Fiat Punto

Fiat Punto: which generation to buy

Six generations sit in the catalogue. Body type is Mini 5-doors from 2 generation (1998–2003) through 3 generation, restyling 2 (2012–2018). 1 generation (1993–2000) is the only Cabrio.

Six generations sit in the catalogue. Body type is Mini 5-doors from 2 generation (1998–2003) through 3 generation, restyling 2 (2012–2018). 1 generation (1993–2000) is the only Cabrio.

What changes when you pay for a later generation, in numbers:

Arithmetic on those rows: the tank shrinks by 2 L from generation 2 to generation 3 (47 L → 45 L). The lightest Mini 5-doors kerb rises from 860 kg (2 generation 1.2 MT 60 hp) to 1030 kg on the last two generations — 170 kg more for the same 65 hp 1.2 MT formula that used to weigh 875 kg after the 2003 restyling. Ground clearance does not rise with age: 160 mm appears on several 2 generation cars and is 150 mm on every listed 3 generation car.

1 generation is the buy only if the Cabrio body is the point. Its 1.4 MT (133 hp) is the fastest 0–100 in the whole model line at 7.9 s, but mixed consumption is not measured on that version, and the 1.7 MT diesel needs 20.0 s to 100 km/h.

2 generation is the buy if kerb weight matters: 860–1055 kg on measured petrols and diesels, versus 1030–1220 kg from 3 generation onward.

3 generation, restyling 2 is the buy if you want the 0.9 MT two-cylinder, the 1.6 AT, Euro 5 petrols with a CO2 figure, or the last 1.4 MT 135 hp with 8.5 s and 205 km/h still on the sheet.

Engines and specs — versions to compare

Names below are exactly as in the database. Same name, different power: keep both.

3 generation, restyling 2 (2012–2018), Mini 5-doors, FWD

Power per litre on this generation: 1.4 MT 135 hp = 98.7 hp/L; 0.9 MT / 0.9 DSG = 97.1 hp/L; 1.4 MT 105 hp = 76.8 hp/L; 1.6 MT / 1.6 AT = 75.1 hp/L; 1.3 MT / 1.3 DSG 90 hp = 72.1 hp/L; 1.3 DSG 75 hp = 60.1 hp/L; 1.2 MT 69 hp = 55.6 hp/L; 1.2 MT 65 hp / 1.2 DSG = 52.3 hp/L. The 875 cc two-cylinder matches the 1368 cc turbo petrol for specific output; the 1242 cc naturally aspirated petrol is about half as dense.

Torque per litre: 1.6 MT 320 Nm / 1.598 L = 200 Nm/L; 1.3 MT 200 Nm / 1.248 L = 160 Nm/L; 0.9 MT 145 Nm / 0.875 L = 166 Nm/L; 1.4 MT 135 hp 206 Nm / 1.368 L = 151 Nm/L; 1.4 MT 105 hp 130 Nm / 1.368 L = 95 Nm/L; 1.2 MT 102 Nm / 1.242 L = 82 Nm/L.

3 generation, restyling (2009–2012)

Two 1.3 MT at 95 hp (kerb 1160 kg vs 1145 kg), two 1.4 MT 77 hp (1030 vs 1040 kg), two 1.4 DSG 77 hp (same split). Also 1.3 MT 75 hp, 1.3 MT 90 hp, 1.6 MT 120 hp, 1.2 MT 65 hp, 1.4 MT 135 hp, 1.4 MT 105 hp.

The 95 hp 1.3 MT is 5 hp above the 90 hp 1.3 MT and 20 hp above the 75 hp 1.3 MT. The 135 hp 1.4 MT is 30 hp above the 105 hp 1.4 MT and 58 hp above either 77 hp 1.4 MT.

3 generation (2005–2010)

Unique in the line: 1.9 MT 120 hp (280 Nm, 1910 cc) and 1.9 MT 130 hp (280 Nm, 1910 cc). 1.3 DSG here is 90 hp with Robotic 6 (later restyling 2 uses Robotic 5 on both 1.3 DSG cars). 1.4 MT 120 hp turbo petrol (206 Nm) sits between later 105 and 135 hp 1.4 MT petrols.

2 generation, restyling (2003–2007)

1.8 MT 130 hp gasoline (1747 cc, No boost) — the only 1.8. 1.4 CVT 95 hp, 1.3 CVT 70 hp diesel (1251 cc vs 1248 cc on 1.3 MT), 1.2 CVT 60 hp. Diesels: 1.9 MT 80, 85, 100 and 60 hp (the 60 hp 1.9 MT is 1929 cc, No boost; the others are 1910 cc Turbo).

2 generation (1998–2003)

No 1.3 and no 1.4 in this list. Choice is 1.2 MT 60 hp (kerb 875 kg or 860 kg), 1.2 MT 80 hp (935 / 920 kg, plus a 6-speed 1.2 MT 80 hp at 920 kg), 1.2 CVT 80 hp (1000 kg), 1.9 MT 60 / 80 / 85 hp.

