The Fiat Punto arrived in 1993 as a small hatchback designed to take on Europe’s best. Styled by Giugiaro, it replaced the Uno and quickly became one of Fiat’s top sellers. It offered good space for its size, sharp handling and efficient engines. Australia got a brief taste of the first-gen Punto under the name Fiat Punto GT through niche importers.

The second generation launched in 1999 and refined the formula with better safety and more tech. It didn’t officially come to Australia either. That changed with the third generation, known as the Grande Punto. It launched here in 2006 as the Punto with a 1.4-litre engine and sharp European looks. Abarth hot hatch versions followed.

By 2013, the Punto was dropped from Fiat’s local range as demand for light cars cooled. Overseas, it stayed in production until 2018. While never a big seller here, it helped reintroduce Fiat to Australian buyers.

The line-up currently starts at $3,740 for the Punto Pop and ranges through to $7,040 for the range-topping Punto Easy.