Fiat Punto (2010 – 2018) Review

Fiat Punto (2010 – 2018) At A Glance

2/5

+Low running costs thanks to economical engines. Impressive MultiAir petrols. Good levels of standard kit. Comes with a driver's knee airbag and five three point seatbelts.

-Overly firm ride. Gear change not positive enough. Initially too expensive. Zero star 2017 Euro NCAP rating.

Insurance Groups are between 6–21
On average it achieves 81% of the official MPG figure

Fiat's Punto has undergone several name changes. Renamed the Punto Evo in 2010, it reverted to plain Punto in 2012. However, it remains an 'evolved' version of the Fiat Grande Punto which was launched in 2006. That's not a bad thing though - the Grande Punto is a good hatchback that's fun to drive and good value - and the Fiat Punto Evo built on that.

The most obvious upgrades are on the outside where the Evo got a front end inspired by the funky Fiat 500. It certainly gave it a softer appearance compared to the Grande Punto although the styling does seem to divide opinion. There were changes on the inside too with a redesigned dash and a better quality feel.

There were new petrol and diesel engines which focus on economy and efficiency but not at the expense of performance. All the engines use a start/stop 2012 system to reduce fuel consumption when sitting in traffic and this has real benefits for the MultiJet diesels which can average more than 65mpg. The the main change under the bonnet came in summer 2012, when the turbocharged TwinAir engine became available.

Refinement has been improved, so the Punto, is quieter on the motorway and off it the Punto is easy and enjoyable to drive. The one let down is an overly firm ride which is especially noticeable on models with larger wheels but this doesn't detract too much from what is a very likeable hatchback.

2010 Fiat Punto Evo Road Test

2010 Fiat Punto TwinAir Road Test

Real MPG average for a Fiat Punto (2010 – 2018)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

81%

Real MPG

30–73 mpg

MPGs submitted

170

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

Fiat Punto warning lights - what do they mean?

"I own a Fiat Punto Evo and the dashboard warning lights are on. It says 'Start Stop/Airbags Not Available' when starting the ignition. My local garage says it cannot identify the fault as its diagnostics machine is not compatible with the car. Do I need to take to a main Fiat garage (which will be expensive) to identify the fault?"
At the very least needs someone with an electronic OBDII interrogator that is compatible with the FIAT system.
Answered by Honest John

Starting a new job with a 60 mile commute - should I buy a diesel?

"I'm starting a new job soon, which will involve a daily 60 mile motorway commute. Should I change my petrol Fiat Punto for a diesel? If yes, what would you recommend around £10-12k? "
The abundance is because rental fleets invested in these cars and now the public is shunning them because of the high long-term costs. You'll probably be best off with a KIA cee'd or Hyundai i30 1.4CRDI or 1.6CRDI. Driven sedately, the 1.4CRDI can give 60mpg plus. Your problem is the investment. Your Punto won't be worth much and it might be better to sacrifice that and run it into the ground rather than invest significant money in a newer diesel that will inevitably devalue strongly from high mileage use.
Answered by Honest John

Friend hates their new car - can they return it?

"A friend of mine purchased a Fiat Punto 1.4 automatic from an independent garage three days ago. My friend has only recently passed her test and only has an automatic licence. She learned to drive and pass her test in a typical torque converter style automatic. Without knowing any different she purchased a car from an independent dealer that was listed as automatic without taking the car for a test drive. Due to inexperience she wasn't aware there are a few types of automatic that can be obtained these days and the Punto she has purchased is a semi-automatic (dual logic I believe) and has completely different driving characteristics to the type of automatic she is used to. She has tried the car for a few days but hates it and wants to return it. She has taken out a finance agreement on the vehicle and tried to return it, but the garage will only trade it in against another vehicle at a loss. Where does she stand?"
I don't think she has any specific right to return the car. I agree that Dualogics aren't as good as torque converter automatics, but they are the best automated manuals. The first thing she needs to do is learn to left foot brake. Then it can't roll away on inclines. The next is to understand that the transmission will seek to protect itself from violent upshifts, so learn to lift slightly for each gearchange. She can get used to it. Hundreds of thousands of people have done.
Answered by Honest John

We'd like to replace our underpowered Fiesta with a 1.4-litre Punto - do you have any advice?

"Having had two 5-door 1242cc Fiat Puntos and loved them, we then PX’d for a Ford Fiesta 1242cc Style almost three years ago. We have been disappointed with the Ford’s performance. We loved the easy driving feel, power and comfort of the Puntos, especially the lovely light steering. We are now thinking about replacing the 2008 Fiesta for another newer secondhand car (although we are both in our 60s and haven’t got much money). My daughter now has the last Punto we had and I drove it today and realised again how much better it felt to drive than the Ford. We are thinking about replacing it now with a Punto 5-door 1.4-litre or something as good to drive in our older age. I realise that we will only get perhaps £3000 or less in part-exchange and may be able to add between £6000 to £8000 to that. We would also prefer something not too expensive on insurance, consumption and tax. Are we asking for too much? Do you have any advice for me please?"
This reads as if you picked the 60PS version of the Fiesta 1.25 rather than the 82PS. If that's the case, I'm not surprised. Expect £3000 - £3500 for the Fiesta Style. I’d seriously consider a Dacia Sandero 90TCe at £7395 new.
Answered by Honest John
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