1 generation (1993–2000), Cabrio

1.1 MT 55 hp, 1.2 MT 60 / 73 / 86 hp, 1.2 CVT 60 hp (two kerb figures: 955 kg and 924 kg), 1.6 MT 90 hp and 1.6 MT 88 hp, 1.7 MT 57 hp diesel No boost, 1.4 MT 135 hp (performance not measured) and 1.4 MT 133 hp (7.9 s, 205 km/h).

Performance and economy

Figures that are empty in the source are written as not measured.

Fastest 0–100, measured: 1 generation 1.4 MT 133 hp, 7.9 s. Next: 3 generation, restyling and restyling 2 1.4 MT 135 hp, 8.5 s. Then 2 generation, restyling 1.8 MT 130 hp, 8.6 s. 3 generation 1.4 MT 120 hp and 1.4 MT 105 hp: 8.9 s. Slowest measured: 1 generation 1.7 MT 20.0 s; then 1 generation 1.2 CVT 60 hp at 924 kg, 17.5 s; 1.1 MT 16.5 s; 2 generation 1.9 MT 60 hp, 15.0 s.

On the last generation only: 1.4 MT 135 hp 8.5 s vs 1.4 MT 105 hp 10.8 s — 2.3 s gap for 30 hp. 1.6 MT 9.6 s vs 1.3 MT 11.9 s — 2.3 s for 30 hp and 120 Nm. 0.9 MT 12.7 s vs 1.2 MT 65 hp 14.5 s — 1.8 s for 20 hp. 1.2 MT 69 hp 14.4 s is 0.1 s quicker than the 65 hp 1.2 MT.

Top speed, measured, last generation: 1.4 MT 135 hp 205 km/h; 1.6 MT 193; 1.4 MT 105 hp 185; 1.3 MT 175; 0.9 MT 172; 1.2 MT 69 hp 156; 1.2 MT 65 hp 155. 0.9 DSG, both 1.3 DSG, 1.6 AT, 1.2 DSG: not measured.

Mixed consumption, last generation: 0.9 MT 4.2; 1.6 MT 4.5; 1.3 MT 4.6; 1.4 MT 135 hp 5.6; 1.4 MT 105 hp 5.7; 1.2 MT 69 hp 5.4; 1.2 MT 65 hp 6.1. City/highway on 0.9 MT: 4.9 / 3.8. On 1.6 MT: 5.8 / 3.8. On 1.2 MT 65 hp: 7.9 / 5.1. 0.9 DSG, both 1.3 DSG, 1.6 AT, 1.2 DSG: city, highway and mixed all not measured.

CO2, last generation only where measured: 0.9 MT 98; 1.2 MT 69 hp 126; 1.4 MT 135 hp 129; 1.4 MT 105 hp 133. Eco class: 0.9 MT, both 1.4 MT petrols and 1.2 MT 69 hp are Euro 5; 0.9 DSG, both 1.3 DSG, 1.3 MT, 1.6 AT, 1.6 MT, 1.2 DSG and 1.2 MT 65 hp are Euro 4.

Across generations, the cheapest measured mixed diesel on a Mini 5-doors is 3 generation, restyling 1.3 MT 95 hp at 4.2 L/100 km (city 5.3, highway 3.5) — equal to last-gen 0.9 MT petrol mixed, with 0.3 L less on the highway. The 95 hp 1.3 MT is 0.4 L/100 km mixed better than the 90 hp 1.3 MT (4.6) in the same generation.

3 generation 1.3 DSG 90 hp mixed 4.5 vs 1.3 MT 90 hp mixed 4.6 — the Robotic 6 uses 0.1 L/100 km less mixed than the Manual 6, same 11.9 s and 175 km/h.

3 generation, restyling 1.4 DSG 77 hp mixed 5.4 vs 1.4 MT 77 hp mixed 6.1 — Robotic 6 saves 0.7 L/100 km mixed at identical 13.2 s and 165 km/h.

2 generation 1.2 CVT 80 hp mixed 6.5 vs 1.2 MT 80 hp mixed 6.0 — Variable uses 0.5 L more mixed and is 1.2 s slower (12.6 vs 11.4 s). 2 generation, restyling 1.2 CVT 60 hp mixed 5.5 vs 1.2 MT 60 hp mixed 5.7 — here Variable is 0.2 L better; 0–100 is the same 14.3 s.

Dimensions and weight

Wheel sizes: not measured on every version in this dataset.

Tank: 47 L through 1 generation and both 2 generation chapters; 45 L on all three 3 generation chapters.

