Introduced to the UK in 1994, the Fiat Punto has been part of the supermini fabric for more than a decade. During that time it has developed from what was originally a rather tinny little car into a mature small hatchback.

A revision to the Punto range in 1999 saw improvements to interior and exterior styling plus a range of more powerful engines.

Today Puntos change hands in the classifieds for as little as £2,000 and may get even cheaper as the new version arrives in showrooms and customers trade in their old ones. If you choose the right car it can be a cheap way of adding some flair and excitement to your motoring lifestyle.

There is no doubt that the Fiat Punto puts you in holiday mood. The angular styling looks fresh and the surprisingly large interior is generously sprinkled with storage areas and cubby holes that in summer encourage you to pack a picnic for the beach.

There is also a wide choice of engines, the most common being the 1.2 litre that in eight-valve form produces 59bhp and in 16-valve configuration pumps out a respectable 79bhp. If you travel alone then the eight-valve will do nicely but in a car weighing less than 900kg the extra weight of passenger and luggage is soon felt and the extra 20bhp of the 16-valve is a better bet.

For those with a desire to travel even quicker, the 130bhp HGT model may be the answer. A 0-62mph time of 8.6sec might not sound ferocious but it feels a whole load of fun, although the sports suspension and low-profile tyres will have your fillings rattling on all but the smoothest roads.

In 2003 a facelifted Punto arrived, and styling became even crisper with a new front grille and bumper. A 1.4 litre 95bhp unit was introduced and the Punto gained a decent diesel engine. There had been a diesel before but it was too agricultural for most tastes. The new 1.3 litre multijet unit produced 70bhp, returned more than 60mpg and felt as sprightly as the 1.2 litre 16-valve petrol. Best of all it had bags of torque, meaning the car is more than up to the job of carrying all the passengers and luggage you can throw at it.

Since 1999 all Punto models have had power steering and height-adjustable driver seat with lumbar support. The front seats are large and the driving position good. Unusually in this sector it features three three-point rear seatbelts and at 264 litres the boot space is larger than that of either a Ford Fiesta or Peugeot 206.

On the road the Punto is all about fun, and while long journeys can become wearing it’s no worse than in most small cars. Through the bends the car hangs on with tenacity and the Sport models with low-profile tyres and tweaked suspension are proper driver cars.

If you don’t fancy splashing out on the new Punto, then now could be just the time to get a cracking deal on the current generation.

Power steering dash mounted switch allows driver to switch to ultra light steering, ideal when parking

Driver seat check lumbar support adjustment still works

ABS standard on top spec models only

Dashboard high and centrally mounted the stereo is in an ideal position but some owners report problems with optional CD unit

Engine 1.2 16 valve and 1.3 Multijet are best buy

Indicator stalk check carefully as owners report failure for indicators to cancel after left hand turns

Spare tyre space saver tyre as standard

Boot 3dr models have a decent 264 litre boot, larger than a Ford Fiesta or Peugeot 206. Five-door Punto's have an even larger 297 litre boot

Automatic transmission automatic transmission fluid and filters must be changed every 24,000 miles. On manual cars check clutch and gear change particularly on ex rental cars

Bodywork Galvanized body ensures no rust unless the car has been accident damaged

Headlights not the most powerful so you will need to keep your headlamp lenses clean

Safety Punto scored a reasonable 4 stars in the EuroNCAP tests although base models only get drivers air bag as standard

VITAL STATISTICS

Model Fiat Punto 1.3 Multijet Dynamic
Engine 1248cc, four cylinders
Power 70bhp
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel 62.8mpg (combined cycle)
Acceleration 0-62mph: 13.4sec
Top speed 102mph

THE ONE TO BUY

Fiat Punto 1.3 Multijet Dynamic three-door 2003 03 with 20,000 miles. Pay £5,450 from a dealer or £4,960 privately

OR FOR THE SAME MONEY

2002 02 Citroën C3 1.4 HDI SX
2002 52 Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi Zetec
2003 52 Renault Clio 1.5 dCi Expression

VALUES



Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. ‘Trade’ is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; ‘Retail’ is what you would pay a dealer