Car Statistics: Fiat - Punto Series 06 (4 stars)

Styling (5 stars)

The team at Italian designer Giugiaro has worked its magic on the latest Punto. Despite the larger dimensions it looks compact and neat.

Handling (3 stars)

A range of excellent engines is let down by slightly stodgy steering. Throw the Grande into a corner and it leans.

Comfort (4 stars)

Comfy seats have plenty of adjustment and the suspension soaks up most of the bumps. The driver gets height adjustable seat and steering column.

Quality (3 stars)

Fiat says the Grande Punto is their best yet but it remains to be seen if this new model is an improvement on past efforts.

Performance (4 stars)

Fiat's trump card - two entry-level 1.3 diesels are complimented by high performance 1.9 oil-burners. 1.2 and 1.4 petrols are average.

Roominess (4 stars)

A roomy hatchback, the Grande is much larger than the current Punto. Lots of head and legroom in the back too.

Costs (4 stars)

Provided reliability issues don't surface the Fiat should be cheap to own, with frugal engines and budget part prices.

Value (4 stars)

Looks like a great deal on paper. Grande Punto offers space and refinement in a stylish package and should be a winner in the supermini market.

Stereo (4 stars)

It's not going to blow your doors off but the Fiat sound system scores well for simplicity. Big, easy to find buttons are well placed on the dash, while some models come with steering wheel audio controls too.