Ground clearance: 150 mm on all 3 generation cars; 150 or 160 mm on 2 generation (160 mm on the lighter 1.2 MT and several 1.9 MT cars); 150 mm on 1 generation except 1.4 MT 133 hp, where clearance is not measured.

Kerb / kg per hp, last generation, measured only:

• 1.4 MT 135 hp: 1170 kg → 8.67 kg/hp
• 1.6 MT 120 hp: 1145 kg → 9.54 kg/hp
• 1.4 MT 105 hp: 1090 kg → 10.38 kg/hp
• 1.3 MT 90 hp: 1145 kg → 12.72 kg/hp
• 0.9 MT 85 hp: 1090 kg → 12.82 kg/hp
• 1.2 MT 69 hp: 1030 kg → 14.93 kg/hp
• 1.2 MT 65 hp: 1030 kg → 15.85 kg/hp

Gross weight, last generation, measured: 1.4 MT 135 hp 1670 kg; 0.9 MT and 1.4 MT 105 hp 1590 kg; 1.2 MT 69 hp 1530 kg. 1.6 MT, 1.3 MT, 1.2 MT 65 hp and all DSG/AT cars: gross not measured.

Lightest car in the whole model: 1 generation 1.1 MT 842 kg kerb, 1300 kg gross. Heaviest measured kerb: 3 generation 1.9 MT 120 hp and 130 hp at 1220 kg (gross 1780 kg). Payload where both weights exist, last generation: 1.4 MT 135 hp 1670 − 1170 = 500 kg; 0.9 MT 1590 − 1090 = 500 kg; 1.4 MT 105 hp 500 kg; 1.2 MT 69 hp 1530 − 1030 = 500 kg.

Chassis labels that do not change with version in generation 3: Independent, spring front; Semi-independent, torsion rear; Ventilated disc front; Drum rear.

Which version to choose

If the job is motorway and overtaking on the last generation: 1.4 MT (135 hp). It is 30 hp and 76 Nm above 1.4 MT (105 hp), 2.3 s quicker to 100 km/h (8.5 vs 10.8), 20 km/h higher top speed (205 vs 185), and 80 kg heavier (1170 vs 1090). Mixed use is 5.6 vs 5.7 — the turbo does not cost fuel on the sheet. Specific output 98.7 hp/L vs 76.8. Same 45 L tank, 150 mm clearance, Euro 5, FWD, Gasoline 95.

If the job is torque and diesel mpg on the last generation: 1.6 MT (120 hp). 320 Nm at 1750 rpm versus 200 Nm on 1.3 MT (90 hp). 0–100 9.6 vs 11.9 s; top speed 193 vs 175 km/h; mixed 4.5 vs 4.6; kerb the same 1145 kg. You pay 30 hp and 120 Nm for 0.1 L/100 km mixed and 2.3 s. 1.6 AT has the same 120 hp / 320 Nm / 1598 cc but 0–100, top speed, consumption, kerb and CO2 are not measured — buy 1.6 MT if you need numbers, 1.6 AT only if Automatic 5 is the requirement.

If the job is lowest measured petrol use on the last generation: 0.9 MT (85 hp). Mixed 4.2, city 4.9, highway 3.8, CO2 98, Euro 5, 97.1 hp/L. Versus 1.2 MT (69 hp): 16 hp more, 1.2 L/100 km less mixed (4.2 vs 5.4), 4.4 s quicker (12.7 vs 14.4), 16 km/h more top speed (172 vs 156), 60 kg heavier (1090 vs 1030). 0.9 DSG matches the 85 hp / 145 Nm / 875 cc engine but uses Robotic 5 and Euro 4; 0–100, speed, mpg, CO2 and kerb are not measured. Prefer 0.9 MT when those figures matter; 0.9 DSG when the gearbox must be Robotic.

If the job is the cheapest petrol without a turbo, last generation: 1.2 MT (69 hp), not 1.2 MT (65 hp). Same 1030 kg, same 102 Nm, 4 hp more. Mixed 5.4 vs 6.1 (−0.7), city 7.2 vs 7.9, highway 4.4 vs 5.1, 14.4 vs 14.5 s, 156 vs 155 km/h, Euro 5 vs Euro 4, CO2 126 vs not measured, gross 1530 kg vs not measured. 1.2 DSG is the 65 hp engine with Robotic 5; performance and mpg not measured.

If the job is diesel without the 1.6, last generation: 1.3 MT (90 hp), not 1.3 DSG. 1.3 DSG (90 hp) adds 10 hp and 10 Nm over 1.3 DSG (75 hp) at the same 1248 cc, but neither DSG has 0–100, speed or mpg. 1.3 MT is the only 1.3 with 11.9 s, 175 km/h, 4.6 mixed, 1145 kg. Robotic 5 on both 1.3 DSG cars versus Manual 6 on 1.3 MT.

