The Punto Evo is here

Jan 25 2010 Peter Hayward

THE new Fiat Punto Evo is set to build on the strengths of its predecessors and move the small car game on - what Fiat has always done best.

Fiat says it has been designed to meet the need for smaller, more environmentally friendly cars that are easy to live with and affordable to run, while still being stylish, safe, comfortable and fun.

The company's eco:Drive is fully integrated and drivers now receive real-time suggestions for more environmentally friendly motoring.

The new model brings two important new 'Ecotechnology' engine line-ups, the MultiAir petrol family and MultiJet II diesels.

The range of five engines all conform to Euro5 emissions and are all fitted with Start&Stop technology as standard.

Low CO2 emissions mean customers will also pay low car tax - just £35 for the MultiJet range.

All the GP and three-door Sporting versions have a Sport chassis with more sporting handling and looks, while three and five-door Comfort versions come in either Active, Dynamic or Eleganza trims.

Interior

All models come with knee airbags, double seatbelt pre-tensioners and a stability programme with hill holder.

And all are fitted with the firm's Blue&Me interface that allows drivers intuitive control of all the car's major functions.

FAST FACTS

Fiat Punto Evo

Price: £13,100

Mechanical: 105bhp, 1,368cc, 4 cylinder petrol engine driving the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 115mph

0-62mph: 10.9 seconds

Combined mpg: 49

Insurance group: 5

CO2 emissions: 132g/km

BIK rating: 13%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles

Marks: 9/10

Main rival: Ford Fiesta