This comparison test was conducted by the 4TROXOI magazine, sometime in 1997, and was run in a small test track. The primary reason for this test was to see more clearly how these three mini-GT's behave on the so-called limit, while aspects like interior volume and straight line performance were not counting in. The Red Punto GT is the testmule of the Greek Fiat Importers, with some 20.000 kms on its odometer already, all of them being driven hard by various greek magazines testers. The Saxo VTS is living with the magazine, as a long-termer, while the VTi was brand new.

(click on all images to view some great background pics, sized around 800X600 pixels!)

The Punto under the GT badge will make you think quite hard with its very good balance of kg's/HP and its dimensions. Add the fact that its 136 horses are a 1400cc only case, and you can realize now why even in its sight only, one gets a heart attack! On the road, you survive having fun, without getting yourself in trouble, as long as you are using much of the brains you have in your head! Then, you can take advantage of the marvellous torque of its motor, the very easy to use shifter and the quite good steering system, which in cooperation with the suspension offer the much needed suppleness. The brakes are beyond any criticism, while the red "test mule" we had in hand, verifies pretty well that the updated quality of the recent Fiat cars is reality, rather, than theory.

...the rhythm is going up, the inside wheel being very close to the slalom markers, so we have an even faster pass, braking into the corner, and we have a greater degree of performance, against the Honda and the Fiat, with the 160 and 136HP respectively. We are referring to the Saxo, the Frenchman in this company. What if the hydraulic steering is making its presence too loud? What if the suspension is a tiny bit softer than that of the Peugeot 106 GTi? No problem! The french GTi is flying, offering excitement at a very reasonable cost. You accelerate... decelerate and, primarily, you turn under the right circumstances. But it needs your attention. It cannot save you from foolish moves, just because it is good in theory. Men and machines, have their limits, at whichever level of quality they are being, and somewhere there you can find the key to survival and success. ...At knowing them and reporting them... And with cars like the Saxo, 106 and Clio there is always a way to make you better... Steadily, though...

Too much power to the front wheels is not the ideal, but there's a way to react. what's asked is to take advantage of the useful area, so you can move quickly, while at the same time not endangering yourself or other road users. With the Civic VTi and that excellent motor, driving fast becomes a puzzle. The 160HP motor starts with a mean mood and you have to be ready at all times... Thankfully the chassis is secure and reacts progressively. The bad steering will let you with few margins of control, after traction is lost, so we advise self-control! The target was, and still is to be able to move at the limits of traction and not having to control under- or oversteer. The brakes are very good, the shift lever is excellent, while the sound of the motor up there near the redline was and still is unique!