Used test – clever city cars: Fiat Panda vs Skoda Citigo
Both of these used city cars rely on neat design to save you pennies without making you feel like a pauper. But which is best?...
Our Verdict
The Fiat Panda’s funky looks make it rather tempting. Not only that, but its tiny two-cylinder engine packs far more punch than it has any right to. Inside, the Panda’s sense of style continues, with interior styling that’s very pleasing to the eye.
The problem is, there’s an air of style over substance here, because the Panda’s beauty isn’t really much more than skin-deep. Its noisy engine and bouncy ride make it less than enjoyable to drive around town; its equipment list could be more extensive, too, and the slightly cramped rear quarters do it no favours.
All of which leaves the Skoda Citigo to take the win in this test. True, it isn’t quite as fun to look at as the Fiat and the same can be said of its plain interior. But neither is it ugly; indeed, some might find the Citigo’s more reserved styling, both inside and outside, a little more grown-up.
And that’s before we get to the Skoda’s other plusses. Not only is it more spacious than the Fiat, but you get more equipment and a much smoother engine. The ride is more composed, too, and the Citigo’s better fun to drive. True, it’s a little more expensive to buy than the Panda, but it’s worth the extra.
Read our review of the new Skoda Citigo
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For Great to drive; roomy inside; loads of equipment; smooth engine
Against Can feel slow; dull interior styling; high boot sill
Verdict A superb used city car that has no major weaknesses
Rated 5 out of 5
Read the full Skoda Citigo review
Find a used Skoda Citigo in the What Car? Classifieds
2nd – Fiat Panda
For Funky looks inside and out; punchy engine
Against Noisy engine; unsettled ride; stingy equipment
Verdict Not without appeal, but well beaten by a brilliant rival
Rated 3 out of 5
Read the full Fiat Panda review
Find a used Fiat Panda in the What Car? Classifieds
Specifications: Skoda Citigo 1.0 75 Greentech Elegance 5dr
Engine size 1.0-litre petrol
List price when new £10,370
Price today £5000
Power 74bhp
Torque 70lb ft
0-60mph 13.2sec
Top speed 107mph
Fuel economy 67.3mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 98g/km
Specifications: Fiat Panda 0.9 Twinair 85
Engine size 0.9-litre petrol
List price when new £10,750
Price today £4500
Power 84bhp
Torque 107lb ft
0-60mph 11.2sec
Top speed 110mph
Fuel economy 67.3mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 0g/km
Price today is based on a 2013 model with average mileage and full service history, correct at time of writing
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