Fiat Grande Punto (2006 - 2010) 1.3 Multijet Active 3d (AC) (2007/07) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

When I bought it, I thought "great, I can still be an overgrown boy racer but save a ton of cash on running costs." My friends, with their Fiesta ST's and Golf GTi's say I've bought a van.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Secretly I think my friends are jealous of the fact that I can drive past a petrol station without having to stop, but still enjoy the drive, however I am reluctant to join them on a track day.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would buy this car again for three main reasons, one it looks good, two it has a six-speed gearbox and three, that turbo. Ooh that turbo...

What are you likely to buy next?

I originally wanted the 1.6 diesel Sporting Grande Punto which was out of my price range when I bought mine, so I have my eye on that as my next car, but I also quite like the look of the 2.2 litre diesel Civic Type S.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£6,000

When did you buy the car?

June 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

The dealer gave me a year's free warranty.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Performance exceeded that of my old car, but so did the economy.

What was the dealer like?

Very friendly, professional, took me at face value and made themselves available to answer any questions and let me test drive the vehicle. Many dealer's I've dealt with before have pre-judged me based on my appearance and dress, so to be taken seriously despite being in casual clothes at the weekend (shock, horror) made a refreshing change.

What's it like to drive?

When you first get in and try to set off, for the first couple of seconds you feel disappointed and wonder if you've made a mistake. Then it hits 2500rpm and the turbo kicks in. Then you're forced to change gear, but you're not sitting still anymore, no sir! Coming from a petrol, it took some getting used to, but you know, any time I need to, I can pull off a safe overtake with nary a problem. Likewise, a gentle cruise through the town centre is an easy experience, even in heavy traffic. Gear changes are smooth and almost natural, although you do need to make more of them than in a petrol vehicle to keep the car in it's ideal power band, but that's a by-effect of low-revving diesels in general, not just this car.

What's it like to park?

Steering is easy, but the A-pillars can sometimes restrict your view if you have very limited space to work with. Generally reversing in seems a lot easier than going in frontways, but that might just be down to the fact I can't really drive for toffee.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The engine warning light came on twice on the way to work, preceeded immediately by a hiccup in power delivery, the problem turned out to be a clogged EGR valve.

What's most practical about your car?

The six speed gear box for feeling like Ken Block on a Sunday drive over the moors, but also saving a load of fuel on the motorway.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The turbo.