Fiat Grande Punto T-JET 120

The potent 1.4-litre T-Jet 120 engine is just what Fiats Grande Punto range needed. Jonathan Crouch reports

Fiats Grande Punto looks like a sporty supermini. So it was always a little surprising to find that the fastest flagship model in the original line-up was a diesel albeit a very good one. Since the arrival of potent petrol-powered 1.4 T-Jet 120 variants however, all thats changed.

The Grande Punto line-up has a car to really interest performance drivers.

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Its not a seriously hot hatch of course. Just 120bhp is nowhere near enough for that these days. Yet theres a growing band of potential shopping rocket customers who dont want the high running costs, silly prices and exorbitant insurance premiums that go with really fast hot hatches. For them, this little Fiat could be just about perfect.

A sporty small car for the real world? Thats about the size of it. At prices starting from £11,995 (or £12,595 for the five-door variant), this cars 1368cc petrol powerplant is one of a new family of turbocharged T-Jet engines that made their debut in the larger Bravo range. Producing 120bhp and 152 lb ft of torque, this responsive little engine gives the Grande Punto a 0-62mph time of just 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 121mph.

However, fuel consumption is modest, returning 42.8mpg on the combined cycle, while the engine emits just 155g/km CO2. This variant is based on the ranges Sporting trim level, and comes very well equipped with features including 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, sports seats, a leather steering wheel, a chrome tailpipe, a rear spoiler and sideskirts, ESP stability control and six airbags. It also features Blue and Me, Fiats innovative voice-activated music and communications system, developed in conjunction with Microsoft.

Otherwise, the recipe is much as youd find it in any other Grande Punto model. There are a few neatly-designed superminis around and they are, by their very nature, usually short with high roofs and singularly lacking in elegance. The Grande Punto is different. Look at those teardrop-shaped headlamps and chromed air intake.

If you saw that appearing in your rear view mirror, youd be forgiven for thinking a Maserati Coupe had sliced through the traffic and was sitting on your back bumper. Styled by Italdesign-Giugiaro in partnership with Centro Stile Fiat, the Grande Punto is one of those rare cars that looks good from every angle. Five-door or three-door version, it makes no difference. The shape just works.

"A sporty small car for the real world? Thats about the size of it"

What has helped the cars proportioning is a subtle letting out of its belt. As its name suggests, this version is significantly bigger than the Punto that this model originally replaced, helping the stylists create a sleeker profile. In fact its fully 23cm longer than the old car, but only 2cm wider and a mere centimetre taller. These proportions lengthen the look and the sleek styling is aided with neat detailing such as the Formula One-style door mirrors and the wry badging.

The stereo system merits a mention as its MP3 compatible, comes with a meaty subwoofer and features steering wheel-mounted controls. The Sporting also comes equipped with a whole host of driver aids. Prime amongst these is that ESP stability control program, something thats ideal for those with more exuberance than experience behind the wheel. As well as the stability control, theres ASR to limit wheelspin during acceleration and MSR to modulate brake torque when downchanging.

An integral part of the ESP system fitted to the Grande Punto Sporting is hydraulic brake assistance and a Hill Holder function to help with smooth hill starts. Interior space - as you would expect from a car this generously endowed in the wheelbase department is a standout feature. The 275-litre boot is about average for the class but rear leg and headroom is very good indeed. Fiat claim the interior represents the epitome of Italian style.

Make of that what you will. Its undoubtedly functional, and if you get confused by the big buttons, self explanatory ventilation controls and stereo controls, then modern life has really got on top of you. Ever since the Grande Punto was introduced, the range has been crying out for a more potent petrol engine. Now it has just that, we can expect buyers to form an orderly queue.



FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Fiat Grande Punto 1.4 16v T-Jet 120bhp
PRICES: £11,995-£12,595 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 6E
CO2 EMISSIONS: 155g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 8.9s / Max Speed 121mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 42.8mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and curtain airbags / ABS with EBD / ESP / Hill Holder
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4030/1687/1490mm