2001 Fiat Punto ELX JTD review from UK and Ireland

Nothing.

My 2001 Punto JTD "ELX" (80 hp engine) has been, apart from mistreatment at the hands of the incompetent local Fiat agent during servicing, a paragon of reliability. Enormous torque allows 5th gear to be used almost exclusively over 42 mph, even in the Derbyshire Peak District with its many steep hills. Even with the air-conditioning running carefully checked-economy of 48 mpg around town, 54 mpg on "A" roads and an astounding 64 mpg on the motorway is easily achievable and adds to the sense of satisfaction. Performance is more than satisfactory for a car without traction control; the limiting factor being wheel spin when trying to encourage all that torque to do its job pulling out of slow, slippery bends.

Front tire wear has been heavy and enthusiastic corning will see a pair run bald within 15,000 miles; the original rears are still legal at 44,000, but will need replacing soon. The ride is hard and unforgiving, but the handling perfectly safe and predictable; my only concerns have been the "limp" feel of the (ABS) brake pedal (the brakes are perfectly effective in ordinary use, but just do not inspire confidence in stops from high speed) and the modest performance of the headlights on main beam.

For a balance of performance, economy and reliability this must be one car to seek out on the used market.