Fiat Grande Punto review (2007-2012)
PROS
- Low running costs
- Agility around town
- Good looks
CONS
- No choice of engines
- Doesn't hold its value as well as rivals
Summary
Grande Punto is a great compact van for light use. Fiat has added extra versatility to the model’s sporty style and hatchback handling to make it a tempting proposition for small businesses.
It’s one of the best-looking small vans on sale, (having inherited distinctive styling from its car sibling) while rock-bottom running costs add to Grande Punto Van’s charm.
The frugal 1.3-litre diesel returns 63mpg and prices from new are reasonable, too.
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There’s only one engine, with Grande Punto Van borrowing the 75bhp 1.3-litre diesel unit from its car counterpart. It feels nippier off the mark than its 13.6-second sprint to 62mph suggests.
The diesel engine is plenty quick enough for city life. The well-spaced gears, tight turning circle and light power steering are a big help around town, too.
The Grande Punto Van is happiest in the city, as the engine can be noisy when worked hard on A-roads.
With a 103mph top-speed, it needs encouragement to achieve, and maintain, motorway speeds.
Drivers should find a comfortable driving position quickly and easily.
The steering wheel is height and reach adjustable, the driver’s seat can be elevated and there’s plenty of legroom for passengers of all sizes.
The centre stack is simple and practical, if a little bland, though the hard plastics feel cheap. Drivers can keep their eyes on the road with the steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
The quick mute function is particularly useful. All-round visibility is very good – unless Grande Punto Van is fully loaded – so it’s easy to park and drive around town.
A reverse parking sensor is an optional extra.
Grande Punto Van is an excellent, cost-effective choice for small business owners. Impressively, it returns almost 63mpg – making it one of the most frugal small vans on sale.
It’s also cheap to buy from new and all new models are backed up by Fiat’s three-year warranty.
Depreciation is worse than rivals, so buyers could get a bargain on a second-hand model.
Traditionally, buyers in need of a trusty workhorse may have been deterred by Punto’s patchy reliability record. But the new generation feels better built and mechanically more robust.
Interior plastics could be tougher but, overall, Grande Punto Van feels ready for the rigours of working life.
Grande Punto Van has excellent safety credentials and a decent level of kit. The van scored a maximum five stars in crash tests.
All models get ABS with electronic brake distribution, two front airbags, anti-whiplash head restraints and anti-submarining seats.
Standard remote central locking and an anti-theft alarm take care of security, while rear privacy glass and an optional load compartment cover stop prying eyes.
