2001 Fiat Punto HGT review from UK and Ireland

CD autochanger is temperamental.

Radiator needs replacing - under warranty.

Seats showing signs of wear, especially in raised side sections.

After having a 1995 N Punto S, the HGT goes like a rocket! There is a marked improvement in build quality over the old Punto, although nowhere near the VWs of the world, but you get what you pay for. The 5 disc autochanger, sat nav, electrics all round and leather steering wheel are all nice touches and the seats are comfortable and supportive. The ride's quite hard, but you'd expect that from this kind of car.

The interior is quite dark, but the silver-coloured insert on the central console livens things up a bit.

To drive, it's a brilliant laugh, it takes everyone by surprise because it looks quite understated - the look on a Golf GTi driver's face last week was a picture :-) Handling is good, I've never driven a Saxo or 106 so I couldn't compare them, but the Punto's styling is way ahead looks-wise.

Running costs are pretty high - fuel economy isn't great and insurance quotes can make you cry, but it's well worth the fun of driving it! Buy one!