Fiat Panda Driving Impressions

Jan 25 2012

In the UK more drivers sign up for car finance deals on Fiat 500s than all other Fiats combined; they are simply everywhere.  The appeal of the car lies in its hard-to-beat blend of retro appeal, chicness and compactness.  The Panda, meanwhile, slipped into a distinctly second place in the Fiat line-up.

Thirty years ago the original Panda was something like an Italian version of the Citroen 2CV: a simple vehicle doing the things a car is supposed to do.  The 2003 version was a little bit more sophisticated, but retained the functional ethos.

Now there is a new Panda on the market.  The mechanical makeup and structure is clearly derived from the previous model – which is to a large extent also shared by the 500.  So we have a fairly tall vehicle with a tail that is nearly vertical, a high driving position and five doors, reminiscent of a small MPV.  The angular rationality, however, has been toned down by a wider stance, curvaceous flanks and rounded corners.

The way this Panda drives and handles is worlds apart from the previous model.  The suspension pivots utilise softer rubber, the track is wider and the front struts have been fitted with noise-isolating upper mounts.  All of this show on the road: the car is way more civilised than its predecessor and it soaks up bumps with a hitherto unknown quietness for a Panda.  Yet the car remains a lot of fun to drive.

The 875cc 2-cylinder turbo engine develops 85bhp, giving the car a top speed of 110mph, fuel consumption of 67.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 99g/km.  Prices start at £8,700.

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