Fiat Punto Evo Active 1.2 8v 5dr Car Review - February 2012

The Punto Evo uses a 4-cylinder 8v 1242 petrol engine which turns out to be quite the performer. It remains sprightly in all speeds and chassis response is good throughout. Light control ensures that you enjoy smooth, effortless driving. Steering is precise and body control ensures adequate stability. Handling is superb and the 5-speed manual gearbox is slick.

The 1.2-litre engine produces 69 bhp and has torque figures of 75 lb-ft at 3000rpm. It reaches 0-62mph in 13.9 seconds and has a top speed of 97mph. A good number of city cars share these power and torque features. The main difference comes in acceleration and speed. The Punto is not the fastest in either but falls within class expectations.

Suspension is soft in the Evo trim and shields occupants from the effects of bumps and potholes well. There is plenty of body roll in bends; otherwise the ride is comfortable.

The cabin is insulated from wind and road noise. At higher revs though, the engine does get a bit noisy, but not to unbearable levels.

The Punto comes in the classic hatchback styling, and has a well-defined outline. Stylish headlights give the front end a soft, modern look. It is a car that gets noticed because of its distinctive shape and sharpness.

The interior is equally elegant, with a well-laid out design and smooth finish. The hard plastic used blends in well with the quality design and does not look cheap in any way.

The Punto Evo Active is a 5-door 5-seater, with enough space for four adults or five occupants if one or more is a child. The wheel arches are proportionate to the size of the car and complement its soft look.

For its price, the Punto Evo Active has a generous offering of standard equipment. It comes fitted with remote central locking, stability control, power steering, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, driver airbags, passenger airbags, immobilizer, CD player, MP3 port and Bluetooth.

Advanced settings are available at a cost. You will spend £300 on front side airbags, £525 on air conditioning and £450 on metallic paint. It’s a shame that sat nav is not offered because it would have boosted the car’s standing in the small car category.

Fiat has installed all the basic car safety equipment in this particular model so you are well protected. No results have been released on the Euro NCAP test. From all indications though, the car should perform well when it does eventually get tested. Fiat’s reliability record is stable, and even though it is not the first preference for many motorists given the hugely popular rivals it has to beat, there have been no worrying reports or claims of mechanical failure on the Punto so far.

There are tons of adjustments on the steering wheel rake as well as driver’s seat height, so you get an excellent driving position. Controls are within easy reach and are well-organized on the dash and central console.

Storage solutions are plenty in the cabin and the glove compartment is sizeable. 275 litres of boot space falls within the class average. With the chairs down, it increases to a spacious 1030 litres, even bigger than the Ford Fiesta.

The Punto Evo has a fuel tank capacity of 45 litres and returns 54.3 mpg in combined cycle. It requires little maintenance and servicing is cheap. You get a 3-year service warranty or a 60,000 mileage warranty option on purchase, with an 18,000 miles service interval.

Insurance costs should be low, going by its insurance group (6). Its carbon print averages 123g/km, thus attracting Road Tax band D rate, which is £95. You get to drive tax-free during the first year.

In the British market, the Fiat Punto Evo Active competes with class leaders such as the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo, whose desirability levels are way above Fiat’s. As such, resale value outlook for the Punto is not good.