When the Grande Punto arrived on my drive I couldn't believe my luck. Here was a car that not only looked sexy and stylish, as you would expect from this famous Italian marque, but also exuded a certain presence that many superminis lack these days. The latest Grands Punto is much more than just an update of the previous model, a car that itself broadened the Latin's runabout's portfolio of virtues. It was the kind of car that was fine for short trips around town, but not so good for longer journeys. The Grande is different - which suits me much better. With the Grande Punto, I won't have to keep splashing out on rental vehicles every time I wanted to join my friends on a weekender up-country. The current model has a 'big car' feel - courtesy, say Fiat, of a long wheelbase, which has released extra interior room. There's also a large glass area - which gives the cabin a light, airy feel. Outside, the styling is just fantastic. There aren't many cars produced by the volume manufactures that can turn heads as they pass but Fiat have excelled themselves with the Grande Punto's shape. When you see one driving by, just check out the reaction on the street. In addition to its fantastic looks, the Grande Punto also offers great value for money but prospective buyers will be pleased to know that this is not one of those affordable cars that reminds you how little you've spent every time you go to drive it. It just looks a million dollars!

This is one of the biggest cars in its class, one of few superminis large enough to provide a realistic reason not to buy a larger family hatchback. Don't get me wrong: the Grande Punto remains a supermini rather than a hatch, but it does provide enough space inside - at least in five-door form - to make longer family trips a reasonably pleasant proposition. Three can sit across the split-folding back seat, while the five-door's massive boot is the largest yet seen on a supermini. Even the three-door's capacity is more than reasonable.

As far as handling is concerned, I'd say that Grande Punto is once more at or near the top of the class. It may not feel particularly sporty, but it's easy to place through the bends with the well-weighted power steering. If Fiat's objective was to create a car you could enjoy driving on motorways and back roads, as well as around town, then they've succeeded. As for performance, it will depend on your choice between five engines. At present, there are three petrol engine options - a 1.2-litre 8v with 65bhp, a 1.4-ltre 8v with 77bhp and a 1.4-litre 16v with 95bhp - as well as two turbodiesels. These comprise a 1.3-litre 16v MultiJet (75bhp) plus a 1.9-litre MultiJet with 130bhp. I tested the 1.4-litre 16v with 95bhp and found it to be more than adequate for the weekly chores of school run and shopping. On longer weekend runs to see the family, I found the Grande Punto to be both comfortable and relaxing despite spending up to two hours behind the wheel.

I'd say so. It was love at first sight for me and driving the Grande Punto only confirmed my first impressions. I think they are going to have to prise the keys from my hand when they come to take it back!