The 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. However, the five-star rating applies to left-hand drive versions. It was discovered in October 2006 that right-hand drive versions were not fitted with a component that reduced the risk of serious knee injuries to the driver.

It prompted Fiat to recall cars sold in the UK up to that take to make them safer, and so that the five-star rating could be applied to right-hand drive versions of the car. It also scored three out of four stars in the child protection element which analyses the performance of the recommended child seat. An electronic stability programme is standard on more powerful models.

The Grande Punto has a decent sized boot, although at 275 litres it’s not quite as large as similar-sized cars like the Renault Clio. However with the rear seats folded this expands to more than 1000 litres. The cabin has a few storage areas plus there is a luggage organiser which can be bought as an accessory – this raises the floor of the boot so it becomes flat with the rear seats folded and also acts as a box to hide valuables.

Split rear seats are not standard on the cheaper models aimed at younger buyers.