Fiat Grande Punto (2006 - 2010) 1.9 Multijet Sporting 3d (2006/06) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Never cared about the image of the car. I find the design of the vehicle stylish and understated, I still feel it is one of the best designed superminis around.

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

They love it! The interior in particular has received plenty of positive comments.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Definitely if I were looking for a supermini. My needs have changed though, so I am considering an offering from the class above.

What are you likely to buy next?

I am currently considering a Golf GDI, although the recent arrival of the Astra and the Giulietta have made matters a bit complicated...

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£12,000

When did you buy the car?

June 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

Dealer knocked £1,000 off list price, it was a good deal considering the car was readily available and had been launched 6 months before I bought it.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I was looking for a good performance/price ratio supermini and the Grande Punto was significantly cheaper and packed more equipment than the Fabia VRs and Ibiza TDI 130.

What was the dealer like?

Patchy. Sometimes good, sometimes bad. Eventually they went bankrupt and found an excellent Fiat dealer in Cwmbran, close to Newport, I am extremely pleased with their knowledge, pricing, workmanship and ability to sort things out.

What's it like to drive?

Ride is a bit jiggly but an absolute blast on B roads. Superbly progressive power delivery, engine was tuned to 170 BHP at 45k miles and feels even better now. Steering could do with a bit more weighting.

What's it like to park?

Average. Thick C pillars and a high rear screen does not help matters either. Had to fit rear parking sensors and had no issues ever since.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Lots of niggles but none of them made the car undrivable, it always started on the button and got me from A to B regardless. All issues were dealt with by Fiat dealers and courtesy car was arranged promptly.

What's most practical about your car?

Very roomy. Excellent Bluetooth/MP3 player system. Wing mirrors are an absolute lesson in visibility, styling and aerodynamic efficiency.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Sunroof, Blue&me, Dual drive steering.