In the crowded supermini sector it is increasingly difficult to find models that stand out above the norm for the sector. In reality there are no bad cars just a lot that do all you might expect of them but perhaps blend in rather too well. This might be fine if all you want is transport but there are some buyers who want more. Fiat’s new Punto Evo might just deliver.

Fiat has an illustrious history in small cars from the 500 through to the new Punto Evo. Replacing the Grande Punto the new model has some serious changes under the skin, and more especially under the bonnet. Revised engines, improved performance and very green credentials are all part of the package. There is a range of twenty two models with a choice of five engines and trim levels. Standard fare across the board includes stop start technology, powered and heated door mirrors, power front windows, remote locking, electric power steering, CD sound system with MP3 and steering wheel control plus airbags galore and ABS. Prices start from £10,995 and peak at £15,595 with some rather good finance  and PCP deals to be had too.

The outgoing Grande Punto was always a good looking car but Fiat have managed to improve things on the Evo with subtle but distinctive changes. The new, sharper looking Evo models really do have a kerbside presence, and in both three and five door form too, with neat touches such as shaped door handles that mirror the profile of the car, a distinctive front bumper and chrome highlight that gives the car a much more pronounced frontal look and a range of smart alloys to finish things off. Inside it’s a similar story with a real feeling of quality in both look and feel. Fiat’s continued emphasis on quality is paying dividends.

I took to the road in the 75bhp 1.3 litre multijet diesel that is principally carried over from the outgoing range although improvements have resulted in more refinement, improved economy and reduced emissions. This is the entry level diesel engine and offers a decent enough drive with frugality and enough power. Where this version scores though is in the package itself for despite being a lead-in model you gain all the attributes of the new line-up from that sharp and attractive styling through to the high grade, quality interior and a decent equipment list to boot.

My second outing was in the 1.4 litre petrol engined GP model with new multi-air technology. This is aimed at providing smoother more refined performance, improvements to performance, green credentials and fuel economy. All the range includes stop start technology that means when you bring the car to a halt and put it into neutral, the engine stops. Dipping the clutch pedal restarts the engine thereby helping save fuel and cut emissions leading to a road fund licence of £120 per year.

The new MultiAir engine certainly offers a smooth and refined drive with what Fiat claim is an average 10% reduction in fuel consumption over other engines of a similar capacity. Performance also seems to be heightened although Fiat are at pains to stress the main benefit of their new injection system is not restricted to performance but economy, torque increase and emissions reductions.

The Punto Evo offers sharp styling, quality build and in the new MultiAir engines a refined and smooth performance with noticeable increases in power across the range. Something you do not often associate with small capacity normally aspirated petrol engines.