IT was back in 1982 that Fiat introduced its Panda to the UK car-buying public.
In the years that followed, almost 60,000 found their way onto British driveways until, a little like its animal namesake inhabiting the bamboo forests of China, the original Fiat Panda became an endangered species with UK imports ceasing in 1995.
However, intent on further reinforcing the Turin car giant's 60-year love affair with the manufacture of small cars, Fiat bounced a new Panda onto the UK scene in January 2004.
The new Panda immediately became Car of the Year 2004 and more prestigious awards followed until, by the year-end, this cute little character had attracted more than 9,000 UK owners to its not insignificant colours.
Today's seven-model-strong Panda range has undergone a series of minor revisions and, recently, I spent some tarmac time with one of the latest additions, the Panda powered by the ground-breaking 1.3-litre Multijet turbo diesel engine.
In the UK the days of the diesel continue to accelerate with sales having increased by some 50 per cent for all manufacturers from 2000 to 2004 but, in the world of the small car, many buyers do still tend to sidestep oil-burners - mainly due to the £1,000 premium the diesel models usually sport in the showroom.
So, in a bid to add to the impressively low running costs, Fiat has set the showroom price for the Panda 1.3 Multijet, paired with a slick-shifting, fascia-mounted five-speed manual gearshift, at well under £8,000 - making it the cheapest new oil-burner currently available in the UK.
Already a firm favourite in the Punto range since the summer of 2003, this Euro IV compatible 16-valver is also billed as the smallest and most advanced second generation common rail direct injection turbo diesel on the planet.
Unlike a Unijet common rail power source - which uses a pilot injection to raise temperature and pressure inside the cylinder to improve combustion on the main stroke - the Multijet engine splits the main fuel injection into a number of smaller ones which promote more gradual and efficient fuel delivery.
Therefore providing smoother, quieter combustion with attendant improved economy and performance, plus environmentally friendly, reduced CO2 emissions.
The result of this breakthrough in Fiat engine technology puts this Multijet-engined road-runner at the top of the new Panda range as the most powerful and swiftest of a seven-strong line-up.
While this free-revving diesel power source may have only 70bhp on tap, at 13 seconds, it is a full second quicker off the mark to 62mph than the top performing 1.2 petrol derivative and, courtesy of some eager torque, it also boasts that really useful urge required to enable it to nip competently in and out of the overtaking lanes.
Although it doesn't hide its oil-burning light quite under the proverbial bushel, particularly on start-up, go cruising with the Panda Multijet and the engine spins in smoothly refined fashion - so much so that the performance actually belies its diesel heritage - while wind and roadway noise are very well contained.
But the trump card here is the Panda Multijet's frugality. Dependant upon individual driving styles, this chic little chappie promises 50mpg on the urban trawl, which makes for some user-friendly shopping trips, while 65mpg on a run combined with a 7.8-gallon fuel tank contributes to some generous mileage on a family day out.
Enthusiastic response to the accelerator adds to the Panda's eagerness to please, making it fun to drive, and although over-eager cornering can induce some body roll this Fiat quickly regains its composure while the positive ventilated disc brakes prove confidence inspiring.
The new Panda is also nicely composed over most tarmac imperfections, dealing in highly agreeable manner with uneven and pock-marked surfaces, and while the well weighted power steering proved sharply responsive in 'Normal' mode, switch to the lighter 'City' steering mode and easing this Fiat into tight parking bays becomes a breeze.
The small MPV-like body of the Panda makes for easy access into a quite stylish cabin, with neatly set-out dash and centre console, where the set driving position should suit most folk despite the tiller being only adjustable for rake, but overall vision is fine.
Manoeuvrable space front of house is good, but, while legroom in the rear is not quite so generous, there is still ample room on board for four and while the luggage bay is not ungenerous at 206-litres. Extra cargo carrying space can be achieved via the £200 optional split-folding rear seat.
Standard kit includes electric front windows, four-speaker sound system with CD player, remote central locking, illuminated boot, 12-volt power socket and follow-me-home headlights.
However the door mirrors are only manually adjustable and heatwave conditions during the test drive made me realise the benefits of the missing air con which comes as a £500 option on this model.
Overall, the Fiat Panda is a chic little looker which is engagingly enjoyable for the driver and, in 1.3 Multijet form, competitively attractive pricing, agreeable insurance grouping, low CO2 emissions and a highly frugal mpg return should make for a very satisfying cost of ownership level.
FAST FACTS
Fiat Panda 1.3 Multijet Dynamic 5dr
Price: £7,895
Mechanical: 70bhp, 1,248cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 99mph
0-62mph: 13 secs
Combined mpg: 65.7
Insurance group: 2
CO2 emissions: 114g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 8yrs anti-rust