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The Punto Evo heralds the launch of two important ‘Ecotechnology’ developments: MultiJet II diesels and MultiAir petrols with entirely new, ultra-clever valve technology. All five engines come with Start&Stop as standard, and both the versions I tested – the 75bhp 1.3 MultiJet and the 135bhp 1.4 MultiAir produce under 130g/km of CO2. With 0-62 in 8.5secs and 127mph this 1.4 is a GTi in all but name; it’s flexible, very nippy and sounds pretty sporty too. The 75bhp 1.3 goes well enough, but 0-62 in 13.6secs and 103mph max mean it’s no speed machine. Both feel a little busy in 5th (top) gear on the motorway, but oddly neither have a 6-speed gearbox.

Riding on 17-inch rims with lower profile tyres means that the 1.4 Sporting is a little less tolerant of potholes than the less sportingly equipped 1.3 Dynamic, but both cars ride well and remain comfortable on all but the very worst of road surfaces. I drove both exclusively on wet, sometimes flooded roads so can’t comment on ultimate grip and handling in the dry, but both impressed by tenaciously holding their line at speed through bumpy, soaking wet corners. Both are front-wheel-drive superminis that steer responsively and predictably, and both offer improved driving finesse over previous Puntos.

Fiats of old don’t enjoy the best reputation for build, longevity or refinement. More recently, the ‘09 JD Power Vehicle Ownership study placed Fiat last of the 29 brands surveyed, but during my brief time with the new Evos I found zero cause for complaint. Quite the reverse; I was impressed by the interior materials and finishes, but if forced to find fault I’d mention that the lower centre console heater control knobs don’t feel quite as robust as the other controls and buttons. Everything else, inside and out, looks and feels well made and of high quality, and both models were quiet and refined.

The new Punto Evo hasn’t yet been subjected to EuroNCAP’s crash test program, but it’s probably safe to assume that it would (or will) score the maximum five stars for occupant protection. Every new Evo comes with driver and passenger airbags plus a driver’s knee airbag, while the Dynamic and Sporting versions also feature side and window airbags as standard. All versions have ABS with EBD and Isofix child seat attachments, and, unique in this segment, the Sporting also has ESP with Hill Holder as standard. Other features include adaptive fog lights, rain sensors, lane change warning, daytime running lights, follow-me-home lighting, deadlocks and remote central locking.

The new Punto Evo has the same width, height and wheelbase dimensions as the outgoing Grande model, but at 4,065mm it’s 35mm (about 1.5ins) longer. Suffice to say that it still offers ample comfort and space in all directions for four adults, although three adults on the 60/40 split/fold rear seat would be a squeeze. At 275-litres extending to a max of 1,030-litres, the Evo’s boot is no bigger than the Grande’s, but that’s still pretty generous for a car of this size. Those partial to hurling their car through bends will find the 1.4 Sporting’s Sports front seats suitably supportive.

As you might expect for £13,795 otr (1.3 75 Dynamic) and £15,295 otr (1.4 135 Sporting), electric front windows and aircon both come as standard, but if gadgetry is your thing then the Evo shouldn’t disappoint. Foremost among the options available is a fully integrated Blue&Me TomTom infotainment unit. A mobile phone, audio system, trip computer and satnav can all be controlled via the touchscreen, and this can easily be used as a satnav unit in any other car. Equally impressive are the Evo’s mpg and CO2 figures: 50.4mpg combined and 129g/km (1.4 135), and 68.9mpg combined and 108g/km (1.3 75). No doubt about it, the zippy 1.4 is the better driver, but the MultiJet’s 70mpg is tempting indeed.

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