1998 Fiat Punto SX review from UK and Ireland

Rear shock-absorber has started to make a clonking noise.

This car is awesome.

I had the choice of several small cars, such as Fiestas, Saxos etc. but chose the Punto, primarily on looks.

If you have the choice, get a 3 door. They look better!

When I got the car, it was notably superior to my previous car, and I don't think that I would ever buy a Ford again. Especially not while Fiat are around!

The performance from the little 1.2 is very good, and it feels free to rev right round to the red line. The performance gets better when the engine comes on-cam above 3,200 rpm.

The car is nippy and good on the motorway, while still being economical.

The mechanicals are good, the heater has never let me down, nor the electrics, although the gearbox does whine when the car is cold, but the noise goes when the heat gets round. The brakes are just awesome!

The Build quality feels excellent and rattle free.

The interior is good, being generally comfortable, although my right leg does start to ache on long trips. The cabin can be a bit loud in some cars, but is nonetheless well put together.

The handling could do with some improvement, as the nose does dip under hard cornering, leading to understeer, but the steering feels direct and just the right weight (my car does not have power steering).

All in all, I just love the way it goes, the way it looks, and above all, the way it drives. It's just sublime!