Fiat - Panda

2004 onwards 

---

This modern Panda is the best new Fiat for years, and whilst it shares much of its earlier namesake's no-nonsense budget practicality, it's much more refined and pleasant to drive.

---

	Stylish city car with good space inside
	Lively engines and nimble handling
	Refined, practical and comfortable
	1.1 needs to be worked hard at higher speeds
	Driving position could offer more adjustment
	Base models have limited load flexibility

---

The Panda can be bought for well under £6000 new if you shop around. For that, you get a competent, well-engineered, safely-built and versatile runabout that seats four in comfort and five at a push.
Equipment levels are good on all but the cheapest models, refinement isn't at all bad, and although the 1.1 petrol engine struggles a bit on the motorway, all Pandas are willingly nippy and ideally suited to the cut and thrust of urban driving. It's easy to drive; the high driving position gives a great view of the road, and the cabin is well laid out.
First imports are conventional three- and five-door hatchback, but higher-riding four-wheel versions will follow, along with a sporty Abarth model.
Panda is fun, well-priced, easy to own and a decent alternative to the increasingly popular Korean and Far Eastern city cars it's just a shame that it lacks visual flair.