THERE has been a Punto in the Fiat stable since 1994.

Widely applauded as a spacious and practical motor, throughout the 90s it steadily gained a following of younger generation motorists, due in the main to its adept handling abilities.

In more recent times this popular hatchback became the Fiat Grande Punto, bringing further levels of refinement including a more upmarket cabin to the marque.

However, standing still in the motor world is a definite no-no and in the early part of 2010 the Grande Punto become the Punto Evo.

I've just tried a Punto Evo Dynamic and it was an experience which certainly found this latest Fiat to be quite a head turner.

The Fiat designers have always been pretty adept at producing the subtle change and, while the Punto Evo shapes up well from every angle it also features some detailed change.

Included in this refresh are a slimmed down grille, black inserts to the new front and rear bumpers and a new rear lighting set-up.

Inside it is equally attractive with fit and finish is decidedly good while piano black finish to the centre console adds a touch of class.

Facing a black dashboard with neatly put together instrumentation, the driving position is welcoming in a quality cabin housing a quite generous standard kit level.

It included the likes of air con, electric front windows, leather trimmed steering wheel, Dualdrive electric power steering, side and window airbags, body coloured door handles, 40/60 split foldable rear seats as well as anelectronic stability programme with a hill holder device.

There is some "big car" feel about the Punto Evo courtesy of comfortably supportive seating, good sound proofing and overall refinement.

Unlike some competitors, this five door hatch is a genuine five seater delivering some decent amounts of space for front and rear occupants. Boot space is perhaps more weekend away than family holiday accommodating.

Powered by the 1.4-litre 16 valve MultiAir 105bhp petrol engine paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, the Punto Evo has some fine driver appeal striking a good balance between ride and handling.

The MultiAir engine proved a pretty impressive piece of kit. Surprisingly quick off the mark, it offered some very low range urge and while the Stop/Start system worked pretty seamlessly it did also help contribute to an agreeable 50mpg return over 150 miles of mixed driving.