The Fiat Grande Punto achieved a maximum five-star rating for occupant protection in the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), as well as a class-best three stars for pedestrian protection. The Abarth has the same structure and safety kit, so should be just as safe. It also scored three out of four stars in the child protection element which analyses the performance of the recommended child seat.

Electronic stability control, which can help the driver regain control during a skid, is standard and cannot be disabled.

The Grande Punto has a decent sized boot, although it’s a few litres short of the new Clio at 275 litres with the rear seats in place. It expands to more than 1000 litres to roof level with the rear seats folded. The cabin has a few storage areas and a boot organiser can be bought as an accessory which also raises the floor of the boot so it becomes flat with the rear seats folded and it also acts as a box to hide valuables.