Fiat Panda
Ratings
4 stars
Summary
Recommended. Cheap, cheerful and occasionally cheeky.
Review
One of the best of the current crop of city cars thanks to its combination of cute styling, practicality and enthusiastic performance - the Panda proves that cheap cars don't have to be cheerless.
The styling manages to combine cuteness with an impressive level of practicality, while the ergonomics of the cabin are sufficiently well-designed to mean you don't resent the cheap-feeling materials its made out of. Besides, at the price being asked, it would be churlish to expect the Panda to give off too many quality vibes. Space is decent for front seat occupants and reasonable in the back as well, although boot capacity is fairly limited with the rear seats upright.
On the road the Panda drives with an enthusiasm which masks its relatively modest performance. Grip levels are low, but the Panda corners keenly all the way up to the limit and seems to enjoy being thrown around. Petrol engines all offer fairly limited performance, although the 1.2 litre motor seems to relish a good workout. The most powerful model in the range is the excellent JTD diesel version, which is also capable of returning over 60 mpg. The 4x4 version is particularly useful on low-grip surfaces, too.
However, there is another option for enthusiastic drivers in the form of the 100HP model. This is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished, fun little cars to come to the market in years. It has a 1.4 litre engine, producing 99bhp (100hp) and a revised, stiffened chassis. Fiat has found an excellent balance between driver-involving handling and ride comfort with the 100HP - it's a great addition to the Panda range.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
4 star
Pleasing boxy looks belie the Panda's utilitarian purpose. It's got real character, unlike most of its ultra-bland rivals.
Handling
4 star
Keen and spirited up to the relatively modest cornering limits. Proof that you don't need fat tyres and roll-resistant suspension to have a good time. 100HP is great fun to throw into corners, with quick steering and much more grip than the standard Panda.
Comfort
3 star
The driving position gets a bit cramped over longer journeys and the ride is bumpy on rougher road surfaces, but the Panda deals with higher speeds surprisingly well for a city car.
Quality & Reliability
3 star
Tough construction - and the cabin materials feel right for the price.
Performance
3 star
Even the most powerful JTD diesel engine bestows only limited performance on the Panda, although all feel keen enough in town. 1.2 litre petrol engine responds well to a caning. Of course, performance enthusiasts should opt for the 100HP which, while it only manages 60mph in 9.5 seconds, is one of t
Roominess
4 star
Big for a city car with plenty of room front and rear, although the boot's modest dimensions limit all-out practicality.
Running Costs
5 star
Few cars cost less to run than a Panda, thanks to its combination of decent fuel economy, cheap servicing and low insurance groups.
Value for money
4 star
The Panda can't match rivals like the Kia Picanto on raw value, but equipment levels are respectable by the standards of the segment it's competing in.
