FIAT scooped the European Car of the Year title with the Panda which came out in 2003 - and deservedly so.
The company's strength was always in funky small cars with big personality and the Panda has stylish looks with a practical shape and equipment across the range.
Engines are mainly 1.1 and 1.2-litre petrol plus the very good 1.3 Multijet turbo diesel, but there are also the range topping 100HP with a 1.4 100bhp unit, and an all wheel drive 4x4.
All have a five speed gearbox, but the 1.2 engine is also available with Fiat's Dualogic clutchless manual.
The light, slick gearchange is marvellous and the clutch is also very easy.
Willing engines and light weight give decent performance as long as the revs are kept up and, despite the high stance, road holding and handling are sporty and fun.
Fiat solved 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 and insurance is group one for 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.
FAST FACTS
Fiat Panda
Price: Pay about £2,800 for an '03 53-reg Dynamic, £4,100 for an '05 55-reg Eleganza or £4,800 for an '07 07-reg Eleganza auto
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: Renault Modus