2007 Fiat Grande Punto Sporting 1.9 Multijet turbo diesel

Summary:

Stunning in white :)

Faults:

Nothing to report at the moment; hoping it stays that way.

General Comments:

Well after months of debating whether to go for it and get a FIAT, I decided what the hell and ordered a White Fiat Grande Punto Sporting with Sky Dome, Hi Fi Upgrade, Tinted Rear Windows and Climate Control - I'm loving it.

The performance is excellent, and as more miles are going on it, it seems to be loosening up, which is great.

All of the options are brilliant, and I'd recommend anyone considering a GPS to get them all...

Only thing so far that I can fault is the MPG - I'm currently getting about 37.5 MPG, but I have been flooring it quite a lot, so that could be the reason why.

Have used the City button quite a lot as it really makes parking so much easier - visibility is excellent and I have had no major issues with the A-pillars at the moment.

Seats are very supportive and car handles excellently - especially compared to my previous car, which would not hold the road at all, and spent most of its time going backwards round a roundabout - no matter how careful you were.

At the moment I would definitely buy another Fiat - but I have only owned for about 4 weeks... ask me again in 4 months.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 27th October, 2007

2007 Fiat Grande Punto Sporting 1.4 16v petrol 6 speed

Summary:

Stunning looking, head turner that is style AND substance!

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I've had the car 5500 miles now, and have not had a problem.

Even on rough roads around here, the car drives superbly. The ride is very firm on Sporting springs, but keep the tyres at 34psi front and 37psi rear, and the car rides and handles very well indeed.

Interior trim shows no wear at all and there are no rattles at all.

The stereo with optional subwoofer is incredible, and the built in Blue&Me phone system is very good and works perfectly. My car has the SkyDome glass roof which is well worth it unless you are tall...

The 1.4 16v engine sounds lovely and revvy, very smooth with a very slick 6 speed box. Also, the economy is excellent; I'm averaging 40mpg driving fairly hard. It has loosened up a lot over these few Ks, but it's having a remap to make it even more responsive. This car is perfect around town and cuts it on the motorway too, cruising at just over 3k at 70 ish...

Possibly the best thing about driving it is the brakes; incredibly effective with lovely feel. This car also has the ESP system, which actually works, allowing smooth pull offs on mud etc too.

People will say the electric steering lacks feel, but the Sport version has different steering to the normal cars, and is very feelsome and smooth.

I would highly recommend this car to anyone, it's probably the best looking car in this class, and maybe even one of the best looking cars on the road today!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th July, 2007

12th Jan 2009, 13:00

Another update, the car has now done 33k miles, including a couple of long trips, ie France and back etc etc.

I'm struggling to love the car these days, it's hard to explain but the car feels quite loose and vague to drive, the steering just feels odd. It's been a a gradual degradation of the feeling of the car, and I don't know what it is, but it's just a bit wobbly these days. It doesn't knock or bang over bumps, but I think the suspension bushes must be getting worn out already. The rear suspension is creaking badly yet again, the glovebox latch is broken, the drivers seat is creaking, the doors are rattling, the screen washers are still rubbish and there are loads of other little issues I need to have sorted under warranty when it has it's 2nd service in Jan 09.

I think it's got to go, it's just really frustrating, why can't VW or BMW etc build a car with the Punto's looks, features, style and price at their level of quality???!! Plus, the economy on a long trip is awful, 34mpg!! Coupled with the tiny tank means cruising range is very poor.