(Thu 03 Dec 09)

Fiat's latest Punto, officially called the Punto Evo, will go on sale in the UK in January, priced from £10,995.

If you're allergic to the number five, you might want to look away at this point, because it's going to figure strongly in this article. There are five engine options, namely - in ascending order of expense - a 1.4-litre petrol, 75bhp and 95bhp versions of the 1.3 MultiJet turbo diesel and the new 1.4 petrol MultiAir which comes in 105bhp and 135bhp forms. All of them have a Start&Stop system as standard, and all comply with Euro 5 emissions regulations.

There are also five trim levels. The basic Active comes with ABS, EBD, front airbags, a radio/CD/MP3 player, power steering, electric mirrors and Fiat's Blue&Me "infotainment" system. The Dynamic adds side and window airbags, air-conditioning and a leather steering wheel, while the GT gets a rear spoiler and tinted headlights and foglights.

Second from top is the Eleganza, which comes with cruise control and rear parking sensors, while the range-topping Sporting has 17" alloy wheels, sports seats and more performance-oriented suspension.

The Sporting, which is nearly the most expensive Punto Evo at £15,295, is the only version to get the MultiAir engine in 135bhp form. In the rest of the range, the lower trim levels tend to be associated with the less powerful engines, which seems to make sense. Most models have a choice of three- and five-door body styles, though the Sporting is available as a three-door only.

Comment on this story on Facebook or Twitter.

Fiat Gallery
Fiat Road Tests

Previous: Infiniti M Due Next Year                             Next: Volkswagen Up! Lite Concept