Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Fiat Punto (2012-2018) review - Interior, design and technology

Bland and lacklustre compared to newer rivals, the Punto is not even lavishly specced

Interior, design and technology rating

1.8

How we review cars
Find your Fiat Punto
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

This is the third generation of the Fiat Punto and despite a series of facelifts things have remained largely unchanged since it first emerged as the Grande Punto in 2005. 

New headlights or a few extra paint choices can’t disguise its dated design, and the Punto looks bland next to more head-turning rivals like the Ford Fiesta, Peugeot 208 and Kia Rio. In fact, cars like the Honda Jazz are now being overhauled for the second time – making Fiat’s Punto look really rather old. It’s a shame, considering how fresh and innovative the Punto looked when first introduced in the early 1990s, but Fiat owners looking for something more fun and funky have various versions of  the 500 and Panda to choose from.

There are two specs to choose from, Pop+ and Easy+. The basic model is still fairly poorly specced, though all cars do get alloy wheels, body coloured door mirrors and remote central locking. Easy+ models add larger wheels, front fog lights and darkened headlamps.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Neither is particularly exciting to look at though, and the Punto’s drab personality continues inside. Cheap plastics, a tiny gearlever and the cabin’s overall flimsiness make the cheaper Fiat Panda look like a luxury car.

Top-spec Easy+ cars are better equipped and for an extra £1,100 add TomTom sat-nav, climate control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

The entry-level audio package in the Fiat Punto is a basic radio with MP3 compatible CD player, but you get steering wheel controls and six speakers including a pair of tweeters. Bluetooth connectivity for your phone is also standard, or you can use AUX or USB inputs to stream music.

The portable TomTom sat-nav is only available on the Easy+ model, as it requires a specific set-up for the audio system.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,235Avg. savings £1,824 off RRP*Used from £24,995
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,040Avg. savings £2,827 off RRP*Used from £8,958
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £17,915Avg. savings £3,834 off RRP*Used from £7,451
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,135Avg. savings £5,882 off RRP*Used from £14,496
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car brands with the most recalls: BMW tops the UK recall chart in 2024
BMW 530e - front cornering

Car brands with the most recalls: BMW tops the UK recall chart in 2024

Did you receive a letter alerting you to a potentially dangerous car fault? Here are the car brands that sent the most out
News
17 Jan 2025
BMW M5 vs Porsche Panamera: which is the superior super-saloon?
BMW M5 and Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid - front tracking

BMW M5 vs Porsche Panamera: which is the superior super-saloon?

By combining petrol and electric power, these two super- saloons are more potent than ever, but which is best?
Car group tests
17 Jan 2025
New Kia Ceed K4 GT-Line Turbo 2025 review: family hatch is bigger and bolder than ever
Kia Ceed - front tracking

New Kia Ceed K4 GT-Line Turbo 2025 review: family hatch is bigger and bolder than ever

The Kia K4 will eventually become the new Ceed in the UK, and it’s taking a big step upmarket
Road tests
16 Jan 2025