Fiat has proved a past master at producing sharply differing cars from the same platform.

The Punto supermini was a hugely successful product through the 1990s, receiving many accolades in the process, including the Car of the Year award in 1995.

But throughout all this time the Punto has been Europe's best-selling car in its class, and in 1997 it was the best-selling car in Europe.

The car has been re-styled and now comes in no fewer than 16 versions, based around the three and five-door models.

The three-door has a dynamic and sporty look, while the five-door is more refined and provides greater comfort and luggage space.

Both make excellent use of all available spaces for bits and pieces such as keys, mobile phones and pens. The test model, a five-door ELX version, offered no fewer than 26 separate storage compartments.

Changes to the car have gone deeper than simply changing its looks and providing a few extra cubbyholes.

Modifications to the suspension have delivered a noticeable reduction in vibration and interior noise, not to mention improved handling.

The Punto is fitted with electric power steering, which can switch from a super-easy mode for driving around town and car parks to a second setting where greater steering sensitivity is required, such as open roads. Another advance on the test model is the introduction of an electronically controlled automatic gearbox, called Speedgear.

The system offers three driving modes, two of them automatic, or at the flick of a lever, a clutchless six-speed manual gearbox, with sequential gear ratio selection.

Of the two automatic modes, one gives priority to performance and the other to comfort. In the latter mode, designed for city driving, the gearbox automatically uses higher gear ratios, which gives quieter running and improved economy. Neat touches on the car include the ability to operate the electric windows after the key has been removed and an intelligent windscreen wiper mechanism, which is activated automatically immediately after windscreen washer fluid is sprayed.

A standard equipment follow-me-home system leaves the headlights on after the car has been locked to shed light on a parking area and make the route to the front door safer.

Fiat has redesigned the bodyshell further to improve performance in the event of a collision. It says the new car not only complies with EU safety standards, but will pass the even more rigorous US tests.

Among other safety systems there are side airbags and three rear-seat headrests as well as centre rear-seat three-point safety belts. An Isofix system is also available to allow child car seats to be fitted more easily and safely.

A further step forward to improving anti-theft systems has been made with the Punto. The main components of the system are an electronic key, immobiliser and engine control unit.

The handgrip of the ignition key contains a cryptographic transponder with an electronic code containing an enormous number of combinations. If the code is recognised, the body computer sends a coded message that allows the engine to be started.

The Punto may be ordered with five engine options - three petrol, from 1.2-litre to a 130 horsepower 1.7-litre, and two diesels.

AUTO FACTS Fiat Punto 1.2 ELX Speedgear

Price: £10,295 on the road

Insurance group: Six

Fuel consumption

Urban 33.6mpg

Extra urban 51.4mpg

Combined 43.5mpg Comfort: Good

Length 151in/383.5cm

Width 65.3/166 cm

Top speed 103mph

Luggage capacity:

8.9 cu ft/252 litres

Fuel tank capacity 10.34 gallons/47 litres