IN recent years Fiat has never quite captured that elusive 'Wow!' factor that pulls the fans in their droves.
But it has certainly gone the extra mile to put matters to rights with its latest supermini, the Grande Punto which has certainly hit the spot with British buyers.
This is the latest generation of the Punto which, 12 years ago bridged the gaping gap separating Fiat's small and medium hatchbacks.
The Punto certainly scooped awards and went down a bundle in mainland Europe, but in Britain Fiat had to work hard against more modern competition.
The new creation has won honours for its spacious interior and can confidently face formidable opposition like the Ford Fiesta and Renault Clio head on.
The Grande Punto is a massively significant development in Fiat's 107-year history. Fiat does not major on large luxurious cars but is known best for stylish medium and small cars that all have more than a fair share of Italian style.
It comes in three or five-door bodstyles with some very flowing lines. And if you think there is something of the supercar about it then you are right because the front end has hint of Maserati thanks to Giorgetto Giugiaro's Italdesign Studio.
What this car has in adbundance is wonderful handling qualities. It corners like cars costing much more and is one of those rare drives when you always leave the car smiling.
There is a wide choice of engines including four examples of Fiat's MultiJet commonrail direct injection turbo diesel technology. I drove a five-door 90bhp version which was mated to a neatly spaced five-speed manual transmission.
First impressions are top marks for the interior design, The vivid blue upholstery panels are a little bright but the whole interior is just so spacious and restful.
The engine is a willing performer but is one of those which needs the system to warm before starting. It can be noisy at tick-over, especially so when cold, but on the open road is an impressive performer.
Specification includes electric front windows, remote central locking, electric door mirrors, trip computer, ABS braking with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), plus four-speaker sound system with CD and steering wheel-mounted controls.
This is indeed one of the biggest superminis around and is worth a look if your current set of wheels is feeling a little cramped.
Electric power steering features a button that makes the steering lighter when parking and maneourving in tight spaces - a very handy gadget.
The Grande Punto is one of the best efforts by Fiat for many a year and it has been awarded a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating.
Low insurance grouping and some very pc exhaust emission levels place this model high on the list of efficient yet stylish hatches.
FAST FACTS
Fiat Grande Punto 1.3 MultiJet 90 Dynamic 5dr
Price: £11,195
Mechanical: 90bhp, 1,248cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 109mph
0-62mph: 11.9 secs
Insurance group: 4
Combined mpg: 61.4
CO2 emissions: 123g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 8yrs anti-rust