Grande Punto T-Jet 120 Sporting - any experience / views?

[wrighty78]

I need a new "every day" car for round London and shortish M-way trips (100- 200 mls max). The M3 will remain the fun car for weekends and longer trips.

The Grande Punto 1.4 petrol T-Jet has caught my eye. IMO very good styling, and I like it in white. The engine seems to be getting some good reviews, the performance is ok and economy looks good. Cheap insurance, running costs, 5 yr warranty etc all appeal too. And it's pretty cheap through the work car scheme.

The 1.9 quick diesel seems to have attracted lots of praise on here, but I would really prefer petrol.

So... any views on, or experience of, the 120bhp petrol model? Anyone got one?

[OPC100]

I've not driven a T-Jet 120 sporting, but have test driven and just ordered a GP Abarth as a company car. They look great, should do 40+mpg and are pretty quick. The only gripe that I have with it is that the steering doesnt feel as alive as I would like, but nothing feels as good as my old integrale. Ah those where the days....

[Junior Mint]

Thinking the same myself as I've decided to wait to get a second hand GP Abarth in a year or so.

Some good comments and experiences on the Fiat Forum: http://www.fiatforum.com/grande-punto/.

[wrighty78]

Thanks for the replies. I'll try to sort out a test drive next weekend and will let you know how it goes.

[Catherine197]

Off topic I see that Fiat have dropped the 19 Diesel Sporting. Such a shame as that was a very good car when we drove it last year.

[OPC100]

Catherine197 said:

Off topic I see that Fiat have dropped the 19 Diesel Sporting. Such a shame as that was a very good car when we drove it last year.

Rumour has it that it is being replaced with a 1.6 16V turbo diesel Sporting, (like the engine in the new Bravo), but it won't be available until January. Probably won't be as quick though, as my understanding is that it will be in the £35 a year road tax bracket.