Fiat's 500's success has left Grande Punto in the shade. A new range-topper should change that.

That flagship is the 1.4 T-Jet, available in three-door Sport and five-door Dynamic outfits, effectively replacing the three-door 1.9 M-Jet.

With performance in mind, the turbo-petrol powered newcomer delivers a maximum power output of 88kW at 5000rpm and peak torque of 206Nm, with 200Nm available at about 1700rpm. Staying with the numbers, top speed is 195km/h and 0 to 100km/h acceleration in just 8.9 seconds. Yet consumption remains low: a claimed 6.6l/100km in the combined cycle and reduced CO2 emissions (155g/km). Both the Sport and Dynamic variants feature five-speed manual boxes.

At the other end of the range, the three-door 1.2 Active becomes the new entry-level player. The current economic climate has spawned the return of the tried and tested 1242cc Fire engine which makes its comeback with a number of refinements. Married to a five-speed manual box, the engine delivers 49kW at 5500rpm and takes the car to a top speed of 155km/h. Torque is 102Nm at 3000rpm, with claimed consumption figures of 7.5l/100km (urban cycle), 4.9l/100km (out of town) and 5.9l/100km (combined cycle).

'Full Monty' treatment

For 2009 the new car now has new upholstery and colours, and more practical shades and surface treatments for the facia. The instrument panel is also new.

In terms of spec, there's not much skimping. Despite its entry-level status, the three-door 1.2 Active for example, boasts such niceties as dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, remote central locking, power steering, front electric windows/mirrors and a trip computer.

The five-door 1.4 T-Jet Dynamic gets even more kit including air conditioning, a six-speaker audio system with steering controls, a height-adjustable driver's seat, rear headrests, six airbags, ESP incorporating traction control and Hill Holder, colour-coded door handles and mirrors as well as 15-inch alloys.

The range-topping three-door 1.4 T-Jet Sport gets the 'Full Monty' treatment with the following items over-and-above the 1.4 T-Jet Dynamic: centre amrest, front foglamps, auto-locking doors, side skirts, rear spoiler, leather steering wheel and gear knob, and 17-inch alloys. A whole host of options are available, ranging from sport decals to a rain sensor.

Both 1.4 T-Jet versions are fitted as standard with ESP, incorporating a "Hill Holder" system and "Anti Slip Regulation" that optimises traction at any speed with the aid of the brakes and engine control.

Pricing:
1.2 three-door Active MY2009: R118 000
1.4 five-door Active MY2009: R132 800
1.4 five-door Dynamic 16v MY2009: R162 900
1.4 T-Jet five-door Dynamic MY 2009: R183 600
1.4 T-Jet three-door Sport MY2009: R191 900