WITH 22 individual models, seven engines, six trim levels and three transmission types - you cannot say that Fiat is failing to offer plenty of choice in the new Punto range, which goes on sale tomorrow.

Fiat has not enjoyed the best of times in recent years with too much investment in ventures best left to others. But with the latest Punto it has returned to doing what it does best, producing good, small cars. The Italians love small cars, and the Punto is among the favourites.

In fact, it has done well throughout Europe, sales figures topping 5,000,000 and collecting more than 25 awards in its time. Here, more than 50,000 are sold every year, and this year it was named as the third most reliable small car on Britain's roads. Although Punto sales in the UK are good, it is no secret that the retail network is in the middle of a shake-up. With its new engine range, transmission and telematics options, as well as its general liveliness on the road, the revised model should attract more customer reaction than has been the case in the past.

The present model is not the most attractive around, but the new design is more defined if conventional. A new front end, featuring large, jewel-bright headlamps and a deep air dam housing new, circular foglights, is now fundamentally the same for both three and five-door models.

At the back, there are new tail light clusters and a revised rear bumper treatment, with the more sporting models identified by new air intake openings with honeycomb grilles. If these changes give the Punto a fresher appearance, the interior is smartened up too.

The new fascia design, and the latest range of trim materials and textures, are all improvements.

But where the Punto is really special is in introducing the latest light and compact 1.3-litre Fiat Multijet turbo diesel engine. With 1248cc and a power output of 70bhp plus very crisp throttle response, and peak torque of 133lb/ft as the rev counter needle sweeps past 1750rpm, there is considerable get-up-and-go. The 0-62mph time of 13.4-seconds is a bit misleading really because it is a real mover once under way, capable of keeping up easily with motorway traffic. On top of this the efficiency of the Multijet job is confirmed by 72.4mpg extra urban and 62.8mpg combined together with a CO2 rating of 119g/km. It is also Euro 4 compatible and not subject to the three per cent extra company car tax.

In a range in which prices start at £6,995 and rise to £11,995, the 1.3-litre Multijet comes in from £8,595 for the three-door Active version. The other trim and equipment levels are Active Plus, Active Sport, Dynamic, Dynamic Plus, Eleganza, Sporting and HGT, the latter available only with the two top engines, the 1.8-litre 16-valve petrol and the 100bhp 1.9-litre Multijet turbo diesel JTD.

Other engines in the catalogue include the older 85bhp Unijet JTD, and three more petrol units: a new 16-valve 1.4-litre, a 16-valve 1.2-litre and, as the low engine on the Punto table, an eight-valve 1.2-litre.

The 1.2-litre Active may be just 1242cc in size, with 59bhp on tap, but it now has sequential multipoint injection, and the torque peak of 75lb/ft at an unexpectedly low 2500rpm is quite an eye-opener. A 0-62mph time of 14.3-seconds is not particularly impressive yet the car is far from sluggish.

There are various manual transmissions, six-speed and five-speed manual gearboxes, as well as a choice of two sophisticated clutchless transmissions: Speedgear is a continuously variable automatic transmission with selectable, six-speed sequential operation with manual changes. Dualogic is a clutchless, five-speed sequential transmission with manual shift and two selectable fully automatic modes.

All versions of the new Punto are fitted with Dualdrive electric power steering which, at the touch of a button, provides extra assistance for city driving and in particular for parking, making normally shoulder-wrenching steering wheel turning an absolute doddle in a confined space.

The new Punto now boasts a higher equipment availability than that previously offered in any car of this segment, including dual-zone climate control, a six button steering wheel for comprehensive stereo control, trip computer, rain and parking sensors, cruise control and five different audio packages; stereo radio with tape player, CD player, CD and MP3 player, and the Connect facility.

New Punto has up to six airbags; driver and passenger front and side airbags, as well as two side curtain airbags providing head protection in the case of side impacts. It is equipped with the full range of braking, traction control and stability systems on the market today, and a unique function to facilitate smooth hill starts.

Updated: 11:52 Friday, August 08, 2003