By Andy Enright

Ten Second Review

Fiat's second generation Panda isn't the newest citycar you can buy but it's still arguably one of the best. Five-door versatility is matched with solid build quality, clever design and relatively frugal Euro 5 petrol and diesel engines.

Background

The second generation Panda didn't have the easiest start to life. It was originally slated to be called the Gingo but Renault did Fiat a huge favour by insisting they ditch this awful moniker because it sounded too similar to their Twingo - a car that competes in the same market sector. Quite why Fiat wanted to ditch the Panda name in the first place is a little baffling as it's still remembered by most as a car that was inexpensive, rugged and ahead of its time; qualities you'd think Fiat would have wanted to associate with their city car. Picking up the European Car of the Year award is often a poisoned chalice and there has been a long history of duffers being given this gong, but the Panda was a worthy recipient. These days, all Panda engines are Euro5-compatible, with a choice of either a 69bhp petrol 1.2 or a 1.3 Multijet diesel.

Driving Experience

The popular 69bhp 1.2-litre Euro5 unit serves the Active, MyLife and Dynamic models. It's no road burner but will take the car from rest to sixty in 13.4s on the way to a top speed of 101mph. Handling is predictable and roll well contained. Also much in demand is the 70bhp 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine that returns quite astonishing fuel economy figures. Whereas conventional Fiat common-rail diesel engines fire two squirts of fuel into the combustion chamber for each cycle of the cylinder - a small 'pilot' shot followed by the full injection of fuel - Multijet adopts an altogether more sophisticated approach. Depending on variables such as engine temperature and throttle opening, Multijet can fire anything up to five injections per cycle. The amount of fuel entering the engine doesn't exceed first generation common-rail, but it can be tailored to burn more efficiently which in-turn purports to decrease noise, vibration, carbon dioxide emissions and overall fuel consumption. Impressive stuff.

Design and Build

The silhouette of this car hasn't changed much in recent times, with deep, bow-shaped side windows and blacked-out door pillars. It's a fundamentally good, space-efficient piece of design with fully 68 per cent of the car's length occupied by the passenger compartment - one of the largest in its class. The Panda offers a choice of no less than four different rear seating layouts. There's a one-piece bench with two or three places, a 50:50 split option or a sliding 50:50 arrangement with rake adjustable backrests and ISOFIX attachments. This can boost total boot space by up to 30 litres if rear legroom is not a priority. Build quality is better than ever, the Panda enjoying a good reputation for rugged durability. The current model comes in a choice of ten body colours, of which five are relatively new and there's a choice of eight cabin upholstery finishes. Fiat claims that the Panda is the only city car to have 99 per cent of its interior lined, setting new standards for quality and comfort.

Market and Model

The Panda was initially a very simple proposition with that pair of engines. Now things are a little more complicated with the wide range of engines and different trim levels. The permutations could have multiplied out of control but Fiat has simplified things by only offering certain engines in certain trims. The range starts with the 1.1-litre Active, from where you can then step up to the 1.2 MyLife and Dynamic models. From there, the next priciest model is the 1.3-litre MultiJet Dynamic diesel. All versions are generously equipped, with even the entry-level Active offering power steering, electric front windows, body coloured bumpers and driver and passenger airbags as standard. MyLife cars add as standard, equipment such as alloy wheels, remote central locking and 12V power socket, while Dynamic trim adds, among a long list, body coloured door mirrors and handles, roof bars, air conditioning, pearlescent paint, split folding rear seat, MP3 player and fog lights. Options include big car features such as smart windscreen wipers, follow me home headlamps, ESP stability control, a Hill Holder function, parking sensors, an MP3 stereo system and Bluetooth mobile phone compatibility.

Cost of Ownership

As you might expect, no Fiat Panda is going to demand oligarch cash reserves to run and the model around which most of the range is built, the 1.2-litre petrol, is a case in point. This car will return an average of 57.6mpg. Emissions are a relatively saintly 113g/km. With a revised injection system and lighter componentry, this engine's fuel figures are better than its predecessor's and refinement has been improved by measures which help quell vibration. If you really want to maximise fuel economy, the 1.3-litre MultiJet turbodiesel engine is the one to go for. The combined cycle fuel return is 67.3mpg from this one, a car that uses the smallest and most advanced common rail direct injection turbodiesel in the world. Carbon dioxide emissions? A mere 109g/km. Insurance for all models is relatively cheap and residual values have proven to be strong by Fiat standards, the Panda proving a popular used proposition.

If you’re looking for a new Fiat Panda 1.2 [69] Active 5Dr Petrol Hatchback for sale, you’ve come to the right place. At Bristol Street Motors we don’t just have the best Fiat Panda 1.2 [69] Active 5Dr Petrol Hatchback deals, we also offer friendly advice and help with all your enquiries to ensure your buying experience is a happy experience.

What are you waiting for? Make an enquiry online using the link above or call one of our friendly sales advisors today.