Fiat Panda Hatchback

We say The Panda is an excellent choice for a city runaround and a strong all-round performer for the cash.Performance 1.1-litre and 1.2-litre petrol engines

We say The Panda is an excellent choice for a city runaround and a strong all-round performer for the cash.Performance 1.1-litre and 1.2-litre petrol engines provide 54 and 60bhp respectively but a 1.3-litre turbodiesel adds motorway viability with decent torque that's lacking in the petrol models.Emissions The Panda’s 1.3 Multijet can return 65mpg and emits 114g/km of CO2 – it’s the most frugal in the Panda range but all engines provide good running costs.Driving The Panda provides decent body control, light steering, good suspension. Fun to drive around town; not so much on the motorway.Feel The Panda has noisy engines and some noise from the elements. It’s better than some competitors though.Space The Panda can provide plenty of headroom but legroom is limited in the back. Boot is decent for the sector at just over 200 litres.Equipment Entry level provides a cassette/radio player, electric front windows, central locking and power steering. Dynamic trim provides a CD player, central locking and aircon. Eleganza provides climate control, alloys and roof bars.Price The Panda boasts competitive pricing and good residuals. Running costs are low across the board.Quality The little Fiat’s interior materials look OK and are sturdy enough. No problems where engines are concerned.Safety Various combinations of airbags at different trim levels. ABS with electronic distribution are standard; stability control and option.Pros Good price, nippy engines.Cons Entry-level is a bit stingy on kit. Cramped in the back.Alternatives Ford Ka, Citroen C1, Toyota Aygo, Peugeot 107

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