Fiat Panda hatchback (2012 – ) expert review

1. Exterior

Fiat knows a thing or two about building small and deeply desirable little runabouts, so if the retro-modern Fiat 500 doesn’t float your boat, then the Panda is an equally charismatic yet much more practical alternative. The boxy proportions and functional, minimalist tendencies help echo the car’s utilitarian origins which helps explain why it’s become so popular with so many different types of people. This latest version is 5cm wider, 11cm longer and looking more like a moving homage to the squircle, but it’s that broad appeal that gives the Panda such undefinable cool. And, to further strengthen its appeal, the range also includes a couple of SUV-like models, the 4×4 and Trekking. Only one actually has four-wheel drive, but both sit a little higher off the ground and share the same chunky and more rugged look.

Our rating: 4

2. Interior

The Volkswagen up! may have taken small car quality to a new level, but the Panda shows that the Italians still know how to put a smile on your face. There’s no obvious luxury inside but all the materials are solidly put together and there’s an incredible yet playful attention to detail. Fiat seems as happy to spend time working on the most mundane bits as well as the clever oily stuff. More squircle graphics frame the stereo speakers and heater controls, for example, and the plastic mouldings (no soft touch, sadly) spell out PANDA. Nice touch, Fiat. Yet it hasn’t forgotten the basics. The driving position is still excellent: raised for a commanding view out front, thin and upright A-pillars allowing excellent all-round visibility, a high set gearstick that’s easy to reach. It’s just spot on for the city.

Our rating: 4

3. Practicality

The Panda has loads of storage space up front with two big gloveboxes as well as 12 other compartments to keep your keys and travel sweets in. The front passenger seat can also be fitted with a backrest that folds down to form a table.Those boxy proportions offer plenty of head room for lankier members of the family, though legroom in the back is limited, while the boot offers 260-litres of space. You can also spec a sliding rear bench to increase this load area before you need to fold the seats flat.

Our rating: 5

4. Ride and handling

The Panda shares its basic underpinnings with the Fiat 500, so it feels eager in the corners (more so than the VW up!) but that tall body also makes it a bit rolly – especially in the Trekking model, which is a few inches higher than the regular Panda. To make matters worse, the car’s short wheelbase and firm springs make the high speed ride quality feel choppy. Its tall profile can also make the Panda feel unsettled by strong side winds, which could be disconcerting for some drivers. City Mode offers featherweight steering, which is perfect for parking up, but the controls never feel numb.

Our rating: 3

5. Performance

There are three engines available in the Panda: the 1.3-litre Multijet diesel is a solid performer and will make sense to those opting for the Panda 4×4, but the bubbly 85bhp, 0.9-litre TwinAir is the headline-grabber. It has just two cylinders, emits 99g/km of CO2 and is the closest in vim and vigour to the old Panda 100HP. Trouble is it’s expensive and the Panda makes most sense in low cost specs, which is why we’d choose the 69bhp 1.2-litre petrol. It may not be particularly new or have engine stop-start, but it’s a lovely motor which you can thrash to death and still get 57mpg on the combined run.

Our rating: 4

6. Running costs

The overall price may have gone up, making this the dearest Panda ever, but this is still a car that’s very cheap to insure, cheap to tax, cheap to fuel and cheap to service.

Our rating: 5

7. Reliability

The Fiat Panda is properly made. Everything fits well, the engines are well established, and other mechanicals are proven so you should be good. (Touches wood…)

Our rating: 4

8. Safety

The Fiat Panda has been awarded four out of five by Euro NCAP. It missed out on the final star due to ESP being an optional extra (come on, Fiat). You can also spec a forward-sensing collision-mitigation device that’ll apply the brakes for you, if you’re distracted.

Our rating: 3

9. Equipment

Panda trim levels include Pop, Easy and Lounge with standard kit consisting of 14-inch steel wheels and a Radio/CD player. Easy models have remote central door locking, manual air-con, body-coloured bumpers and roof rails (unless you choose a sunroof). The top Lounge trim gains 15-inch alloy wheels, electric door mirrors and an external temperature display.

Our rating: 3

10. Why buy?

The Panda offers honest, unpretentious and fun motoring that doesn’t feel the need to chase the ‘premium’ tag. Sorry, but we’re just getting a bit fatigued with carmakers on the hunt for premium like it’s some messianic sales pitch. The Panda proves you can do things differently.

Our rating: 4