The interior isn’t a massive departure from the Grande Punto but there have been some key improvements. The flowing dashboard gives it a far more inviting and softer look, helped by a sleek stereo and neat ventilation controls. The quality and finish are very good, but some of the plastics are quite hard where other small cars use softer-touch materials.

That aside, it’s still stylish and the instrument dials are easy to read while the ambient lighting (on more expensive models) adds to the quality feel. The driving position is good too with plenty of movement in the seat along with height and reach adjustment in the steering column.

Despite a firm ride – which somewhat takes the edge off refinement – the Punto Evo manages to retain decent levels of passenger comfort. Wind noise is minimal, although it seems more noticeable on the three-door, especially around the mirrors, while engine sound is kept reasonably low in everyday driving. There’s good space for four adults on board, but legroom for taller passengers in the rear can be an issue.

Getting into the back of the three-door models can also be tricky, although this is the same on all three-door cars of this size. All models come with electric front windows but air conditioning isn’t standard on Active models – although it is available as an optional extra. The seats have been improved from the Grande Punto and offer better support, especially welcome on longer journeys.