Faults:

Noisy "harmonic" clutch operation on gradients.

Headlamps out of alignment.

Ignition would turn, but engine would not fire – accompanied by ‘CANCHECK’ message displayed on radio display.

Heavy clutch judder.

Juddering wipers.

Power steering failed on one occasion. Restarting engine fixed the problem.

Passenger airbag or low fuel light would occasionally light up under braking.

Interior rattles.

Noisy brakes – had to be rebuilt twice.

Vibration through steering wheel when braking from high speeds.

Squeaking from rear suspension over poorly surfaced roads.

Creaking from rear suspension on gradients.

A complete lock set had to be purchased to replace a damaged door lock because individual locks are not available.

General Comments:

The spacious cabin has some of the best seats I have ever sat in.

The engine is quiet at motorway speeds and offers a decent performance/economy mix.

The optional radio/CD + 100W sub-woofer audio unit is the best in-car system I have experienced.

The steering is well-weighted and the city mode (extra light setting for parking) is very handy, but the handling looses grip easily and the ride is too firm.

The general fit and finish is appalling and long term durability is questionable.

Faults:

Air Conditioning wasnt working when I bought the car. The main dealer looked at it, said it just needed re-gassed and would cost £110 so I told them not to bother. When I went to pick the car up they tried to charge me £38 for looking at it, but the car is under warranty.

I spoke to the manager and they didn't charge me, but the original assistant was very abrupt and refused to give me the keys back until I paid.

General Comments:

Car is faster than a previous HGT I have owned. I am impressed with the performance, have regularly beaten a Civic Type-R from the lights on the way home from work!

I am not 100% sure about the handling of the car, seems to be a bit light at the rear... especially in the wet!!!

I would have another HGT without a doubt.

Considering modifying the engine, induction kit and exhaust, maybe a chip. Fancy taking it to about 180BHP.

Faults:

The wiper blades never cleaned the window properly from new. I suspect someone replaced them with used ones, before I took delivery.

No other problems.

General Comments:

For a 1.2 litre engine, this car is quite nippy, especially in town. On the open road,it cruises quite happily in 5th gear even with two people in it.

A stylish car and great value for money.

Faults:

Headlights kept steaming up.

Car kept 'cutting out'

Radio was faulty.

Trim was badly fitted in roof.

Wing mirror fell off.

Electricals on dashboard went faulty.

Headlights just 'cut out'

General Comments:

This is the second Fiat car I have owned, both from brand new. Although I have always like the style of Fiat cars, I am totally fed up with Fiat and believe they really need to get their act together. This car has been a non stop hassle of faults since the day I had it.

Firstly, the trim which held the roof at the rear in place was not fitted properly and kept coming away. The plastic clips kept dropping out and it took Fiat six months to get some new ones fitted and almost a year for the dealer to get the fault put right.

Then I was driving along and the left wing mirror simply came away from the wing when I adjusted it and had to be replaced.

Then the radio went faulty and the ariel had to be totally rewired.

Then the car kept cutting out sporadically for no reason.

Now just within the last week the dashboard electrics have gone faulty, giving out incorrect readings and with different indicator lights staying on, even when the care is switched off and has no key in the ignition.

Now to top it all, the headlights have gone faulty without any evident faulty bulb causing the problem.