IN ONE fell swoop, Fiat has transformed its Punto supermini from being average to brilliant.
Using the smallest diesel engine ever fitted in a mass production car, the reborn Punto has become one of the best buys around.
At a shade over £10,000 for a fully kitted five door version, this diesel Punto can average an incredible 62.8 miles to the gallon.
That miserly thirst is backed up with low CO2 exhaust emissions of 119g/km resulting in significant tax advantages to private and business users alike.
Nothing has been lost in terms of performance either and this state of the art 1.3 litre common rail engine has loads of mid-range power.
It is great fun to drive and makes the Punto ideal as a family runabout, mainstream car, or one for the younger motorist.
A low insurance grouping of five makes it even more attractive, as does its peace of mind three year warranty and AA recovery package.
The engine itself is a brilliant piece of technology.
Fiat led the way with common rail diesel systems which have now become the industry norm.
Using a 16 valve multijet arrangement this Punto may develop only 70bhp, but it is nowhere near lacking. On paper the statistics may look rather dull with a 0 to 60mph time of 13.4 seconds and a claimed top speed of 102mph, but it is how the car accelerates through the gears that is most impressive.
As well as this marvellous engine, the latest Puntos also boast subtle style changes in the form of new lamp clusters front and rear as well as a new look interior.
This mid-range Dynamic model came with two-tone trim as well as hardwearing fabric upholstery.
Air conditioning, electric front windows, a CD player and even a trip computer are all included in the price, as are twin airbags plus crossover seatbelts and head restraints for all five occupants.
The driver's seat is fully adjustable and so is the steering wheel. Interior storage space includes door pockets front and rear, a glovebox - although not lockable - and a centre console that is as stylish as it is practical.
It all makes for a well finished car with adequate room all round.
Boot space at around ten cubic feet is about par for the course in five door cars of this size, and the rear seats fold to create more room.
As with all Puntos, there are dual settings for the power steering which at the touch of a button can be given a lighter feel for urban work. That feature is also a great boon when it comes to parking.
Spruced up and fully kitted out, the new Punto is now up with the best.
It has a lovely, traditional feel, not only in its style but also in its handling. But more than anything the new diesel engine puts it in a league of its own.
It may have been a long time coming, but seven years after the Punto made its debut it now has something to shout about that no other car can match - at the moment.
FAST FACTS
Fiat Punto 1.3d Dynamic 5-dr
Price: £10,345
Mechanical: 70 bhp, 1,248cc 4 cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 102 mph
0-60mph: 13.4secs
Combined mpg: 62.8
Insurance group: 5
CO2 emissions: 119g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 8yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint