Fiat seems to be bucking the trend toward more soft-touch materials inside cars as a way of making them more upmarket. However, the Grande Punto still feels well made and although the hard plastics aren’t that nice to touch, they look quite attractive and can be chosen with some vibrant colour schemes to add a sense of fun to the interior. Finding the ideal driving position is easy thanks to the great range of steering and seat adjustment but the thick two-pronged windscreen pillars can obscure visibility at the front.

Roominess has long been a hallmark of the Punto and as the size of small cars has grown, the Punto has kept pace with expectations. The new model is no exception with plenty of room for four adults – the only concern being knee-room for taller rear passengers when the front seats are set for six-footers. Electric front windows are standard across the range, while air conditioning is standard on all except Active and Active Sport models.

The Punto rides comfortably and manages to keep engine, wind and road noise to a minimum.