Fiat Grande Punto (2006 – 2009) Review
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Fiat Grande Punto (2006 – 2009) At A Glance
Well-equipped. Good-looking and roomy hatch that's fun to drive. Five-star crash test rating.
You have to lift luggage over a high load sill in the boot.
Back in the 1970s, Fiat's advertising strategy was summed up in one word - brio. Every advertisment, every poster and every commercial told you the cars were as fun-loving as the Italians.
Then along came a change of strategy: "Built by Robots". Fiat's market share began to slide. And despite some decent cars, like the Tipo, Uno and the original Punto, Fiat was forever having to unload stock onto rental fleets to get it shifted.
Recenty, Fiat got back into "brio" with the Panda. No other small, cheap car has as much character or is as much fun to drive. There's a new UK MD, Giulio Salamone. Fiat customer care is being completely overhauled. Biggest surprise of all is how good the new Grande Punto is.
For £8,495 you can have the same car with a 75PS Multijet diesel engine and 5-speed box. For £10,195 you can have a 90PS Multijet with 6 speed box and more luxurious ‘Dynamic' spec that includes air-conditioning, leather steering wheel, front side and window airbags and alloy wheels. So the top versions only just encroach on list prices for the most basic Focus.
The one and only criticism is that, to achieve the car's excellent torsional rigidity, the hatchback sill is quite high. No good for dogs to jump over, for example. And impossible to load something like a mobility scooter.
The 90PS Multijet and 6-speed box are perfectly matched It pulls like a little train, revs sweetly and, because it's a very small, alloy block engine, the car remains agile unlike the usual ‘lump in the front' diesel.
Reviews for Fiat Grande Punto (2006 – 2009)'s top 3 rivals
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Fiat Grande Punto (2006 – 2009) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.2 8V to 1.9 MultiJet 130
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 28–74 mpg
The Italian's aren't like the French. If their national cars aren't any good, they simply stop buying them. And over the past few years there has been a noticeable absence of the previous vast quantities of new FIATs on Italian roads.
Yet in the first few months from launch, Italians have bought 100,000 Grande Punto. In a mixed message strategy, Fiat sums it up as "Beautiful. Brilliant. Solid." Quite a lot to remember. But with its classy Giorgietto Guigiaro styling it is very good looking, especially from the front. It isn't riddled with innovative versatility like the Honda Jazz, but it does drive well and has the option of probably the World's most relevant engine, the 1.25 Multijet diesel. With a body 52% stiffer than the previous Punto it's certainly solid.
But I can't help feeling Fiat would have helped itself a bit better by emphasising the car's character. Like the basic Panda Active, the basic Punto Active isn't very powerful. Yet it's huge fun to drive. Far more so than much more powerful cars, because it does everything exactly right.
The gearbox gets the most out of the engine. The steering wheel has raised cushions to encourage you to hold it at ten to two. It takes off like an excited little puppy. And it handles perfectly.
Yet this isn't a tiny hatchback. At 4,030mm long it's actually biggest in the B Sector class. It seats five adults, with plenty of headroom even in the centre rear. It scored five stars in the NCAP crash safety tests, plus three stars for child safety and three starts for pedestrian safety, the best performance in its class. So underneath the fun you can have driving it, it's a very serious car.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 | 48 mpg | 14.5 s | 139–140 g/km |
| 1.2 8V | 50 mpg | 14.3 s | 136 g/km |
| 1.3 16V MultiJet 75 | 63 mpg | 13.6 s | 119 g/km |
| 1.3 16V MultiJet 90 | 61–63 mpg | 11.9 s | 119–123 g/km |
| 1.4 | 48 mpg | 13.2 s | 139–140 g/km |
| 1.4 16V | 47–48 mpg | 10.5–11.4 s | 139–142 g/km |
| 1.4 T-Jet 120 | 43 mpg | 8.9 s | 155 g/km |
| 1.6 MultiJet 120 | 63 mpg | 9.6 s | 119 g/km |
| 1.9 MultiJet 120 | 51 mpg | 10.0 s | 145 g/km |
| 1.9 MultiJet 130 | 49–50 mpg | 9.5 s | 149–154 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Fiat Grande Punto (2006 – 2009)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
90%
Real MPG
28–74 mpg
MPGs submitted
397
Fiat Grande Punto (2006 – 2009) interior
- Boot space is 264–1080 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3840–4030 mm |
| Width | 1660–1687 mm |
| Height | 1480–1490 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2460–2510 mm |
List price value is very good too. It doesn't cost a lot of money, but it isn't a cheap car. For £7,594 (£1 less than list for its smaller predecessor, which continues in production selling at heavy discounts), you get height and reach adjustable steering, rev counter, height-adjustable drivers seat, ABS with EBS, ‘Dualdrive' electric power steering with two levels of assist, Fiat electronic immobiliser, remote central locking with remote boot release, seat position memory on 3-dr, dual front airbags, radio CD player with steering wheel controls. And even a proper spare wheel.
