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Fiat Punto Evo 2010 road test report

2010

The word Evo is usually associated with high-performance cars such as the Mitsubishi Lancer, or editions of the BMW M3 and Lancia Delta Integrale. However, in what initially seems like a brave move, Fiat has used the name for the latest version of its Punto supermini. But here Evo stands for evolution, a sign that Fiat sees this latest refreshed Punto as a progression rather than a major step-change. However, with a range of new range engines under the bonnet, it’s a significant progression, which also reinforces Fiat’s position as the carmaker with the lowest average CO2 emissions.

Road Test Reports Says 4 star rating
A front-facing image of the Fiat Punto Evo 2010

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CRAIGT SAYS

Performance Performance - 4 stars

The Punto Evo is powered by a choice of five engines, almost all of which are newly developed. The petrol engines comprise an older eight-valve 1.4-litre unit producing 76bhp (resulting in 0-62mph in 13.2 seconds) and a new 16-valve 1.4 MultiAir, with 103 and 133bhp outputs, and 0-62mph times of 10.8 and (a pacey) 8.5 seconds. What’s clever about this new engine is that Fiat’s engineers have added some electronic trickery that controls the intake of air to make them more efficient, so fuel economy has increased and CO2 emissions have fallen. It’s a similar story with the second-generation MultiJet II diesel engines. The 1.3-litre powerplant is available with two outputs: the base version produces 74bhp and 140lb-ft of torque, enabling it to reach 62mph from a standing start in 13.6 seconds, while the more powerful 94bhp/147lb-ft version has a 0-62mph time of 11.7 seconds. As with the previous-generation MultiJets, they’re at the cutting edge of small diesel technology.

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 3 stars

The Fiat Punto Evo handles reasonably well, with decent levels of grip inspiring a degree of confidence when you chuck it into corners. The steering’s a little on the light side, though – which is fine around town and when parking, but out on the open road you want a bit more weight and feel than the Punto Evo can supply. It’s certainly no Fiesta, lacking the precision and dynamic ability that make the Ford so much fun to drive. The ride is a tale of two halves: the softer suspension on the Active, Dynamic and Eleganza trims means the Punto Evo is comfortable, with plenty of give to soak up the potholes and broken surfaces we encounter all too often on our roads. The GP and Sporting versions have a slightly stiffer set-up to match their boy racer aspirations, but it’s still not too firm so as to be uncomfortable.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 2 stars

The old joke about Fiat standing for “fix it again tomorrow” is a bit tired now, but the company still has problems in this area. The most recent JD Power customer satisfaction survey ranks the Italian carmaker last in the league table of 29 manufacturers – and it’s a position that it’s not unused to being in. The Punto is also last in the list of 101 cars and, as the mechanical changes to this latest edition are largely limited to the range of new engines, it doesn’t bode well for this latest iteration. However, it’s only fair to point out that the build quality of the Punto Evo does seem to have improved. The interior, in particular, feels a lot more robust and comes fitted out with better-quality materials: gone are some of the cheaper plastics and the perforated leather fascia on the Eleganza trim impressed us with its classy feel.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 4 stars

The Grande Punto was awarded five stars after crash tests by Euro NCAP, with three stars for child occupant protection and also for pedestrian impact. As the Punto Evo is, to all intents and purposes, the same car, there’s no reason why the safety score will be any different if it’s retested. There are decent levels of safety equipment for a supermini, including five airbags fitted as standard (two in the front, two side/window ‘bags and a driver’s knee bag) on all models apart from the base Active trim (the side/window ‘bags are an option). There are also adjustable head restraints in the front and rear, optional adaptive front fog lights that also have a lane change feature, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), ESP and a hill holder than helps the driver when starting off on an incline. In terms of security, central locking and an immobiliser are fitted as standard, with an alarm available as a dealer fitted-option.

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 3 stars

The Punto Evo is a supermini, so space is never going to be exactly plentiful, but it’s certainly more than adequate, with just enough leg- and headroom in the back for average-sized adults - although it might well start feeling cramped over longer distances. The seats themselves, which have also been redesigned, are also perfectly comfortable. The bootspace is comparable with its competitors: the 275 litres with the seats in place is slightly less than the Polo, Corsa and Fiesta; but with the seats folded, 1,030 litres is greater than all but the Vauxhall. The driving position is also comfortable, thanks to a height-adjustable seat as standard, plus a steering wheel that is also reach and rake-adjustable. There’s plenty of kit fitted as standard, including electric mirrors, radio/CD with steering wheel-mounted controls and the Blue&Me telematics system, rear parking sensors, air conditioning and the option of a TomTom satellite navigation unit.

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 3 stars

The MultiJet engines emit just 108g/km and 110g/km of CO2, placing them in VED Band B and meaning costs of just £35 a year for road tax: the MultiAir engines, meanwhile, also have low emissions for petrol-powered engines, from 129g/km for the most powerful 133bhp engine to 134g/km for the 103bhp version (no, that’s not a misprint – the more powerful version is also more efficient) meaning road tax of £120 a year. Fuel consumption is also competitive, with 67.3-68.9mpg for the diesels and 49.6-50.4mpg for the petrol versions. Residuals aren’t that great, with one used-car specialist quoting values after three years and 60,000 miles at around 33% - which makes it a good second-hand buy (especially with the high kit levels). However, the ownership experience might ultimately decided by something less tangible than running costs if Fiat’s record for unreliability continues to blight the Punto.

Submitted: 01/02/2010 10:35:17

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