Skip advert
Advertisement

Fiat Punto (2012-2018) review - Engines, performance and drive

Limited engine choices and lacklustre handling mean the ageing Punto is seriously outclassed

Engines, performance and drive rating

2.0

How we review cars
Find your Fiat Punto
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

The city is clearly the Fiat Punto’s preferred habitat. Parking is stress free thanks to the light steering and decent visibility. The turning circle could be tighter, but all things considered, it’s fairly easy to manoeuvre. 

On the open road, the lack of feedback from the feather-light wheel can be disconcerting. Neither engine is particularly responsive either, so overtaking requires a degree of preparation. Things are not helped there by an occasionally awkward gearshift mechanism, which makes it too easy to miss a slot unless your gear change movements are quite slow and deliberate.

Disappointingly the Punto also displays shoddy body control when cornered hard and that means more dynamic rivals like the Ford Fiesta feel a class above, too. The brakes are over-sharp but at least the suspension soaks up bumps and ridges comfortably enough. You can also cruise quite comfortably on the motorway, where the Punto’s progress isn’t so often interrupted by the need to steer around corners.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In short, if you drive everywhere slowly and not for fun, the Punto is a passable means of transportation. But the lack of any handling brio is disappointing considering the Punto’s ancestry.

Engines

Fiat used to offer the Punto with turbocharged TwinAir petrol and MultiJet diesel engines, but these are no longer available – probably because the model is getting to the end of its usable life. 

You’re left with a choice of two 8-valve petrol engines, in 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre capacities making 68bhp and 76bhp respectively. The 1.4-litre version isn’t unpleasant, and indeed feels quite refined and smooth.

However a 0-62mph time of 13.2 seconds is hardly thrilling, and the 14.4 seconds recorded by the 1.2-litre is even less so. On the positive side, at least neither engine will encourage you to explore the limitations of the Punto's chassis.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys
Opinion - Vauxhall Corsa-e

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys

Editor Paul Barker takes a closer look at our 2024 Used Car Awards
Opinion
20 Nov 2024
Best used cars to buy 2024
Best used cars 2024

Best used cars to buy 2024

From city cars to large SUVs, here’s our annual pick of the star performers that’ll save you thousands when you buy them used instead of new
Best cars & vans
22 Nov 2024
New Jaguar logos unveiled as big concept reveal moves closer
New Jaguar logo 1

New Jaguar logos unveiled as big concept reveal moves closer

Jaguar has revealed its new logos and styling details ahead of its transition into a luxury EV brand
News
19 Nov 2024