Petrol fans can choose between two 1.4-litre engines with either 76- or 94bhp, as well as a turbocharged 1.4 T-Jet unit with 118bhp. The 74bhp 1.3-litre diesel needs to be worked hard, but it's willing. However, the gutsier 89bhp 1.3 diesel suffers from too much turbo lag.

The Punto handles sharply, thanks to good body control, plenty of grip, and steering that responds quickly. The light steering helps you when parking, but doesn't provide enough feel on twistier routes. The ride is firm and fidgety around town, but improves at higher speed.

The 1.2-litre petrol engine turns thrashy as the revs rise, but the 1.4-litre unit is generally smooth and civilized. It can be heard at the national limit, but it's never overbearing. The diesel units are impressively smooth, and become all but inaudible on the motorway. Road and suspension noise intrude on poor surfaces, and wind noise picks up at speed, so the Punto isn't as quiet a cruiser as the Renault Clio.

The Grande Punto undercuts many of its key rivals on price, and running costs should be competitive, too. No matter which engine you go for, fuel economy is good and emissions are low. All models sit in low insurance bands.

Everything inside the Grande Punto looks good and feels sturdy enough, but the controls don't have the same solidity as a Renault Clio's and there are a couple of suspect areas, notably the hard, sharp interior door releases and the flimsy-feeling headlining.

The Punto was awarded the maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash-test rating. All models come with driver and passenger airbags, which vary how forcefully they deploy according to the severity of the impact. Only the entry-level Active trim doesn't have side and curtain airbags. An engine immobiliser is standard, but deadlocks aren't fitted. Only Eleganza and Sporting get stability control as standard.

All models have a height-adjustable driver's seat and a steering wheel that moves for both reach and rake. The dashboard is logically laid out, but visibility is hindered by thick front pillars. Many taller drivers also struggle to make themselves comfortable, due to the awkwardly located footrest, cramped pedal area and oddly shaped seats.

The 'Grande Punto' tag isn't a misnomer, because the car is big inside and out. There's plenty of space for four adults, and adequate room for a fifth. The boot capacity is 264 litres, a total that falls just short of the Renault Clio's, but beats most other rivals'.

All Puntos come with electric front windows, remote locking and a CD player. Dynamic models have a leather steering wheel and air-conditioning, and Eleganza trim brings alloys, climate control, parking sensors and Bluetooth. Active Sport and Dynamic Sport models add some sporty touches, while Sporting trim gets the works, with 17-inch alloys, sports seats, and sports suspension.