Although this Punto Evo doesn’t have an official Euro NCAP crash test rating, the previous Grand Punto was awarded the maximum five-star rating for adult occupant protection along with an impressive three stars for child protection safety. All models come with driver and passenger airbags along with a driver’s knee airbag, while side and window airbags are standard on all models except the Active (where they’re an option).

Isofix child seat mounting are fitted but while ESP stability control is standard on Eleganza and Sporting models, it’s an optional extra on the rest of the range.

All models come with Fiat’s Blue&Me system which was developed with Microsoft. This includes Bluetooth, which allows you to make and receive calls on the move and can read out texts via the car’s speakers – even if it’s abbreviated text. As well as this it allows you to listen to MP3 players or music stored on memory sticks via the USB port. In terms of boot space, the 275 litres the Punto offers is about average for a car this size, although others like the Ford Fiesta and SEAT Ibiza can carry more.

All models (except the Active) come with rear seats that split 60/40 and fold down to make it easier to carry larger items while models fitted with ESP also have a ‘hill holder’ which, as the name suggests, holds the car on inclines, making hill starts much easier.