(G) Driven: Grande Punto 1.3 multijet Active

Popped in to my dealer this morning to have a look around the Grande as I was in town anyway. Despite them having just opened, they asked me if I'd like a test drive giving me the choice of a 1.4 Dynamic 5dr or a 1.3 (75) multijet Active 3dr. Having driven the 1.3 multijet in the Mk2 Punto, and been really dissapointed with it, I thought I would try it in the Grande to see if power delivery had improved.

Firstly, from a showroom perspective the car looks fantastic. The shape really is stunning and it's great to see a return to Fiat style. The interior design and style is also fantastic, although Audi engineers won't be stripping one to bits to discover how they use such quality plastics, it still looked good. The seats are extremely comfortable with good lumbar support (non-adjustable) and the driving position is pretty good; the car has clearly been designed with RHD from day one. All of the controls and dials are easy to use and read, although it did take me a while to find the boot release!

The dealer drove it for the first mile just to explain controls and details to me. First impression from the passengers seat is the major improvement in ride quality; no Punto driver will recognise the damping control and the ability to make road imperfections fade away. Also, the noise absorbtion at low speeds was pretty good, with no diesel clatter evident, although you can hear the rear suspension dealing with the road.

From behind the wheel the electric steering has improved feel, but it still feels a bit false although it's easy to get used too and is certainly better than the Mk2, although the unassisted steering on my Mk1 60S was so much better. Body control when cornering is fantastic and, despite the steering, there is real confidence to be gained from the suspension.

The gearbox is a real dissapointment; it felt loose and rubbery although it was never a problem getting a gear; it just felt manky. I wonder how it would feel with 60,000 miles-worth of gearchanges on it. Still, the clutch action is good and the car is easy to drive smoothly. Perhaps the 6-speeder in the 90bhp model and 1.9's is much better.

And to the engine. Perhaps the multijet I drove in the Mk2 had something wrong with it (laggy, lethargic off-boost and made a 'mooing' noise), either that or Fiat have done more than give it a small boost in power and torque; it's a total gem Despite the car having 15 miles on the clock, it revved happily, was tractable at low revs and felt smooth in the mid-range. What a total peach. I got up to 80mph (3000rpm) on an A-road and the engine still felt strong. The omens for the 90bhp model are very, very good.

To me, the 1.3 multijet Active is a real steal at £8,495 (£9,095 for the 5dr) and is all the car most people will ever need. However, it must be noted Fiat have tacked the most god-awful set of alloy-look wheel trims on it that don't do the looks any good at all. You need Dynamic spec to get alloys which can only be had with the 90bhp engine which pushes the price to £10,195 (£10,795 for the 5dr) unless you can get them as an accessory.

So there you are. Overall, very impressive indeed and has such an overwhelming 'feelgood' factor to it. The car is brilliant and, save for the gearbox, it really shone.

I asked the dealer about discounts and he was clear that Fiat UK want the Grande to be a product-led sales success rather than a price-led sales success; he mentioned discounts will be rare (non-existant to start with) but to be honest, at the price they are selling them for they are blinding value anyway.

Really wish my cinq was running properly to go for a test drive but going to put it off, really want a test drive of the multijet sporting if im honest

Very good write up there, made for very good reading

I hear you on the ride quality (I forgot to mention that in my mini test), it is a totally different car from that point of view, and when you go over holes, you feel it, but not so much as to move you ass! AND the car doesn't noticably twist in torsion like mk1 and mk2's do!

Glad you liked it Chris. Looking forward to the dualogic version coming later this year. Having got a semi-auto Corsa (for the gearbox) for my wife, and having a few courtesy semi-auto Pug 1007's (have one today!), I can say it's the way forward for me - so easy to drive and alost as much fun - without the worry that the box will pack up after 60k+ from doing too many dodgy changes, or just wear out! Hope it's also a 6 speeder for economy...

I couldn't find the boot release and no free salesperson at Bishops Guildford (better than the usual nobody there at all!)