2001 Fiat Punto Sporting review from UK and Ireland

Misfire during idle, from delivery. Fault with CD player. Fault with 'Smart'wash/wipe caused wipers to judder. Solid part of 'flexi' hose on air-con unit snapped at bend. Third and fourth gear failed at 19000 miles - worn baulk rings.Air-hose broke (again).

I went out to buy a new Polo and saw this on the forecourt of a car Super-Market. It caught my eye straight away. I have to admit that I had to look at the badge to see what it was. A Punto!

Slightly boy-racer like, but not quite. Great looking interior with the sporty seats. I paid 8 grand and it came with CD, Air-Con, sun roof. What more can I say. A misfire at idle, from delivery was annoying. This took, two dealers, a total of 14 days sort out. It was a badly gapped plug!Quite a few smaller problems were all sorted out under Fiat Warranty, despite the car being an import from Ireland. The dealer was very good actually. Major problem with gear-box is worrying after 19000 miles. Lucky for me this was totally covered by an additional warranty. Despite the problems, I still enjoy driving this car, especially on the smooth German roads - where I live now. On bumpy, pot holed UK roads, the ride is very harsh. High speed motorway driving is not a relaxing affair!The Sporting is a great compromise between performance and economy. The engine is revy, but smooth and well matched to the 6 speed box. I hope Fiat sorts out all the quality problems. That is what would put me off a future purchase.