Faults:

First month.. New gearbox, shift from 5th to reverse in one shift, non stop.

Faulty indication of passenger airbag operation, fixed in holiday garage location.

Digital console has had four occasions when it has reset all readings, indicating a power supply failure. Fiat say unusual.

Paint on roof 'crazing' We bought JewelUltra DiamondBrite cover for the car and are now told that the crazing is due to birds crapping on soft water based paint. Despite paying £200 for the DB cover. Bird marks not covered by Fiat after sales service.

General Comments:

We bought a second Fiat Punto, after getting the water leak fixed in the first one, as we liked the size and handling. Diesel was chosen for economy.

Overall it handles well, is comfortable, and yes it is stylish, but after the above, never again.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

So far, we are very impressed with the punto.

Excellent deals available on all Fiats at the moment. Although this is not the cheapest car in its class, with 0% finance, it works out the cheapest overall.

New generation punto is a very pretty car. This model has alloys and spoilers, and finished in broom yellow, so it really looks the part, and does turn heads.

For a 60 Brake Horse Power engine, its quite brisk in all gears. One impressive point is that it revs at about 3000 RPM at 70 MPH. Most cars in this class need to be revved harder than this at speed. This makes for relaxed motorway driving.

Build quality on all Fiats generally is now excellent, with no rattles and a lovely VW-esque thud when shutting doors and the boot.

Spec levels high on a car of this price.

Extras like a fuel computer (standard on all puntos) is a very nice touch. City steering is very useful. You get used to it quickly.

Interior very comfortable, looks very attractive, all controls laid out well. Excellent for long journeys. Engine is very quiet and relaxed. Easily seats four adults, excellent headroom.

Fuel economy good, trip MPG currently reads 45.5 MPG, with 50/50 town and motorway driving.

Dealer very friendly and quite helpful, however things were missing on the car on collection, but being fitted this week. Mind you, having owned FIats before, its just a part of buying into the Fiat brand I think. As long as it is all sorted as promised, I cannot grumble.

Overall, apart from a few missing extras upon collection, very impressed with all aspects of this car. And it is the prettiest car in its class (in my opinion!!)

And for the money (£8K), with 0% finance, it just cannot be beaten for value!

If you buy one, just check it thoroughly for missing bits before you drive it away! Also get the extras included with the car written down by the dealer, as specs seem to vary on each car they produce. If you have it in writing, they cannot argue!!