ABS was absent from lower-price models when launched but this has since been rectified. Higher-spec models get an alarm, but deadlocks aren’t even an option. As a revised model it has its earlier incarnation’s strong Euro-NCAP performance with four stars for occupant protection. Small cars only began achieving better than this in 2004.

Punto has enough interior space but doesn’t feel as large as it used to. However, the large boot swallows a weekly shop with ease and seats fold down on all but the most basic model for extra load carrying if needed.