2001 Fiat Punto Mia 3dr review from UK and Ireland

Door retainer has repeatedly come loose.

Braking problems incorrectly repaired twice.

Punto is a big big car inside with easily enough room for a 6' driver and room to spare in the back, too. It's wide and that along with deep windows makes it feel like a grown-up car.

It's noisy and a bit slow on the motorway, the engine is willing enough, but just doesn't have the horses. On the backroads though the car is good fun with responsive steering and excellent handling, although at the expense of a bobbly ride at times.

Our car is sparsely equipped with manual windows and no central locking, but it was cheap. It does have an airbag and Fiats excellent 'two speed' power steering system.

The car feels particularly well made and is easily the best made Fiat I have ever owned - and I have owned a few. Doors and hatch still close with a satisfying thunk and although some interior plastics look a bit low-rent it has all stayed put very well.

I would recommend the more powerful engines to our 60bhp unit, but otherwise go ahead, there are few other roomy small hatches this much fun to drive.