IN a world of constant change there is something comforting about driving a car with a name that has been around for more than two decades.
It seems hardly possible but it was back in 1993 that Fiat first unveiled the Punto, and since then more than 8.5 million have taken to the road.
The task in recent years has been to appeal to younger buyers and no model fits that bill better than the new limited-edition Punto Jet Black 2.
With distinctive looks, 17-inch alloy wheels and sports suspension, the car blends sporty styling with affordable running costs.
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This particular model’s key selling point is its high level of specification, which includes climate control, cruise control and Blue&Me connectivity – more of that later.
Powered by a 77-horsepower, 1.4-litre petrol engine, the Punto Jet Black 2 is available as a three-door only, finished in Crossover Black metallic paint and is equipped with dark-tinted rear privacy glass and smoked, 12-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels as standard.
Body-coloured side skirts and a matching rear spoiler, front fog lights, special side stripes and a tailgate logo complete the bespoke exterior look. The interior sports a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob and a range of standard safety features, including rear parking sensors, adaptive cornering fog lights and five airbags.
The Blue&Me system allows phones and media players to be synchronised via Bluetooth. These devices can then be neatly controlled either through a touchscreen on the dashboard, by buttons on the steering wheel or by using voice commands.
This system also incorporates Fiat’s eco:Drive technology that allows you to download information about your driving to a USB stick, which can then be uploaded to a computer and analysed. The system examines acceleration, deceleration, gearshifts and speed and gives you a score and tips on how to improve performance.
The engine is equipped with a start and stop system designed for city driving which switches the engine off when traffic signals or conditions require, while keeping functions such as lights, windscreen wipers, climate control and sound system operating.
Lifting off the brake or touching the clutch triggers the engine to fire up.
The Punto name might have been around for a while but the car is happily keeping up with the times.
- Price: £12,000
- Insurance group: Eight
- Fuel consumption (Combined): 49.6mpg
- Top speed: 103mph
- Length: 406.5cm/160in
- Width: 168.7cm/66.4in
- Luggage capacity: 9.7 cu ft
- Fuel tank capacity: 9.9 gallons/45 litres
- CO2 emissions: 132g/km
- Warranty: Three years/100,000 miles
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