The Punto has been updated. It's got a new name too. It's lost its Grande but gained an Evo - because Fiat tells us it's evolved.
When pushed, officials admit that the main reason for the amendment to the name is that the Italian giant is continuing to sell the previous two iterations of the Punto in its home market (and possibly others) so clear differentiation was essential as the Punto Evo sits alongside the Grande Punto and the Punto Classic in showrooms.
Externally the major revisions are at the front and rear where large black bumper mouldings create strongly contrasting graphics (especially with lighter paint finishes) - topped off above the grill by what Fiat describes as a 'moustache' inspired by the Fiat 500's.
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At just £275, this unit makes most integrated satnavs look expensive |
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The Grande Punto's front end was likened to that of Giugiaro's beautiful Maserati Coupe of the late 1990s, so it's a pity that the design team couldn't leave well alone as the Evo's new snout can't match the refined elegance of its predecessor's.
The interior is punctuated by sporadic pearlescent white accents which somehow fail to add any real sparkle. Aside from the chunky leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearknob (standard on all but the entry-level Active model), the dashboard is dominated by plastics which just don't cut it with the best in class.
A bright spot, however, is the option of a fully integrated yet portable Blue &Me TomTom satnav, which allows the driver to control all manner of functions via the touch screen: mobile phone, sound system, trip computer and, of course, navigation. At just £275, this versatile unit makes most integrated satnavs look ridiculously expensive and signals that Fiat understands that its customers expect value as well as style.
If it's no longer Grande by name the Punto Evo is still Grande by nature. At over 4 metres in length, it is one of the largest cars in its class and offers plenty of room for passengers and luggage. The boot volume of 275 litres expands to a whopping 1030 litres with the rear seats folded.
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