Fiat Panda
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a small car that’s refreshingly honest about what it is? The Fiat Panda might just charm you with its no-nonsense approach to city motoring. This compact hatchback has been winning hearts for decades by keeping things simple, practical, and surprisingly clever. It’s the car for people who want straightforward urban transport without the frills or hefty price tag.

From its distinctive upright stance to its surprisingly spacious cabin, the Panda proves that good design doesn’t need to be complicated. It stands apart from rivals like the Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo by being genuinely different rather than trying to copy everyone else. The latest models bring modern safety features and improved build quality while keeping that characteristic Panda personality that makes every journey feel a bit more interesting.

What makes the Panda special is its honest simplicity. The engines are efficient and perfectly adequate for city work, the cabin is cleverly designed to maximise space, and the whole package feels refreshingly unpretentious. It’s not trying to be luxurious or sporty, it’s just trying to be useful and fun. While some rivals might offer more polish or prestige, the Panda delivers something increasingly rare, genuine character combined with excellent value for money and surprisingly low running costs.

What's the Fiat Panda Like to Drive?

The Fiat Panda keeps things refreshingly simple when it comes to performance. The entry level 1.0 litre petrol engine produces around 70 horsepower, which sounds modest but feels perfectly adequate for city driving and short trips. For those wanting a bit more punch, the 1.2 litre option with 80 horsepower provides smoother acceleration and makes overtaking safer on country roads. The hybrid version combines the 1.0 engine with electric assistance for improved fuel economy without compromising driveability.

What impresses most about the Panda is how well sorted it feels on the road. The steering is light and precise at parking speeds, making tight city manoeuvres effortless. The suspension does an excellent job of smoothing out potholes and speed bumps while keeping body roll well controlled through corners. It’s not a sports car, but this compact hatchback feels stable and predictable in all conditions. The relatively high driving position gives you a commanding view of traffic, which adds to the sense of confidence and control around town.

Inside the Fiat Panda: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Panda and you’ll immediately appreciate how much thought has gone into maximising interior space. The dashboard is clean and functional, with everything exactly where you’d expect it to be. The materials feel honest rather than premium, but they’re hard wearing and easy to keep clean. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with a good range of adjustment to help drivers of all sizes find the perfect position.

The real star of the show is the clever use of space. Despite its compact external dimensions, the Panda feels surprisingly roomy inside. The tall roof means plenty of headroom for all passengers, while the upright seating position makes it easy to get in and out. Storage solutions are thoughtful throughout, with useful cubbyholes and cup holders exactly where you need them. The infotainment system keeps things simple with smartphone connectivity and clear, easy to use controls. It’s not the most sophisticated system around, but it does everything most drivers actually need without unnecessary complexity.

The Fiat Panda succeeds by being genuinely different in a market full of increasingly similar small cars. Its honest, no nonsense approach to design and engineering creates a car with real character and surprising capability. The combination of excellent fuel economy, low running costs, and clever interior packaging makes it hard to beat for value conscious buyers. The driving experience is pleasant and confidence inspiring, even if it won’t set your pulse racing.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Fiat Panda?

This is where the Panda really shines. Fuel economy is excellent across the range, with the hybrid version capable of returning close to 60 MPG in real world driving. Even the standard petrol engines easily achieve 50 MPG with careful driving, which means your weekly fuel bills stay refreshingly low. Insurance groups are very reasonable, typically ranging from group 5 to 8, making it an excellent choice for new drivers or anyone wanting to keep premiums down.

The initial purchase price is one of the Panda’s strongest selling points. It undercuts most rivals significantly while still offering a comprehensive warranty and decent standard equipment. Servicing costs are reasonable, and parts availability is good through Fiat’s dealer network. The combination of low purchase price, excellent fuel economy, and affordable maintenance makes the Panda one of the most cost effective cars you can buy. For those looking at car finance options, the low monthly payments make it accessible to most budgets while delivering genuine value for money.

Fiat Panda Practicality & Boot Space

For such a compact car, the Panda punches well above its weight when it comes to practical everyday use. The 225 litre boot is perfectly adequate for weekly shopping or a couple of weekend bags, though it’s smaller than some rivals. Where the Panda really impresses is in its clever interior packaging. The rear seats fold completely flat to create a surprisingly large load space, perfect for flat pack furniture or bulky items that wouldn’t fit in many larger cars.

The high roof and upright seating position make the Panda ideal for families with young children. Car seats are easy to fit and access, while the wide opening doors help with loading shopping or getting elderly passengers comfortable. Parking is a genuine pleasure thanks to the compact dimensions and excellent visibility all round. For urban drivers or anyone who values simplicity over complexity, the Panda offers exactly the right blend of space efficiency and manoeuvrability. It’s particularly well suited to buyers looking at used Fiat cars who want maximum practicality from minimum footprint.

The Fiat Panda proves that small cars don’t have to be boring or compromised. It combines excellent fuel economy, low running costs, and surprisingly clever packaging into a distinctively styled package that stands out from the crowd. While it may not have the most powerful engines or the largest boot in its class, it excels in the areas that matter most for everyday urban driving. The honest, straightforward approach to design and engineering creates a car with genuine character.

You choose the Panda because it makes sense. It’s affordable to buy, cheap to run, and surprisingly practical for its size. The distinctive styling and upright driving position give it a personality that’s increasingly rare in today’s homogeneous car market. Whether you’re a first time buyer, city dweller, or simply someone who appreciates good value, the Panda delivers exactly what it promises without pretension or unnecessary complexity. For those exploring cars under £10,000, used examples offer exceptional value while retaining that characteristic Panda charm.