FIAT PANDA HATCHBACK REVIEW

For It’s a funky-looking little car that’s as fun to drive as it is easy; to cap it all, it won’t cost you much to buy and run

Against Ultimately, its small size counts against it, as it’s short on rear legroom. The ride can be a little on the firm side, too, and basic versions are short on some kit

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

This is a desirable city car with the emphasis on fun; it’s good value, but avoid the base models that miss some kit. Pick of the range is the 1.2 MyLife.

Reader review rating

4.386667

The Fiat Panda Hatchback full review Read in full

Performance
3 out of 5 stars
1.3 diesel is the best performer
Ride & Handling
3 out of 5 stars
Responsive and sure-footed
Refinement
3 out of 5 stars
Hushed for a car of this size
Buying & Owning
4 out of 5 stars
Should be cheap to own
Quality & Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Build feels strong
Safety & Security
3 out of 5 stars
Not really good enough
Behind The Wheel
2 out of 5 stars
Good, but the tall may suffer
Space & Practicality
3 out of 5 stars
Okay headroom; rear space is tight
Equipment
2 out of 5 stars
Base models miss some essentials

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There are 4 Fiat Panda versions available

Fiat Panda Hatchback 1.2 Active 5dr	£8,445	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Fiat Panda Hatchback 1.2 MyLife 5dr	£9,255	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Fiat Panda Hatchback 1.2 Dynamic 5dr	£9,865	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Fiat Panda Hatchback 1.3 Multijet Dynamic 5dr	£12,285	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5

Fiat Panda Hatchback 1.2 MyLife 5dr

Provides useful extra kit over the base model, but cheaper than the range-topper – it’s the best value package, and our pick.

What Car? says:3 stars out of 5

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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

There’s a good range of engines available in the Panda, but our favourite is the 1.2 petrol unit. It’s a peppy little engine that really suits the car; and, while the 1.3 turbodiesel gives better performance and is both more flexible and more economical, it’s far too expensive to buy.

The Panda’s three-star Euro NCAP crash-test rating is a little disappointing, but if you do want to buy one, it’s worth checking out the company’s website, as from each model’s page, you can click through a ‘Latest Offers’ section, where you can find details of special edition models and money-off offers. And remember, even when there is an offer, you may be able to haggle more off if you visit a dealer in person. Also, while you’re on the website, don't forget to check out the Accessories range as well - there are plenty of useful bits and pieces here.