Fiat's Grande Punto is an attractive and spacious supermini capable of coping with growing families and providing low-cost and refined motoring.

Used Car: Fiat Grande Punto (2006-10)

Engines – The focus for many is likely to be the Punto's petrol engines. These small-capacity units deliver high levels of refinement and are kind to your finances. For longer distances Fiat's diesel units prove to be quiet yet frugal.

Exterior – The 'Grande' variant boasts rounded off corners and projects a generally high-quality image. For many the three-door car will be the most aesthetically pleasing, but the five-door variant adds a welcome extra level of practicality.

Interior – The Punto's interior successfully projects an above-average quality ambience. Everything appears to be durable enough to withstand daily life, yet doesn't look like it's all been lifted from a 10-year-old car. Crucially there's enough room in the front and back too.

Driving – The Punto offers a rounded and refined driving experience. Urban duties are dispatched with ease, and the car copes well with road surface imperfections. The petrol engines never feel out of their depth and the diesel units impress with their frugal performance.

Ownership – A compact machine that's easy to drive and park around town, the Grande Punto is equally at home on motorways and adept at swallowing a growing family's clobber.

What to look for – It pays to shop around and be choosy. Being a supermini, always check for the telltale parking dents and kerbed wheels, while gaps in a car's service history should have you asking questions or walking away. And don't forget the test drive to ensure everything works inside and out.

Model history – 2006, Fiat launches the Grande Punto, a thorough upgrade of its popular Punto supermini. Available in both three and five doors, a choice of small-capacity petrol and diesel engines is offered along with a sliding scale of standard equipment including alloy wheels, air-conditioning, electric windows, twin front airbags and remote locking.

Reasons to buy – Low cost, engine performance, spacious cabin, ride quality.

Reasons to beware – Durability, used and abused examples, patchy service history.

Pick of the range – Grande Punto 1.4 Active three-door.