Fiat Grande Punto (2006 – 2009) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3840–4030 mm |
| Width | 1660–1687 mm |
| Height | 1480–1490 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2460–2510 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 860–1220 kg |
| Boot Space | 264–1080 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 12000–18000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £7,590–£15,695 |
| Insurance Groups | 6–19 |
| Road Tax Bands | C–G |
| Official MPG | 42.8–62.8 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | 5 |
| Child | 3 |
| Pedestrian | 3 |
| Overall | - |
On sale until March 2011
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.4 Sound 3dr | £9,995 | 47.9 mpg | 13.2 s |
| 1.4 Sound 5dr | £10,595 | 47.9 mpg | 13.2 s |
On sale until January 2010
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.3 16v MultiJet 75 Active 3dr | £11,345 | 62.8 mpg | 13.6 s |
| 1.3 16v MultiJet 75 Active 5dr | £11,945 | 62.8 mpg | 13.6 s |
| 1.3 16v MultiJet 75 Dynamic 3dr | £12,245 | 62.8 mpg | 13.6 s |
| 1.3 16v MultiJet 75 Dynamic 5dr | £12,845 | 62.8 mpg | 13.6 s |
| 1.3 16v MultiJet 75 GP 3dr | £12,245 | 62.8 mpg | 13.6 s |
| 1.3 16v MultiJet 75 GP 5dr | £12,845 | 62.8 mpg | 13.6 s |
| 1.3 16v MultiJet 90 Eleganza 5dr | £14,295 | 62.8 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 1.3 16v MultiJet 90 Eleganza 5dr Auto | £14,295 | - | - |
| 1.4 16v GP 3dr | £11,595 | 47.9 mpg | 10.5 s |
| 1.4 16v GP 5dr | £12,195 | 47.9 mpg | 10.5 s |
| 1.4 8v GP 3dr | £11,145 | 47.9 mpg | 13.2 s |
| 1.4 8v GP 3dr Auto | £11,145 | - | - |
| 1.4 8v GP 5dr | £11,745 | 47.9 mpg | 13.2 s |
| 1.4 8v GP 5dr Auto | £11,745 | - | - |
| 1.4 Active 3dr | £10,245 | 47.9 mpg | 13.2 s |
| 1.4 Active 3dr Auto | £10,245 | - | - |
| 1.4 Active 5dr | £10,845 | 47.9 mpg | 13.2 s |
| 1.4 Active 5dr Auto | £10,845 | - | - |
| 1.4 Dynamic 3dr | £11,145 | 47.9 mpg | 13.2 s |
| 1.4 Dynamic 3dr Auto | £11,145 | - | - |
| 1.4 Dynamic 5dr | £11,745 | 47.9 mpg | 13.2 s |
| 1.4 Dynamic 5dr Auto | £11,745 | - | - |
| 1.4 Eleganza 16v 5dr | £13,195 | 47.9 mpg | 10.5 s |
| 1.4 Eleganza 5dr | £12,745 | 47.9 mpg | 13.2 s |
| 1.4 Eleganza 5dr Auto | £12,745 | - | - |
| 1.4 T-Jet 120 Sporting 3dr | £13,395 | 42.8 mpg | 8.9 s |
| 1.4 T-Jet 120 Sporting 5dr | £13,995 | 42.8 mpg | 8.9 s |
| 1.6 MultiJet 120 Sporting 3dr | £15,095 | 62.8 mpg | 9.6 s |
| 1.6 MultiJet 120 Sporting 5dr | £15,695 | 62.8 mpg | 9.6 s |
On sale until April 2009
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.9 MultiJet 130 Sporting 3dr | £14,050 | 50.4 mpg | 9.5 s |
| 1.9 MultiJet 130 Sporting 5dr | £14,650 | 50.4 mpg | 9.5 s |
