2002 Fiat Punto Eleganza review from UK and Ireland

The Blaupunkt cd player shows a 'cd error' message, however it is soon to be entirely replaced with a new one under the 3 year warranty, which I find very pleasing.

Nothing else has gone wrong!

I feel that this car has the best handling out of all hatch-backs. This is due to its Italian origins, with its hard suspension settings. I have cornered far quicker and vigorously than I would have in a 'normal' car and had NO body-roll at all. ie 60mph around a 45-60 degree corner in the wet!

Most would expect the 1.9 td-intercooler to be slow and cumbersome, and how wrong would you be! The unofficial 0-60mph test I had fun doing showed it as sub 9 seconds, and the torque curve is utterly fantastic, pulling with punch from as low as 1,250rpm. The driver needn't rev any higher than 3,250rpm in the diesel, as the turbo punches power from 1,500rpm.

The ride quality is excellent, and I find that it isn't loud at all! The gearchange at first I found to be too snatchy, as if the springs were far too tight. However after becoming accustomed to this, I now find it to add greatly to the sportiness of the vehicle.

I can cruise at 75 mph at a jaw-dropping low 2,100 rpm! Practicality and running costs are very low indeed, and the insurance companies obviously didn't drive the car, as they have plonked it in group 6 only!

I am very happy with the car, and will keep it for a long time! I have no real criticisms, only little niggles like the front windscreen posts being too bulky, therefore restricting vision whilst cornering around a long, drawn out bend.