Fiat Punto (2012-2018) review - Reliability and Safety
Fiat hasn’t performed well in our recent reliability surveys, and the Punto was crash tested back in 2005
Fiat came 24th in our 2015 Driver Power survey for reliability and consumer satisfaction. While that may not sound too good, it’s actually a three-place improvement on the previous year, and a big jump from its rock-bottom finish in 2012.
There’s still lots of room for improvement though, and the brand will need to make strides in the performance and ride quality stakes if it wants to take more steps up the ladder in 2016. Practicality and seat comfort are also areas for development.
The Fiat Punto should be relatively safe in spite of its age though, as driver, passenger and knee airbags are standard on both trim levels. The supermini also managed four-stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests.
Back in 2005 when it was crash tested the percentage ratings for categories had yet to be introduced. Instead, the Punto was awarded five stars for adult occupant safety, and three stars each for child occupant and pedestrian safety. While that means it’s hard to make direct comparisons, it seems reasonable to assume that more recently designed rivals will crash more safely. The chances are they’ll feature more on-board safety tech too.
In terms of standard or optional safety kit, the Punto falls a little behind its more up-to-date rivals. You do get ABS, ESP and a hill-hold system as standard, but there’s no Emergency Brake Assist, lane-keep assist or blind-spot warning – even on the options list. Cornering fog-lights are standard on the Easy+, but there’s not much else to boast about.
Warranty
The Fiat Punto comes with the Italian manufacturer’s standard three-year/unlimited mileage warranty cover, which is better than some rivals who impose 60,000-mile limits. Others push the boat out further of course, and Hyundai offers five-year cover with unlimited mileage, while Kia offers an impressive seven years.
Servicing
As it’s a relatively low-end competitor, dealers for the Fiat brand should offer pretty reasonable service rates. The Punto itself has 18,000 mile or two-year service intervals, whichever comes first.
