Other than the five-speed manual entry-level Pop, the Punto gets Fiat’s odd Dualogic transmission. The difference is considerable, and not necessarily for the better, says Paul Murrell.

At $16,000 driveway for the base model, the Fiat Punto is well worth a look on price and equipment alone. It’s a decent-looking car and the fit and finish is impressive, as are the standard five doors, nice manual gearbox and roomy, airy interior.