to the OP;
I had almost the same issue, wanted to buy a NEW punto,
either the 1.3 derv or 875 twinair
my commute was @1 hour long.. BUT possibly not long enough for DPF regen
town centre for 30 mins.
Twinair has great character, £ZERO UK tax,
and has average 50mpg over the last 26 month - 18.5K miles - 6 speed box probably helps :worship:
I had the 1st FIAT common rail diesel - Marea 105 JTD and hated its "driveability" compared to older TD's.. great MPG but no guts or kick-in-the-seat performance,
driven a few panda 1.3's pretty similar experience,
own 2 x 1,1 panda's too, far better drive, and the 69HP 1242cc of the later cars is great,
BUT is still £35 Tax
TBH , with my lower mileage I'm happy with the TA , it's VERY lively if driven hard
,but does 55+ mpg if required.
however will give poor ( 30's) mpg then or in particularly hilly terrain.
it's an older car though , plenty in dealerships..
aaron500 go and drive a few..!!
Charlie