Ok for some reason the lighter in my 03 Punto doesn't work. not a smoker but it would come in super handy when using my phone as a sat nav, drains the battery in no time! Looking at it though it looks as if I'd have to take off the whole panel to replace it. is there a simpler way?

i would say check the fuse but i have a feeling that it covers other important systems that you would notice not working,

obviously check all the fuses in the fuse box which is behind the panel by your right knee.

then your only option is to pull the thing apart, its worth checking that the terminals aren't covered in crud from the lighter if it has ever been used by a smoker as this can stop the conduction of the terminals