On sale until April 2008
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.2 Dynamic 3dr | £9,660 | 47.9 mpg | 14.5 s |
| 1.2 Dynamic 5dr | £10,260 | 47.9 mpg | 14.5 s |
| 1.4 16v Active Sport 3dr | £10,160 | 47.1 mpg | 11.4 s |
| 1.4 16v Active Sport 5dr | £10,760 | 47.1 mpg | 11.4 s |
| 1.4 16v Dynamic Sport 3dr | £11,010 | 47.1 mpg | 11.4 s |
| 1.4 16v Dynamic Sport 5dr | £11,610 | 47.1 mpg | 11.4 s |
| 1.4 16v Sporting 3dr | £11,610 | 47.1 mpg | 11.4 s |
| 1.4 Active Sport 3dr | £9,460 | 47.9 mpg | 13.2 s |
| 1.4 Active Sport 3dr Auto | £9,460 | - | - |
| 1.4 Active Sport 5dr | £10,060 | 47.9 mpg | 13.2 s |
| 1.4 Active Sport 5dr Auto | £10,060 | - | - |
| 1.4 Dynamic Sport 3dr | £10,310 | 47.9 mpg | 13.2 s |
| 1.4 Dynamic Sport 3dr Auto | £10,310 | - | - |
| 1.4 Dynamic Sport 5dr | £10,910 | 47.9 mpg | 13.2 s |
| 1.4 Dynamic Sport 5dr Auto | £10,910 | - | - |
On sale until August 2006
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.2 Active 3dr | £7,989 | 47.9 mpg | 14.5 s |
| 1.2 Active 5dr | £8,595 | 47.9 mpg | 14.5 s |
| 1.2 Dynamic 3dr | £8,895 | 47.9 mpg | 14.5 s |
| 1.2 Dynamic 5dr | £9,495 | 47.9 mpg | 14.5 s |
| 1.3 16v MultiJet 75 Active 3dr | £8,895 | 62.8 mpg | 13.6 s |
| 1.3 16v MultiJet 75 Active 5dr | £9,495 | 62.8 mpg | 13.6 s |
| 1.3 16v MultiJet 90 Dynamic 3dr | £10,595 | 61.4 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 1.3 16v MultiJet 90 Dynamic 3dr Auto | £10,595 | - | - |
| 1.3 16v MultiJet 90 Dynamic 5dr | £11,195 | 61.4 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 1.3 16v MultiJet 90 Dynamic 5dr Auto | £11,195 | - | - |
| 1.4 16v Eleganza 5dr | £10,895 | 47.1 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.4 16v Sporting 5dr | £10,695 | 47.1 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.4 Active Sport 3dr | £8,895 | 47.9 mpg | 13.2 s |
| 1.4 Active Sport 3dr Auto | £8,895 | - | - |
| 1.4 Dynamic 3dr | £9,195 | 47.9 mpg | 13.2 s |
| 1.4 Dynamic 3dr Auto | £9,195 | - | - |
| 1.4 Dynamic 5dr | £9,795 | 47.9 mpg | 13.2 s |
| 1.4 Dynamic 5dr Auto | £9,795 | - | - |
| 1.9 MultiJet 120 Eleganza 5dr | £12,695 | 51.4 mpg | 10.0 s |
| 1.9 MultiJet 130 Sporting 3dr | £12,295 | 48.7 mpg | 9.5 s |
On sale until July 2006
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.2 8v Active 3dr | £7,590 | 49.6 mpg | 14.3 s |
| 1.2 8v Active 5dr | £8,090 | 49.6 mpg | 14.3 s |
Model History
February 2006
Good looking new Giugiaro designed Punto. 4,030mm long x 1,687mm wide (exc mirrors) x 1,490mm high. 1.2, 1.4 and 1.8 petrol engines and 1.3 and 1.9 Multijet diesels. Dualdrive steering. All models well equipped.
