FIAT now offers the award-winning TwinAir engine in three models to meet the growing demand for downsizing and economy.

The TwinAir - which was named Engine of the Year in 2011 - started out in the 500 and was then introduced to the larger Panda. It is now available in the Punto range so I tried one out to see how it works in a larger car.

The Punto is much heavier than the other two models but the TwinAir copes well with the extra weight and despite having only two cylinders its 875cc power plant produces 85bhp.

It is a very clean little engine, so owners don't have to pay any road tax at all and the claimed combined mpg is 67mpg  although I never got anywhere near that. I did average about 45mpg so that is not at all bad and I really wasn't trying too hard.

You have to make good use of the gears to get the best out of the TwinAir but that is no hardship as it revs freely and delivers the power with a nice rorty sound track.

A slick six-speed gearbox allows you to make smooth changes to keep the Punto on the move.

The sprint to 62mph takes 12.7 seconds and the top speed is a respectable 107mph. I don't know if it is because of the engine's throaty noise but the Punto manages to feel quicker than it actually is.

The TwinAir looks pretty much like any other Punto but it does feature some new colours, gloss black mirror covers and door pillars, tinted privacy glass and fresh alloy wheels.

Earlier this year the Punto was given a minor facelift and a fresh interior to help it keep up with the competition so although this version has been in production for about six years, it does not feel dated.

The suspension soaks up most road bumps and the handling and ride are more than acceptable.

The five-door version cost £12,700 and features a good level of standard equipment including alloys, remote central locking, sound system with CD and MP3 with steering wheel mounted controls, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, folding rear seats, headlight adjustment, air con, front fogs, trip computer and electric front windows. The Blue&Me media system with Bluetooth, USB and AUX will cost you £250 from the options list.

Safety equipment includes ABS and EBD and BAS (a brake assistance system), numerous airbags and deadlocks.

The Punto seats four in comfort and five adults if the journey is not too long and there is good storage and luggage space.