Used Fiat Punto Review (2012-2018) MK3
Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force
4-minute read
Overview
- Fun to drive
- Affordable to buy and run
- Decent build quality
- Looks may not be to everyone's taste
- Tough competition
- Interior may feel dated
What's the Fiat Punto like?
With its recent cars, Fiat has got build quality up to excellent levels, making their cars very reliable.
Despite its low price tag and running costs, the Punto's build quality exceeds expectations and begins to challenge more expensive rivals
The most recent version went out of production in 2018 and was available with petrol and diesel engines, offering excellent economy and decent performance.
Engines
Petrol engines start with a 1.2-litre that has 68bhp followed by a 1.4-litre, which is various states of tune, comes with 75, 85, 103 or 135bhp.
For the first time in this model, the free revving 0.9-litre 85bhp 2-cylinder TwinAir from the Fiat 500 is also available, and there's just one diesel, an 85bhp version of the well-known 1.3-litre MultiJet engine.
This little diesel is the economy and low emissions king, with a claimed fuel sippage of more than 80mpg and emissions of just 90g/km.
But the TwinAir is not far behind, managing 67mpg and emissions of 98g/km, and it can also sprint to 60mph in 12.3 seconds.
As a comparison, the 1.4-litre takes 12.8 seconds for the 75bhp and 8.2 seconds for the 135bhp MultiAir. All should do about 50mpg.
Driving Experience
Performance in the Punto is pretty good when you check it out against other superminis, and all are easy to live with. They have a good ride, and decent performance with engines that are smooth and quiet until pressed.
Even the lowest power models are fun to drive, with very good roadholding and handling that give a great sporting feel.
Peter Hayward
The Twinair is the smoothest, revs so willingly and sounds so sweet that it gives the feel of far quicker progress than the figures suggest.
Equipment
Equipment standard to all includes remote locking, electric front windows, plenty of airbags, fabric seats with height-adjust for the driver, height and reach adjustable steering, trip computer, and a stereo with MP3 connection.
Upper models get alloy wheels, traction control, air conditioning, cruise control, audio remote, and an electric sunroof.
You may also be interested in...
Find your Fiat Punto your way with CarStore
The Fiat Punto is an affordable supermini that's a popular choice amongst young drivers due to its easy driving experience and range of economical engines. It may not be the most stylish supermini on the market, but it makes for a reliable and practical option if you're looking for a compact city-friendly car on a budget.
