FIAT'S strength was always in funky small cars with big personality and the Panda has stylish looks with a practical shape and decent equipment across the range.
The company scooped the European Car of the Year with it in 2003 – and it was a well-deserved accolade.
Engines are mainly 1.1 and 1.2-litre petrol plus the very good 1.3 Multijet turbo diesel, but there are also a range topping 1.4 with 100bhp and an all wheel drive 4x4 with raised ground clearance.
All have a five speed gearbox, but the 1.2 engine is also available with Fiat’s Dualogic clutchless manual.
The light, slick gearchange in the manuals is marvellous and the clutch is easy and light.
Willing engines and light weight give decent performance as long as the revs are kept up and, despite a high stance, the road-holding and handling are sporty, safe and fun.
Fiat have solved the light car ride problem superbly and Pandas soak up every kind of road surface with indifference.
Interior
All have power steering with a button to make it fingertip light for parking and insurance is group one in the 1.1-litre.
The Panda is very practical, with excellent headroom, good legroom in the front and a reasonable amount in the back and a one piece folding rear seat. Equipment is decent to generous across the range.
FAST FACTS
Fiat Panda
Price: Pay about £2,500 for an ’05 05-reg Eleganza, £4,400 for an ’09 09-reg Dynamic
Mechanical: 60bhp, 1,242cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 96mph
0-62mph: 13.6 seconds
Combined mpg: 50
Insurance group: 3
CO2 emissions: 133g/km
Marks: 10/10
Main rival: Skoda Fabia Estate