Fiat Panda (04-11) - Review

Review by David Ross on
The original Fiat Panda was a low cost, compact, cheap to run, lightweight car. The new Panda stays true to that ethos but unlike the earlier version, is well built, comfortable and durable. Thanks to the upright body it's also surprisingly spacious inside and you can easily carry two adults, a couple of kids and luggage (if you pack carefully). It's also good fun to drive, with light but precise steering making it great in town while it is equally capable on motorways where it can happily cruise along with minimal fuss. The interior is fairly basic but well laid out and the seats are comfortable too. But what really makes the Panda appealing is it's value for money and low running costs. This really is Fiat doing what it does best.
4 out of 5

Other Fiat reviews

2.5 out of 5

Safety

The Panda only scored three-stars in Euro NCAP crash tests, which is disappointing for a modern car. Nonetheless, all models have twin airbags and ABS, plus more expensive versions get side airbags and stability control too.

NCAP Test

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Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe.

Visit Euro NCAP for more info

  • Adult Occupant Rating

    3 out of 5
  • Child Protection Rating

    2 out of 5
  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    1 out of 5
3.5 out of 5

Reliability

We've not heard of any major problems with the Panda since it was introduced and the build quality appears to improve upon other Fiat models before it. As most of the components were designed for heavier duty models - and will generally be subjected to less strain with the Panda - they should be fairly durable.

Car check problem points

Body

City scrapes and bumps, occasional parking dents.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

No problems reported.