leather-covered steering wheel and gear knob, electric windows, dual-zone automatic climate control and a 40/60 split rear seat bench.

The latest Punto simply brims with driver aids and safety features (standard or optional depending on the model) such as a variety of air bags, adaptive 'cornering' front fog lights that switch on automatically with dipped headlights, ABS and EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) while the Lounge benefits from ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and Hill-holder.

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At the Media introduction in KwaZulu-Natal, I drove the two top models in the range, starting with the 77kW car which was not over-enthusiastic to trot and along undulating bits it required quite a bit of cog-swapping. Up on the Reef it is sure to feel even less inclined to gallop and that makes one wonder how the two bottom-feeders in the range will perform. But then this is a small city car, made for commuting, not for picking fights with cheeky hatches driven by cap-on-backwards boy racers.

Cheeky...

I loved the flagship 99kW car. The engine has a cheeky growl and it just wanted to play. It certainly felt much more responsive when the loud pedal was tickled. The difference between the two cars (besides price, equipment and the sexy Rock 'n Roll blue paintwork of the flagship I drove) is performance and top speed - 185 km/h and 0-100km/h in 10.8 seconds vs 200km/h and 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds. Yet, strangely enough, when one looks at the consumption figures Fiat provided for both models there is only a miniscule difference in combined cycle fuel consumption between the two - 5.7 litres/100km against 5.6 litres/100km.

The rear seat bench 40/60 split but it's a pity about the spare.

Both cars handle well and feel steady in the corners and under braking, and the steering is more than sharp enough for a small car of this nature. The interior trims across the range are smart and comfortable enough to accommodate four adults and although there are small indications of cost-cutting in the cabin it generally looks neat, clever and even a tad quirky without being as discombobulated as Italian cars often are.

After only a short spell on the road with the two Puntos (mainly on motorways and in suburban crawls) it is difficult to give much more than a superficial overview of the new Punto, but at a glance - and on paper - it seems like reasonably good value for money. Pity about the Marie biscuit spare wheel, though...

Overall, a nice blend of pizza, Chianti, espresso and grappa that will keep the bean counters and salesmen at Fiat happy.

Models, prices, warranty and service intervals:

Fiat Punto 1.4 Pop: R129 900
Fiat Punto 1.4 Easy: R149 900
Fiat Punto 1.4 MultiAir Easy R169 900
Fiat Punto 1.4 MultiAir Turbo Lounge R209 900
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All models have 30 000km service intervals, a five-year or 150 000km warranty (including paintwork and rust anti-perforation) plus a four-year or 60 000km service plan on the two MultiAir models. All models are also covered by the AA Fleetcare roadside assistance for 12 months.

Specifications.