THE Fiat Punto looks smart in metallic black paint with handsome alloy wheels and dark tinted rear windows adding a touch of upmarket style. Not to mention the side skirts, side stripes and matching rear spoiler.

In fact, this special edition Jet Black Punto looks as though it's pawing at the ground, desperate to be let loose on a race track. Except it absolutely isn't.

For powering this good looking (inside is as black and smart as the exterior), well equipped and keenly priced hatchback is an engine that dominates proceedings.

Around town its modest output is no deterrent in the cut and thrust of urban traffic, helped by light steering (made lighter still at the press of a button) and a clutch and gearchange that are forgettably easy - in a good way.

And being powered by petrol means the engine is all but silent around town, unlike the hordes of diesels clattering away alongside at the lights.

But out on the open road, where you need a positive response to a pedal push at 50mph or so, the car quickly asks you to calm down and take it easy.

Changing down a gear (or two) helps a bit but is accompanied by lots of engine noise. You soon learn to go more slowly because this is a car that really, really doesn't want to hurry.

There is an upside to this lack of urge; the Fiat's official fuel consumption figure of nearly 50mpg was within a whisker of the 49.4mpg the test car showed on its dash readout.

That match is very rare indeed in today's new cars, many of which use turbochargers to boost power but ruin economy when you're pressing on a bit.

So, consider this £12,000 non-turbo version of the Punto for stylish transport in an urban setting. There's a diesel (non Jet Black special edition) available at £13,865 with more power and still better mileage figures, but the price might put you off.

Indeed, price is what special editions are all about; piling on the extras but keeping the bottom line attractive.

The Punto Jet Black certainly does that. Alongside the exterior add-ons already mentioned you'll find automatic climate control, cruise control, rear parking sensors, fog lights that shine on slow corners and a voice controlled sound system.

Those larger alloy wheels are joined by sportily contoured front seats, stiffer suspension and a leather wrapped steering wheel that wouldn't disgrace a Ferrari, to provide a car that feels positive and mildy perky - as long as you don't wander out of town.

Keep within the city limits and the virtues of any Punto are allowed to shine, from modest running costs to an interior (with five airbags) that is well suited to family transport duties, and a boot big enough for the weekly shop.

This special edition is available on a zero per cent PCP finance deal at £99 a month (over 37 months) with a £4,499 deposit or a £187 deposit and 48 payments of £187.

It's not often that this column delves so deep into the cost of driving a new car, but value is what dominates all thoughts of this special edition Punto.