1.2 Active 3-door 145g/km IG2E £7,594.00
1.2 Active 5-door 145g/km IG2E £8,194.00
1.4 Active Sport 3-door 145g/km IG3E £8,495.00
1.3 16v MultiJet 75 Active 3-door 123g/km IG3E £8,495.00
1.3 16v MultiJet 75 Active 5-door 123g/km IG3E £9,095.00
1.2 Dynamic 3-door 145g/km IG2E £8,495.00
1.2 Dynamic 5-door 145g/km IG2E £9,095.00
1.4 Dynamic 3-door 145g/km IG3E £8,795.00
1.4 Dynamic 5-door 145g/km IG3E £9,395.00
1.3 16v MultiJet 90 Dynamic 3-door 122g/km IG4E £10,195.00
1.3 16v MultiJet 90 Dynamic 5-door 122g/km IG4E £10,795.00
1.9 MultiJet 120 Eleganza 5-door 149g/km IG6E £12,295.00
1.9 MultiJet 130 Sporting 3-door 154g/km IG6E £11,895.00
March 2007
Grande Punto Abarth unveiled
1.4 Turbo petrol engine putting out 150 bhp at 5500 rpm, boosted to 155 bhp when 98 RON petrol is used. Peak torque of 206 Nm (152 lb.ft) developed at just 2000rpm, but 230 Nm (169 lb.ft) is produced at 3000 rpm by driver activation of Sport mode. Aftermarket booster kit takes power to 180 bhp
July 2007
1.4 T-Jet 120 Sporting
Standard kit includes, 17-inch alloy wheels, Air conditioning, Sports seats, Leather steering wheel, Chrome tailpipe, Spoiler and sideskirts, ESP, Six airbags, Blue & Me, voice-activated music and communications system.
1,368cc petrol engine offers 120bhp at 5,000rpm and 152 lb ft of torque at 1,750rpm. 0-60mph 8.6 seconds, top speed 121mph, 42.8mpg combined and 155g/km CO2. Recommended retail prices for the 1.4 T-Jet 120 are £11,995 for the three-door model and £12,595 for the five-door.
Well bolstered seats – with height adjustment for the driver – remote central locking, and a radio/CD player add to cabin comfort, while climate control with pollen filter is available as an option. Standard equipment includes body coloured bumpers and side panels, electrically operated wing mirrors, ABS anti-lock braking with EBD (Electric Brake Distribution), adjustable headlamps, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, Dualdrive power steering and a locking fuel cap. Optional extras include 15-inch alloy wheels, headlamp washers, reverse parking sensor, front foglights and rear wash/wipe. Grande Punto Van is available in Ambient White or Evocative Blue, with Exotica Red as a special order option.
July 2008
Upgraded with 77PS 1.4 engine replacing 69PS 1.2.
Active 1.4 8v 3Dr £9,200
Active 1.4 8v 5Dr £9,800
Active 1.3 MultiJet 3Dr (75) £10,300
Active 1.3 MultiJet 5Dr (75) £10,900
Dynamic 1.4 8v 3Dr £10,000
Dynamic 1.4 8v 5Dr £10,600
Dynamic 1.3 MultiJet 3Dr (75) £11,100
Dynamic 1.3 MultiJet 5Dr (75) £11,700
GP 1.4 8v 3Dr £10,000
GP 1.4 8v 5Dr £10,600
GP 1.4 16v 3Dr £10,450
GP 1.4 16v 5Dr £11,050
GP 1.3 MultiJet 3Dr (75) £11,100
GP 1.3 MultiJet 5Dr (75) £11,700
Eleganza 1.4 8v 5Dr £11,700
Eleganza 1.4 16v 5Dr £12,150
Eleganza 1.3 MultiJet 5Dr (90) £13,250
Sport 1.4 TJet 120 3Dr £12,375
Sport 1.4 TJet 120 5Dr £12,975
Sport 1.9 MultiJet 130 3Dr £13,725
Sport 1.9 MultiJet 130 5Dr £14,325
What to watch out for
Reports of a problem with the cabin door locks.
Once complaint of severe brake fade.
Can have problems with the electric power steering.
One report: 5,000 miles on the clock the car has had new drive shaft bearings, a front damper and a new steering rack.
By 2010, complaints rolling in of failed Electric Power Steering motors just out of warranty.
10-09-2012:1.3 Multijets seem to be suffering from gearbox problems from around 5 years old.
14-12-2019:Report of actuator of 2019/59 FIAT Punto Dualogic failing in May 2018. Car towed to automatic transmission specialist who took 7 weeks and charged £2,500 to replace the actuator. Actuator failed again in July 2019. Original specialist said it was outside their 12 month warranty so would not help. Owner had actuator replaced by a different garage that charged and invoiced £1,500 and demanded cash payment.
