Secret superminis of 2006 - Fiat Grande Punto

On sale: Early 2006
Price: From £7500 (est)

The first big news of the new year is Fiat's Grande Punto, which will be one of the largest superminis available when it goes on sale in the UK early in 2006.

Not only does it look great, but the new Fiat is also good to drive and more spacious inside than its predecessor.

We've already driven the Grande Punto and, overall, it has impressed. It feels nimble and corners well, although it could do with more feedback through the steering.

The gearbox shifts easily and ride quality is also a strong point, with only the worst of town bumps getting through to the cabin to unsettle occupants.

Six engines will be available from launch: a 65bhp 1.2 petrol, a new 77bhp 1.4 (our favourite) and four diesels producing between 75bhp and 130bhp.

The driver's seat has height adjustment on all models, and the steering adjusts for both height and reach – all of which means it’s easy to find a comfortable driving position.

Safety is a particular forte – the car achieved five stars for occupant safety from Euro NCAP. All models also come with two front airbags, while all but the base Active trim comes with curtain airbags.

Side 'bags are available on mid-range Dynamic and Emotion trims and are optional on Active and Sport models. Fiat also offers a driver’s knee ’bag as an option on all.

In the rear of the cabin, space is decent for two adults while the boot offers a creditable 275 litres with the seats in place. Rear-seat cushions need to be lifted out of the way before the seat backs are folded down, but it’s a relatively quick job and results in an almost flat loadbay.

Every Grande Punto will have electric front windows and remote central locking, while Dynamic and Sport also have air-conditioning and Emotion trim has full dual-zone climate control.


See the February 2006 issue of What Car? magazine for a free 100 Secret Cars of 2006 and Beyond supplement.