It wasn't long ago that practically every maker of small cars tried to hoodwink us into thinking that an entry level B-segment hatchback was actually worth more than R160 000.
Then VW and Ford rehashed the previous Polo and Fiesta to create the Polo Vivo and Figo at substantially lower prices and since then prices in this size segment have started falling like dominoes.
While none of the more modern contenders have been able to match the former two in price (besides the woefully underpowered and under-specced Punto 1.2), there have been some significant reductions, the R130-150K bracket having welcomed the Toyota Yaris and Peugeot 207 in recent times.
Now Fiat is staking a claim on this semi-modern, semi-cheap end of the segment with its Punto 1.4 Essence at R139 900. It may be a good R40K more than the 1.2, but the latter was hardly a car that many people could live with and the Essence appears to offer a good package for the price, while the smaller, recently repositioned, Panda Young tackles the R100K mark.
The Punto 1.4 Essence also offers a very generous specification, with standard features comprising automatic climate control, CD/MP3/USB audio system with six speakers, remote central locking, electric windows and mirrors, on-board computer and 14-inch alloy wheels to name the highlights.
It even boasts a Bluetooth telecommunications system that allows SMS messages to be read out by via voice command.
The Essence is also well endowed on the safety front, with dual front airbags and ABS brakes adding to the peace of mind that its five-star EuroNCAP safety rating brings.
Power comes from a 1.4-litre 16V Fire petrol engine, which in previous road tests has proven to be anything but a fireball but at least it's bearable, unlike the 1.2. It puts out 66kW at 6000rpm and 115Nm at 4500rpm, allowing a leisurely 0-100km/h time of around 15 seconds, according to Fiat.
Claimed fuel consumption amounts to 7.3 litres per 100km on the combined cycle, from 9.5 in town and 6.1 on the open road.
The car is also sold with a rather average three-year/100 000 warranty and a one-year roadside assistance plan, but you'll have to pay an extra R8310 for a three-year/60 000km service plan.