2002 Fiat Punto Active Sport review from UK and Ireland

Makes a knocking noise when started from cold, not sure whether its fuel injection/tappets or dodgy spark plug.

Bounces around on the clutch a bit at low speeds in traffic.

Occasional stutters/spluttering when driving when still cold.

Power steering light occasionally flashes on.

Passenger door has dropped on latch a little.

Thought I ought to put in an update having owned the car for 4 months now. This follows the "A very cheap, sporty, fun alternative to a Corsa/Clio" review.

Must say as a car I am still very impressed with it. It drives very well for a 60bhp car, its really nice looking (much more so than the facelift version). It doesn't stop badly and certainly handles OK. I still go by what I said before, it is a very good alternative to a corsa/clio sized car.

However (I kind of expected this being a former Fiat owner) the car has developed a number of very irritating faults. None of them have made the car undrivable, but still frustrating on a 20-odd month old car with 12000 miles. I imagine most of them will never be solved either.

It also isn't as fuel efficient as I thought it was going to be. I don't drive it that softly, but haven't seen more than 36mpg out of it, even on longer journeys. Saying that, the trip computer could just be lying a little.

Have not had any dealer experience yet so cannot pass comment. n Is due its 2nd year service in February.