Fiat Grande Punto Sound 1.4

As I said, after test driving the Panda, my brother fancies something a little larger when we realise the dealer was doing a deal on the Grande Punto, which put it at less than £2k more than the Panda.

Exterior

I have always liked the Grande Punto, I thought the Maserati nose looks rather attractive. The back is also quite simplistic and nice. Overall it is a well proportioned car, nice profile, high waistline.

Interior Space

Frankly, not as large as I expected, you sit lower than the Panda, a little darker, with the trim and smaller windows. The knee room is slightly better in the back, but the shoulder rooms are miles ahead. The steering column could be adusted for reach and rack. The boot is also much larger than the Panda, seats back could be split folded and overall it feels much more grown up.

Interior Quality

The dash looks more promising, with not nasty plastic bits sticking out. A lot of hard plastic though, other than the centre parts near the airvents, it has felt like material there. Buttons felt a lot nicer to push, it is much more grown up! Seats are also more comfortable.

Driving Experience

The ride is not as soft as the Panda, with similar noise level. The 1.4 8V FIRE engine is disappointed, it doesn't feel as fast as the Pandas 1.1, but it is quieter, it feels less nippy and revvy than the Panda's. It is more compose on the road though, it feels more solid and safe.

Handling

The steering is numb, the City Button is stupid. On the same roundabout, the Grande Punto felt a lot more composed, it didn't step out this time, it sticks to the road better than the Panda and much less body roll.

Would I buy one?

Yes, if I didn't know the Panda is selling for £5495, however I personally prefer the Panda, more character as a car, it actually felt like a happy little dog.