If you can buy a 2009–2012 car instead of 2012–2018: the 1.3 MT (95 hp) is the diesel to take. Versus last-gen 1.3 MT 90 hp: +5 hp, same 200 Nm, 11.7 vs 11.9 s, 178 vs 175 km/h, mixed 4.2 vs 4.6 (−0.4), city 5.3 vs 5.9, highway 3.5 vs 3.9. Kerb 1145 or 1160 kg versus 1145. 1.4 MT (105 hp) in 2009–2012 is quicker than the 2012 car of the same name: 8.9 s vs 10.8 s, same 185 km/h, mixed both 5.7, but 5-speed vs 6-speed, Euro 4 vs Euro 5, kerb 1060 vs 1090 kg. 1.4 MT (135 hp) is numerically the same in both restylings (8.5 s, 205 km/h, 5.6 mixed, 1170 kg). 1.6 MT is the same 9.6 s / 193 km/h / 4.5 mixed / 1145 kg in 2009–2012 and 2012–2018.

If you can buy 2005–2010 3 generation: take 1.9 MT (130 hp) when torque and top speed beat the later 1.6: 280 Nm vs 320 Nm on 1.6 MT, so 40 Nm less, but 130 vs 120 hp, 9.5 vs 9.6 s, 200 vs 193 km/h, mixed 5.7 vs 4.5 (+1.2 L), kerb 1220 vs 1145 kg (+75 kg). 1.9 MT (120 hp) is 0.5 s slower than the 130 hp 1.9 MT at the same 280 Nm and 1220 kg; mixed 5.6 vs 5.7. 1.4 MT (120 hp) petrol turbo: 8.9 s, 195 km/h, mixed 6.6 — 1.1 L/100 km thirstier than later 1.4 MT 135 hp at 5.6, and 10 km/h slower, with 15 hp less. 1.3 DSG (90 hp) here is the only 1.3 diesel Robotic with a full performance sheet (11.9 s, 175 km/h, 4.5 mixed).

If kerb weight is the constraint: 2 generation 1.2 MT (60 hp) at 860 kg (1998–2003) or 875 kg (2003–2007). Versus last-gen 1.2 MT 65 hp at 1030 kg: 155–170 kg less car, 14.3 vs 14.5 s, mixed 5.7 vs 6.1. 2 generation, restyling 1.8 MT (130 hp) is 1055 kg and 8.6 s — 115 kg lighter than last-gen 1.4 MT 135 hp at 1170 kg, 0.1 s slower, same 205 km/h, but mixed 8.3 vs 5.6 (+2.7 L). That 1.8 is the wrong buy for fuel; it is the right buy if 130 hp gasoline without turbo and 8.12 kg/hp (1055/130) beat the later turbo 8.67 kg/hp.

If you want Automatic or Variable rather than Manual or Robotic: last generation offers 1.6 AT only (figures not measured). 2 generation and 2 generation, restyling offer 1.2 CVT and 1.4 CVT / 1.3 CVT. 1.4 CVT and 1.3 CVT: 0–100, speed and mpg not measured. 3 generation, restyling 1.4 DSG 77 hp is the measured Robotic petrol: 13.2 s, 5.4 mixed.

If the body must be Cabrio: only 1 generation. Inside that list, 1.4 MT (133 hp) for 7.9 s and 205 km/h at 976 kg (7.34 kg/hp — the lowest kg/hp in the model). 1.2 MT (73 hp) for the lowest measured mixed petrol in that generation (6.7). 1.1 MT (55 hp) for 842 kg. 1.7 MT (57 hp) is the only diesel; 20.0 s, consumption not measured. 1.4 MT (135 hp) in this generation has 0–100, speed, mpg, kerb and fuel grade not measured — do not pick it if you need those numbers; the 133 hp 1.4 MT is the measured twin.

What extra displacement buys, last generation, petrol: 1242 cc 1.2 MT 69 hp → 1368 cc 1.4 MT 105 hp is +126 cc, +36 hp, +28 Nm, −3.6 s (14.4 → 10.8), +29 km/h, mixed +0.3 (5.4 → 5.7), +60 kg. Then 1368 cc turbo 1.4 MT 135 hp: +30 hp, +76 Nm, −2.3 s, +20 km/h, mixed −0.1, +80 kg. The jump from 1.2 to 1.4 naturally aspirated costs fuel; the jump from 105 to 135 hp turbo does not, on mixed.

What extra displacement buys, diesel, last generation: 1248 cc 1.3 MT 90 hp → 1598 cc 1.6 MT 120 hp is +350 cc, +30 hp, +120 Nm, −2.3 s, +18 km/h, mixed −0.1, same 1145 kg. That is the cleanest “more engine, same weight” step in the catalogue.

Reliability, known faults and prices are not in this dataset; they are not measured here. The ranking above is only power, torque, seconds, litres, kilograms and the exact version names those numbers belong to.