Fiat Punto (1994 – 1999) Review

Fiat Punto (1994 – 1999) At A Glance

2/5

+Low prices and equally low running costs. Easy to get in and out of. In its day, the best small hatch there was.

-Unsettled ride and mediocre handling. Patchy reliability record.

Snappily codenamed Project 176, the Fiat Punto was the Italian car maker’s long-awaited replacement for its Uno. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, it was an instant hit and beat the Volkswagen Polo to the coveted European Car of the Year title when it was launched in 1993.

Punto power came from either a 1.1- or 1.2-litre petrol while a 1.7-litre diesel dealt with the increasing demand for oil burners. As well as engine choice, drivers also got plenty of variety with three- and five-door hatches, a soft-top and even a van making their way onto forecourts.

An outstanding car to drive, it deserved an outstanding engine to go with it. And, after the lukewarm Sporting version hit the market, petrolheads were treated to the GT with its 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing more than 130bhp and a 7.9 second 0-60mph time. Beloved of boy racers everywhere and still a good looking car, the Punto is definitely one to watch