FIAT PANDA HATCHBACK REVIEW

Performance

3 out of 5 stars

You have the choice of two engines, a 1.2 petrol with 69bhp and a 1.3-litre turbodiesel with 75bhp. The petrol is no ball of fire, but it’s lively enough when you rev it. The diesel feels slightly stronger and more flexible around town, and the extra muscle makes motorway driving easier, too.
Ride & Handling

3 out of 5 stars

The Panda displays good body control, so the car doesn’t lean over unduly in bends. The steering is pleasantly light around town, making manoeuvres easy, and when speeds ride, it’s responsive and well weighted. Most road imperfections are dealt with well, so the ride stays pretty comfortable.
Refinement

3 out of 5 stars

Most engines become rather noisy when worked hard, although the diesel is quieter than many rivals, especially around town. Wind- and road noise become increasingly insistent as speeds rise, but overall noise levels aren’t bad.

Buying & Owning

4 out of 5 stars

Prices are highly competitive when compared with the Panda’s supermini rivals and residual values are respectable. Decent fuel economy, modest emissions and low insurance groupings mean the Panda is cheap to run.
Quality & Reliability

3 out of 5 stars

Most of the plastics and fabrics used in the interior are of reasonable quality and appear well put together. The body’s shut-lines are fairly tight, while the doors, switchgear and gearshift all have a solid feel, but there is a slight concern that the car scored below-average marks for mechanical reliability in the 2011 JD Power customer satisfaction survey.
Safety & Security

3 out of 5 stars

This is where the Panda really struggles. All models come with twin front airbags as standard, but you have to pay extra for side- and curtain airbags, and they’re only available on the higher spec models. Stability control is a cost option, too, but anti-lock brakes with electronic distribution of stopping power are standard.

Behind The Wheel

2 out of 5 stars

The Panda’s funky, airy cabin features a large centre console that keeps most controls – including the gearlever – within easy reach, but taller drivers may find the lever housing digs into their left leg. The raised driving position isn’t to all tastes, either, but it does ensure a good view out. A height-adjustable steering wheel is standard, but only top-spec cars have driver’s seat height adjustment.
Space & Practicality

3 out of 5 stars

The Panda’s tall body ensures plenty of headroom all round and there’s reasonable legroom up front. Legroom is tight in the back, however, despite the upright seating position. The Panda’s boot is small but well-shaped. On basic models the rear seat folds as one; a seat that splits and slides is an option on mid-spec cars, while top-spec models split as standard and slide as an option.
Equipment

2 out of 5 stars

Entry-level Active models come with alloy wheels and a CD player as standard, but we’d recommend upgrading to MyLife trim for its remote locking and air-conditioning. You have to step up to Dynamic trim to add foglights, roof bars, a height-adjustable drivers seat and split-folding rear seats.