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Fiat PandaApril 2007

Recommended.

Cheap, cheerful and occasionally cheeky.

4 variants from £8,445 to £12,285

Our rating:

4

User rating:

4
Fiat Panda
 
 

Fifth Gear Fiat Panda review

 
 
1. Cute styling
2. Amusing driving experience
3. Punchy JTD diesel engine

WE DON'T LIKE

1. Uncomfortable over longer journeys
2. 1.1 litre petrol engine really lacks urge out of town
3. More expensive than some of its bargain-priced rivals
 
 

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.

Fifth Gear overall car ratings

STYLING

Pleasing boxy looks belie the Panda's utilitarian purpose. It's got real character, unlike most of its ultra-bland rivals.

HANDLING

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

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

Tough construction - and the cabin materials feel right for the price.

PERFORMANCE

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 the most fun cars on the UK market with an enthusiastic, zesty engine.

ROOMINESS

Big for a city car with plenty of room front and rear, although the boot's modest dimensions limit all-out practicality.

STEREO / SAT NAV

Audio system struggles to make itself heard at higher speeds. Sat nav untested.

RUNNING COSTS

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

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.

ENVIRONMENT

Excellent 1.1 petrol and 1.3 diesel are undermined by 1.4 petrol

This review has been tagged with: Fiat | Fiat Panda

There are 4 variants of the Panda

Panda variants Price (£) Fuel type Engine
size (cc) 		CO2 emission
(g/km)
1.2 Active 5dr £8,445 1242 113
1.2 MyLife 5dr £9,255 1242 113
1.2 Dynamic 5dr £9,865 1242 113
1.3 16v MultiJet Dynamic 5dr £12,285 1248 109
 

Average

4

User reviews (3)

Leave a review

Andrea.
5

Andrea.30 September 2010

I have a FIAT Panda and i'm 100% satisfied by it. I agree about the handling, it's very funny drive it on the mountains.Also in in the front-wheel-drive version. PS: if you'll fit up a Methane/GPL system running costs will be ridicoulous.

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Charmain Maynard
3

Charmain Maynard20 July 2011

I recently bought a Fiat Panda less than 5years old. 15,000 miles on the clock. One owner full service history from recognised Fiat dealers. 2 months later power steering failure. Steering locks and becomes very stiff, can happen without warning. Check the Fiat forum and was horrify to find that this seems to be quite a common problem among Fiat cars. Contacted Fiat, was issue with a case number and told to get independent quotes on parts and labour and that an agent will contact me to negotiate. When I reported the cost of the part back to Fiat (£471.61)an agent contacted me said the car is out of warranty and the age of the car (under 5 years old) means that they (Fiat)are unable to assist in this matter and has no obligation to do so. This is a major component and a safety issue for Fiat drivers. It is not the normal wear and tear of wiper blades, light bulbs brake pads etc... In fact it is not something I have ever heard of that goes wrong (especially so quickly) in even the cheapest of cars. Is it reasonable to expect Fiat to inform potential Fiat owners of this problem?

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Alejandro Varela Quintana
4

Alejandro Varela Quintana12 January 2012

I've got a Fiat Panda 2011 dualogic which I drive mainly in the city. It's the most fun drive I've ever had, the city button makes the speed sensitive direction even softer, great for cornering; petrol is never a concern and the dualogic gear takes the best out of the small 1.2 liters engine. it is known small engines don't perform well on Mexico's roads but the Panda behaves quite nicely. It is roomy on the front and easy to jump in and out on the backseats. The price was right and can't stop people looking at it in it's funny shape and white colour with green and red stripes. I don't give it 5 stars because surely there must be something wrong in it, haven't found it yet though. I love my piccolo italiano.

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