FIAT describes the latest range of engines in its Punto supermini line-up as planet pleasing.

But then going green is not only the environmentally responsible path to take, it's also cost effective - both at the pumps and in keeping the taxman at bay.

And among the powerplants used in the Punto is a new 85bhp 1.3-litre unit that sees the MultiJet 2 family of engines take another step forward with the arrival of two fresh technologies.

One is a smart alternator that boosts battery recharging when the engine is cut by the car's Start/Stop system, the other an oil pump and cooling circuit improvement to increase efficiency.

As a result the Fiat enjoys better pulling power and CO2 emissions of just 90g/km, making the Punto one of the cleanest cars in its class and also one of the most economical - with a combined fuel figure of 80.7mpg.

It is helping maintain a success story which has seen more than 8.5 million Puntos sold in Europe since its original launch in 1993.

Out on the road the Multijet was put through a combination of eco driving, school trips and serious motorway work, returning a half decent 65mpg.

There's not a lot of punch if you need instant acceleration but once up to speed the diesel performs well, and is accomplished in urban conditions where a press of the City button lightens up the steering.

To continue the model's evolution Fiat has introduced styling changes like colour coded front and rear bumpers plus music-themed exterior colours like Rock ‘N' Roll Blue, Unplugged Green and Progressive Black.

Punto models are also fitted with Fiat's Blue&Me interface that controls all the car's major functions. However it's well worth the extra £250 to add the slick new Blue&Me Tom Tom LIVE, giving fingertip access to a touchscreen navigation set-up, mobile phone, trip computer and MP3 player with steering wheel commands.

It is compact, links to the car via a discreet integrated connector on the dash and being portable it can be used in any other vehicle.

It also includes something called eco:Drive, whereby owners receive info on how to reduce the environmental impact of their driving style.

While entry to the line-up starts at £9,900 for the base level 1.2-litre Punto Pop three-door petrol model boasting a respectable 54 miles per gallon, you have to pay £13,900 for the 85bhp MultiJet in eye-catching GBT trim.

Built to celebrate Fiat's support for British Cycling, GBT is based on the mid-range Easy trim but with 15-inch Sportline alloy wheels, lowered suspension, darkened privacy glass, a body-coloured rear spoiler and side skirts.

Sporty touches apart, the Punto boasts lots of practicality with a classy feel to the interior where three adults can sit shoulder to shoulder across the back, with a comfortable centre position and sufficient legroom - something few cars of this size can genuinely claim.

All Punto models, and there are 27 of them, now feature Start&Stop technology and every car comes with remote central locking, electric front windows, driver and passenger airbags, window airbags, radio/CD/MP3 player, electric power steering and height-adjustable driver's seat.