2001 Fiat Punto monza 60s 1.2

Summary:

Little Star

Faults:

Had a slight oil leak from to rocker cover, spoke to a mechanic at the dealership who said this was a common problem and a new rocker cover gasket would solve the problem which in has. Nothing else though.

General Comments:

Going from a 1.6i Orion to a 1.2, you would think this would be a 'comedown' however I have been pleasantly surprised. The engine in this car is very responsive for a 1.2 and miles per gallon compared to my last car is amazing, averaging 48/50 miles per gallon, 40/45 miles per gallon when driving harder.

When ordering the car, the dealer persuded me to go with a higher spec car than the one I was going for (base model). The result was a Punto with the same spec as the sporting edition (apart from the engine!) so it looks the business.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th April, 2002

2001 Fiat Punto HGT 1.8

Summary:

Sharp suited brio

Faults:

Door hinge retaining strap is loose and clicks when the door is opened.

Annoying rattle from behind the dash - now constant, but the dealer cannot locate it.

General Comments:

Strong performance from a very torquey engine. Excellent brakes too.

Mine is in Sprint Blue which shows off the lines really well.

Would have preferred a cheaper price without the standard SatNav which is hopeless.

Don't buy this car for fuel economy - it will not go above 25mpg!

It's a superb traditional style hot hatch. Very rare on the streets too.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th October, 2001

4th Jul 2003, 08:39

This review is inaccurate with regards to fuel consumption.

I have a Punto HGT as do a few friends and it is easily capable of a sustained 35 mpg plus.

If you drive with your foot on the floor all the time then as with any car your fuel economy will be poor, but drive "normally" and the HGT will give you around 34 mpg in everyday driving.

4th Nov 2005, 08:55

Many cars under 1800. I owned a 2001 hgt and the build quality was poor along with handling. weak engine, you never hear of these engine doing over 100k because they blow easily, as fragile as r5. pathetic for 1800 turbo. should b at least 200bhp. after care service is terrible. STAY AWAY FROM FIATS.

20th Jun 2006, 11:18

How wrong can you be! The HGT is a normally aspirated 1800cc, not a turbo. Please don't comment if you don't know about the car.

2001 Fiat Punto ELX 1.2

Summary:

A dream of a car at a ridiculous price! Buy one!

Faults:

Washer jets were split - replaced under warranty.

A few trim items were missing, looks like the dealer was using the my car as the parts bin!

General Comments:

This car is fantastic!

Trip computer is very good, average miles to the gallon never below 45!!

Handling is superb, no body roll at all.

Steerimg is very accurate and feels very good.

The 'City' mode makes parking a doddle.

The seats are really supportive and feel as though they are from a BMW!

Cheap tax, cheap insurance, cheap to run, high level of equipment, a delight to drive. WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT???

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th July, 2001

31st Jan 2005, 11:32

Do you still have nice things to say???

2001 Fiat Punto ELX 1.2

Summary:

Stylish, efficient - reliability still to be proven

Faults:

The dashboard has just given up working. Apparently it has become disconnected from the rest of the car and will have to be completely replaced. The car is only two weeks old!

General Comments:

I like the car.

It's comfortable and seems to be efficient, although with only two weeks experience it's hard to tell.

The sun roof is very good, although the movement from slide to tilt is a little too "all-in-one" to know whether it is actually closed or not when driving.

It looks great.

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

Review Date: 31st May, 2001

6th Aug 2001, 17:07

It's true that Italian cars are anti hassle free cars, but let's face it, things like your dashboard problem can be a one-off problem.

I have a 2000 Punto with only 5400 miles, I drive really carefully and yet my ECU self destructed.

As I write, the car has been in the garage for a week already and will stay their for some time as they are waiting for the part to be shipped from Italy. But again, these are one-offs not a general problem with Puntos in general.

What boils my blood is that the importer (Malta is too small for dealers, so everyone gets the official importer straight away) refuses to give me a spare car while I wait for mine to be fixed. And yet, my car is under warranty!!!

Still, like you, I love the car. And it's marvellous fuel economy!!