Fiat's friendly little Punto always had its share of adoring fans, but its new Grande successor is simply a star car.

Those are hard-earned Euro NCAP crash test stars - a maximum five-star safety rating for passenger safety, three stars for child protection and a further three for pedestrian protection.

The new Fiat recorded a total of 33 points out of a possible 37 - the highest overall score yet recorded in its market category.

Fiat knows a thing or two about designing small cars and the newcomer packs in the equipment.

So it is safe and well-equipped, but what is it like to drive? In short, great fun.

Jump behind the wheel, alter the seat for height and reach, adjust the steering wheel for height and you quickly feel at ease.

Clear instrumentation, lightweight gearbox, plenty of urge from the engine, excellent ride and handling make this a thoroughly pleasant supermini experience.

Sharply-styled, with a steeply-raked windscreen, neat, crisp grille and deep front airdam, the new Fiat's design no longer differentiates between three and five-door models. Both versions share tall, upright tail-light clusters flanking a top-hinged tailgate.

You can't complain at a lack of choice. Thirteen versions of the Grande Punto are on the market in five trim levels with prices starting at about £7,600.

Standard equipment on all versions includes anti-lock braking, remote central locking, driver and passenger front airbags, electric front windows, a CD player, electric power steering and follow-me-home headlamps, which stay on for a pre-set time after the car is locked to let you get to the door. The equipment package is boosted by a range of upmarket options, such as dual-zone climate control, cruise control, rain and parking sensors, a SkyDome glass sunroof occupying almost the entire roof area, a CD and MP3 player with subwoofer, and connection to a hands-free Bluetooth mobile phone.

Along with standard equipment anti-lock brakes, there are various electronic systems available to control everything from wheelspin during acceleration to electronic stability programme that helps maintain control through bends. Vehicles fitted with ESP also benefit from a hill-holder function to help smooth hill starts.

The Grande Punto has plenty of work to do to maintain the reputation of the original Punto.

Introduced in 1993 and the best-selling car in Europe four years later, Fiat believes more than 500,000 original Puntos are still in action on Britain's roads.

Auto facts Fiat Grande Punto 1.3 Multijet 90 Dynamic

  • Price: £11,195
  • Insurance group: Four
  • Fuel consumption (Combined): 61.4mpg
  • Top speed: 109mph
  • Length: 403cm/158.7in
  • Width: 168.7cm/66.4in
  • Luggage capacity: 9.7 cu ft
  • Fuel tank capacity: 9.9 gallons/45 litres
  • CO2 emissions: 123g/km
  • Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles