Fiat Panda Review 2024

Fiat Panda At A Glance

2/5
Honest John Overall Rating
It may be getting on in years, but the Fiat Panda is still a stylish and practical city car. It’s affordable, too.

+Cute looks. Surprisingly practical. Fantastic value for money. Really easy to drive.

-Leisurely performance. Low quality interior plastics. Poor safety rating.

New prices start from £14,500
Insurance Groups are between 6–12
On average it achieves 85% of the official MPG figure

The long-serving Panda is one of the oldest cars still available to buy new in the UK. But the Fiat still has plenty to offer if you’re in the market for a very affordable small car alternative to a Hyundai i10 or Kia Picanto.

Age hasn’t diminished the Fiat Panda’s design – it’s still one of the cutest city cars on sale, even after numerous changes have been made to the styling. Some models have an SUV-like appearance with rugged body cladding and raised suspension. It sounds contrived, but actually works really well. As an added bonus, the extra suspension travel improves ride quality.

Fiat has a habit of changing the names of Panda models quite frequently. The current line-up has four tiers: Fiat Panda, Fiat Panda Top, Fiat Panda (RED) and Fiat Panda Garmin. The latter two are special edition tie-ins with, respectively, a health charity and a smartwatch maker.

They’re not exactly stuffed with standard features, but every Fiat Panda comes with the essentials. These include air conditioning, electric windows, DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity. There’s also a touchscreen infotainment system – a rarity in this type of car – that you can link your phone to using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. It’s not the slickest system, but is better than nothing.

There’s just one engine fitted to the Fiat Panda: a 1.0-litre petrol unit with a mild-hybrid system and a manual gearbox. With a modest 70PS, performance is on the steady side. However, it’s a very efficient engine, so running costs are low. 

The Fiat Panda is at its best when driving around town. The steering is light, visibility is excellent, the ride is smooth and parking couldn’t be any easier. The Fiat Panda is also happy enough out of town: you trust it in faster corners and the ride remains smooth. The lack of power can be an issue on steep hills, though, while overtakes need careful planning.

Inside, the Fiat Panda is comfortable and spacious. Four average-sized adults can fit without complaint, although the Panda is quite narrow – so shoulders will be close together. It’s reasonably practical, too. The boot is a decent size and the back seats fold down if needed.

There’s a certain tinniness to the Fiat Panda’s cabin, but it’s actually put together very solidly – it’ll stand up to many years of hard work. The car’s cute exterior styling is reflected on the inside, too. The colour scheme in current models is a bit dark, but huge windows let in lots of light.

The Fiat Panda is one of the most affordable new cars on sale in the UK today. Prices start at just under £15,000 and stretch to around £18,000. We reckon it’s excellent value, even more so if you can find a (rare) discount on one.

Because it’s been around for so long, it’s easy to forget the Fiat Panda is still available to buy new. It doesn’t appear to be going anywhere in the near-future, either. The car has its limitations, but it remains as characterful, practical and affordable as it ever was.

Fiat Panda handling and engines

Driving Rating
The Fiat Panda is fantastic to drive around town – albeit less so on open roads, where performance starts to feel sluggish. It has a poor safety rating, too.

Fiat Panda 2024: Handling and ride quality

Towns and cities are the natural habitat of the Fiat Panda. With its light steering, small dimensions and huge windows, nipping into gaps in traffic and darting down side streets couldn’t be any easier. It’s also a doddle to park, even without parking sensors. The steering can be made even lighter by pressing the ’City’ button.

You’ll hear and feel the odd thump from the suspension as you go over bigger bumps and potholes. Aside from that, it offers a surprisingly smooth ride. Particularly the SUV-style models with raised suspension.

The Fiat Panda doesn’t feel completely out of its depth on faster roads, either; you gain confidence in its ability to get round corners at higher speeds. There’s a little body-lean and the ride generally remains smooth, but it can get a bit bouncy on bumpy roads. You don’t feel especially connected with the car, either, so it’s not a particularly rewarding machine to drive.

The Fiat Panda is happy enough on motorways, although it’s not the most relaxing car for a really long journey. That’s because acceleration is a bit sluggish and you do feel crosswinds. The Volkswagen Up feels more stable and capable on high-speed roads. 

Fiat Panda 2024: Engines

The Fiat Panda has been available with a vast range of engines over the years, but there is currently just one: the 1.0-litre GSE. It’s a three-cylinder petrol unit with a mild-hybrid system to help improve fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions.

It’s quite a characterful engine, but an output of 70PS is not especially powerful. It comes with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The Fiat Panda is nippy enough around town, but performance is a bit leisurely on the open road. Accelerating from 0-62mph takes 13.9 or 14.7 seconds, depending on which model you choose. It bowls along happily enough once you’re up to speed. You’ll need to work it hard when climbing long or steep hills, though.

Fiat Panda 2024: Safety

The safety of the Fiat Panda is quite a complex subject to discuss. The current, third-generation Panda has been around long enough that it was first assessed by the safety experts at Euro NCAP back in 2011. At the time, it was awarded a respectable four-star safety rating.

Some years later, Euro NCAP changed the criteria it uses to judge a car’s overall safety rating. The rules might have changed, but the Fiat Panda hadn’t – so when it was reassessed in 2018, it received a zero-star rating. Now, that doesn’t suggest the Panda is fundamentally unsafe. Rather, it shows that a car designed to perform well in one set of tests didn’t perform well in a different set of tests.

Importantly, the Fiat Panda also lacks the latest safety technology that Euro NCAP wants to see in a car. Yet it still comes with five airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control and hill-hold assist. 

Fiat Panda 2024: Towing

While older Fiat Panda models are capable of hauling as much as 900kg, the latest mild hybrid version isn’t legally cleared for towing. If you want to pull a trailer or caravan, you will need a different car…

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
0.9 TwinAir 67 mpg 11.2–12.8 s 99–156 g/km
0.9 TwinAir Dualogic 69 mpg 11.5 s 95 g/km
0.9 TwinAir Trekking 64 mpg 11.5 s 99 g/km
1.0 MHEV - 13.9 s 110–125 g/km
1.2 50–55 mpg 14.2 s 120 g/km
1.3 MultiJet 72 mpg 12.8 s 104 g/km
1.3 MultiJet Trekking 67–74 mpg 11.8–13.2 s 104–117 g/km

Real MPG average for the Fiat Panda

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

85%

Real MPG

32–85 mpg

MPGs submitted

263

Fiat Panda interior

Interior Rating
The Fiat Panda is surprisingly spacious for passengers, although its boot is quite small. It feels tinny inside, but is actually very robust. The infotainment system is quite basic.
Dimensions
Length 3653–3686 mm
Width 1643–1882 mm
Height 1551–1605 mm
Wheelbase 2300 mm

Full specifications

Fiat Panda 2024: Practicality

The Fiat Panda’s interior is usefully roomy. Headroom is particularly good, thanks to the car’s tall body, and there’s a decent amount of legroom as well. Somebody over six-feet tall should have sufficient space in the front.

The back seats are tighter, but spacious enough that an average-height adult can sit behind someone of a similar stature perfectly comfortably. That means kids are well-accommodated, although manoeuvring a child car seat into the back isn’t easy.

The only real negative to note is that, being quite a narrow car, the Fiat Panda doesn’t offer much shoulder room.

The Fiat Panda’s boot has a capacity of 225 litres, which isn’t the biggest you’ll find in this type of car; the Hyundai i10 can carry 250 litres, for instance. Yet the boot is square, flat and the opening is enormous, so it’s easy to pack plenty in. A few large shopping bags or a holiday holdall will slot in neatly.

If you need more room, just fold the back seats down. Doing so creates 870 litres of space – again, not much in the grand scheme of things, but remember this is only measured up to the windows. Take advantage of the Fiat Panda’s tallness and you’ll squeeze a lot more in. 

Fiat Panda 2024: Quality and finish

There’s a ‘squircle’ (squared circle) theme to the Fiat’s exterior styling and that carries through to the cabin. It’s full of bold shapes and big buttons that are easy to find in just a couple of moments when you first get inside. Large windows let in plenty of light and make this small car feel impressively airy.

The plastics used throughout the interior are quite hard and cold to the touch, but that’s to be expected in a car of the Fiat Panda’s price. There are some interesting textures, though.

You’d be forgiven for thinking the Fiat Panda seems a bit thin and tinny; the buttons on the dashboard feel a bit light and loose, for example. However, the car is fundamentally very robust, being built to stand up to many years of hard use by less-than-caring owners.

Fiat Panda 2024: Infotainment

Every model of Fiat Panda comes with an infotainment system controlled by a seven-inch touchscreen display.  It’s quite a basic system with relatively few features, but you get the essentials: DAB radio and Bluetooth.

You can also connect your phone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which offers the ability to use whichever navigation and entertainment apps you prefer via the screen.

Other infotainment systems are more colourful and easier to navigate around, and the Fiat’s touchscreen is a little laggy in its responses. Still, we can forgive all that – it’s unusual to find anything more than a radio in a car as affordable as the Fiat Panda. 

Fiat Panda value for money

Value for Money Rating
The Fiat Panda is one of the most affordable new cars on sale in the UK – and running costs should be very low, too.

Fiat Panda 2024: Prices

At the time of writing, Fiat Panda prices range from £14,740 to £17,765. The four models in the range each come with a fairly modest quantity of standard features. Nonetheless, we still reckon the Panda offers excellent value for money.

Because only a small number of Fiat Pandas are sold each year in the UK, it can take quite a lot of searching to find a decent discount. We have seen some pre-registered examples with prices reduced by between £500 and £1800, though.

Fiat Panda 2024: Running Costs

It won’t cost much to run a Fiat Panda. The official figures show it returns average fuel economy of between 44.1 and 58.9mpg, depending on which model you choose and the kind of road you’re driving on. In most circumstances, you should get close to 50mpg – even in town, where the engine’s mild-hybrid system most noticeably boosts efficiency.

CO2 emissions of 111-113g/km mean private owners pay annual vehicle excise duty (VED, or road tax) of £190. Company car benefit-in-kind tax rates are pretty low, too.

The Fiat Panda isn’t a complex vehicle, so servicing should be affordable. It comes with a three-year or 60,000-mile warranty.

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Fiat Panda models and specs

The name of the ‘core’ Fiat Panda models changes quite regularly, most recently in early 2023, so it’s entirely possible they will have changed again by the time you read this. At the time of writing, though, there are two: the entry-level model is simply called Fiat Panda, then there is the Fiat Panda Top.

There are also a couple of other models that are officially special editions, but have been in the line-up for a long time. These are the Fiat Panda (RED) and Fiat Panda Garmin.

You don’t get many standard features in a Fiat Panda, but there’s everything you really need to make your journeys as easy and pleasant as possible. The entry-level Panda comes with air conditioning, front electric windows, remote central locking and a height-adjustable steering wheel, plus a touchscreen infotainment system with DAB radio and Bluetooth. You can also connect your phone to the system via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The Fiat Panda Top adds SUV-like raised suspension and styling details, including a prominent silver brush guard under the front bumper and red towing eyes. Standard features match those of the entry-level model, with the addition of stereo and phone controls on the steering wheel.

Buying a Fiat Panda (RED) helps raise money for the global health charity of the same name. It has the same styling details as Fiat Panda Top, plus a few red highlights. Climate control and a filtration system that improves air quality inside the car are added to the list of standard features.

Lasty, there is the Fiat Panda Garmin. It has the same SUV-like styling as Fiat Panda Top, and is finished in eye-catching Foresta Green with grey and orange detailing, plus unique black wheels. It has the same features as the Fiat Panda (RED), with the addition of heated front seats. You also get a Garmin smartwatch included.

Dimensions
Length 3653–3686 mm
Width 1643–1882 mm
Height 1551–1605 mm
Wheelbase 2300 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1015–1110 kg
Boot Space 225–870 L
Warranty 3 years / 60000 miles
Servicing 9000–21000 miles
Spare Wheel
Standard Tyre-repair kit
Alternative Space-saving spare wheel
Costs
List Price £14,500
Insurance Groups 6–12
Road Tax Bands A–G
Official MPG 50.4–74.3 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall 4

Currently on sale

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Entry GSE 70 MHEV Start/Stop 5dr £14,500 - -

On sale until December 2022

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
City Life GSE 70 MHEV Start/Stop 5dr £13,370 - 13.9 s
Garmin TwinAir 85 4x4 Start/Stop 5dr - - -

On sale until November 2022

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Sport GSE 70 MHEV Start/Stop 5dr £14,070 - 13.9 s
Wild TwinAir 85 4x4 Start/Stop 5dr - - 12.8 s

On sale until April 2022

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Entry GSE 70 MHEV Start/Stop 5dr £12,030 - 13.9 s

On sale until April 2021

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.2 69 8V Easy 5dr - 52.3 mpg 14.2 s
1.2 69 8V Lounge 5dr - 52.3 mpg 14.2 s
1.2 69 8V Pop 5dr - 50.4 mpg 14.2 s
Easy GSE 70 MHEV Start/Stop 5dr - - 13.9 s

On sale until October 2020

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
0.9 85 Twinair Lounge 5dr £12,100 67.3 mpg 11.2 s

On sale until June 2020

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
0.9 85 Twinair Easy 5dr £11,470 67.3 mpg 11.2 s
0.9 85 Twinair Easy Dualogic 5dr £12,270 68.9 mpg 11.5 s
0.9 85 Twinair Lounge Dualogic 5dr £12,900 68.9 mpg 11.5 s

On sale until November 2017

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.2 69 8V Easy+ 5dr £10,710 55.4 mpg 14.2 s
1.3 75 Multijet Easy 5dr £12,375 72.4 mpg 12.8 s
1.3 75 Multijet Lounge 5dr £12,875 72.4 mpg 12.8 s
1.3 75 Multijet Pop 5dr £11,575 72.4 mpg 12.8 s

On sale until September 2017

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
0.9 85 Twinair Trekking 5dr £13,210 64.2 mpg 11.5 s
1.3 75 Multijet Trekking 5dr £14,210 67.3 mpg 13.2 s
1.3 95 Multijet Trekking 5dr £15,110 74.3 mpg 11.8 s

On sale until April 2015

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Easy 1.3 MultiJet 75 5dr £12,095 72.4 mpg 12.8 s
Lounge 1.3 MultiJet 75 5dr £12,595 72.4 mpg 12.8 s
Pop 1.3 MultiJet 75 5dr £11,295 72.4 mpg 12.8 s
Trekking 1.3 MultiJet 75 5dr £13,795 67.3 mpg 13.2 s

Model History

August 2011

New Panda unveiled

While still remaining true to its compact design brief, new Panda has ‘grown’ by just a few centimetres to ensure the attainment of the highest safety standards, and improve the generous level of passenger and luggage space still further.

With an overall length of 3,650mm, width of 1640mm and height of 1,550mm, new Panda can comfortably accommodate up to five people and is equipped with one of the largest luggage compartments in its segment.

Now in its third generation, new Panda has taken another major step forward in terms of comfort, technology and safety equipment, making its first public appearance with a modern and harmonious new style, but without relinquishing the essential family feeling that has so characterised the marque over the years.

The new engine range emphasises new Panda’s cutting edge technology. Customers will be able to choose from two TwinAir twin cylinder engines: the International Engine of the Year 2011 85bhp TwinAir Turbo, or the brand new 65bhp naturally aspirated TwinAir, both equipped with Start and Stop as standard. The recently revised four cylinder 69bhp 1.2 litre Fire engine completes the petrol engine range at launch, but a state-of-the-art turbodiesel 75bhp 1.3 litre MultiJet 2 engine, also with Start and Stop as standard, will also be offered. In harmony with its eco-friendly spirit, new Panda also offers a Gearshift Indicator, which helps drivers use the engine more efficiently, and thus reduce fuel consumption.

At launch, the new Panda will be front-wheel drive only, but a four-wheel drive version is planned. Safety has been a priority in the new design, and new Panda has four airbags, ABS anti-lock braking with a brake assist system, front seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, Isofix attachments for child seats, anti-whiplash front head restraints, rear headrests, and Daytime Running Lights – all as standard.

February 2012

Fiat Panda prices announced

With a starting price of just £8900 OTR, the new 5-door Panda represents value for money and positions the car among its benchmark rivals. At the top end of the range, a highly specified version equipped with Fiat’s 1.3 MultiJet 2 turbodiesel engine costs £12,250 – an OTR price that includes air conditioning, roof rails, Start&Stop and alloy wheels as standard.

Available initially with a choice of three frugal, ultra-low emissions, Euro 5-specification engines: 69bhp 1.2-litre petrol, 85bhp 0.9-litre TwinAir, and 75bhp 1.3-litre MultiJet 2 turbodiesel, the new Fiat Panda can be ordered in three different trim levels – Pop, Easy and Lounge.

With more than six million examples sold, the Fiat Panda has proved its popularity, and this larger, more sophisticated version retains that appeal, extending it with an even stronger, more emotional design which will attract a still broader audience.

Standard equipment in the entry level Pop includes electric windows, central locking, Dualdrive electric power steering, four airbags and body colour bumpers. The extensive options list includes ESP, roof rails and black pastel paint.

Easy trim versions add remote central locking, air conditioning, roof rails and a higher grade audio system, while Lounge additionally receives heated electric mirrors, 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, body coloured mirrors and door handles, and side mouldings.

Safety is of course top of the agenda with up to six airbags, double seatbelt pretensioners, an active anti-whiplash head restraint system, and available ESP. In addition, a new Low Speed Collision Mitigation system will become available for the first time. This uses a laser sensor on the windscreen to scan a space a short distance in front of the vehicle to determine the risk of a collision. It is capable of automatically activating emergency braking at speeds less than 30km/h (18.6mph).

A vast list of available options will allow customers to specify a car to suit their own needs and, with a huge choice of 10 exterior colours and six interior/dashboard combinations, everyone will be able to create their own special Panda.

Model Basic Price (£) Total OTR (£)
POP 1.2 8v 69 CV 6996.62 8900.00
POP 1.3 MULTIJET 75 CV 8829.95 11,100.00
EASY 0.9 TWINAIR 85 CV 8538.28 10,750.00
EASY 0.9 TWINAIR 85 CV DUALOGIC 9163.28 11,500.00
EASY 1.2 8V 69 CV 7538.28 9550.00
EASY 1.3 MULTIJET 75 CV 9371.62 11,750.00
LOUNGE 0.9 TWINAIR 85 CV 8954.95 11,250.00
LOUNGE 0.9 TWINAIR 85 CV DUALOGIC 9579.95 12,000.00
LOUNGE 1.2 8V 69 CV 7954.95 10,050.00
LOUNGE 1.3 MULTIJET 75 CV 9788.28 12,250.00

July 2017

Fiat launches Panda City Cross

Building on the style of the Panda Cross 4x4, the Panda City Cross is two-wheel-drive but has 'urban crossover' looks.

This includes body-coloured front and rear bumper inserts and side mouldings and contrasting black door mirror caps, roof bars and door handles. Completing the off-road look it comes with the same 15-inch alloy wheels, that can be found on the Panda Cross.

Inside, the Panda City Cross features a grey dashboard fascia with matt black instrument panel inserts and new seats, characterised by black and grey fabric with black eco-leather side inserts. The new Panda City Cross is available in front-wheel drive combined with the 69hp 1.2-litre petrol engine.

The new Panda City Cross is available in two new body colours: the pastel Minimal Grey and Electronica Blue, the latter available exclusively on this car. An optional pack can also be specified to customise the car further: The City Cross Style pack adds ultrashine roofbars, side mouldings and skid plate as well as body coloured door mirrors and front red hooks, to bring it in line with the Panda Cross. Inside, the City Cross style pack includes an upgraded copper dashboard and panels and seat upholstery to match its four-wheel-drive sibling.

June 2018

Fiat Panda Waze launched

The new Panda Waze special series is the first city car in the segment to integrate the popular Waze navigation app with the "Panda Uconnect" app, allowing them to be used simultaneously, switching between the functionality with just a touch on a smartphone display.

Waze is the navigation app that lets drivers avoid jams and save time during the daily commute and beyond. Millions of motorists, united in a vast community, cooperate every day to report traffic conditions in real time - enabling the Waze navigation app to find the best routes.

The app recommends the fastest route based on data provided in real time, by more than 100 million people. From traffic information to details of petrol stations with the lowest prices, Waze is a reliable travelling companion for surviving the daily urban adventure.

The new Panda Waze features the Cross look and on the outside, the Panda Waze is identified by the "Waze" logo below the A pillar, plus black side mouldings, mirror caps, roof bars and door handles. Externally, the look is completed by 15-inch wheels with black covers. The Panda Waze is available exclusively with the 1.2-litre 69PS petrol engine.

January 2020

Mild hybrid engine for Fiat 500 and Panda

The 500 and Panda will be available with a new petrol mild hybrid engine that combines the latest three-cylinder FireFly 1.0-litre engine family with a 12-volt BSG electric motor and a lithium battery that delivers 70PS (51kW).

Compared to the outgoing 1.2-litre 69PS petrol engine, the mild hybrid version improves fuel efficiency, reducing CO2 emissions on the road by up to 30 per cent without impeding performance. It also ensures a very high standard of driving comfort thanks to the BSG system, allowing for a quiet, vibration-free restart of the internal combustion engine in Stop&Start mode.

The arrival of the mild hybrid engine will marked by special edition models of the 500 and Panda. These Launch Edition models will be identified by the ‘Hybrid’ logo on the rear and the exclusive ‘H’ logo, formed by two dew drops, on the centre panel. The new and exclusive ‘Dew Green’ exterior that suits both cars is in harmony with the themes of nature and innovation.

The Launch Edition seats are the first in the automotive sector to be made of Seaqual® Yarn, the weaving of which produces a special material, certified by Seaqual, derived from recycled plastic, 10 per cent of which originates from the sea and 90 per cent from land.

The 500 Mild Hybrid and the Panda Mild Hybrid Launch Editions can be ordered from January at Fiat retailers across Europe. The first customer deliveries will arrive in the first quarter of 2020.

January 2020

Mild-hybrid prices announced

UK pricing and specifications for mild-hybrid versions of the Fiat 500 and Panda have been announced ahead of models arriving in showrooms in the coming months.

The 500 starts at £12,665 while the Panda costs from £13,855, each powered by a three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine producing 70PS.

Fiat is offering special launch edition versions of the mild-hybrid 500 and Panda, identified by a new and exclusive Dew Green exterior. Inside, the seats are finished in Seaqual Yawn, made from recycled plastic.

The Fiat 500 mild hybrid will arrive in showrooms from February while the Panda will follow in March.

Trim level

OTR price
(£)

City Cross

13,885

Launch Edition

14,385

Trussardi

14,485

October 2020

Fiat Panda Easy mild-hybrid joins range

New-entry level model features air conditioning, DAB radio, Bluetooth functionality, audio controls via the steering wheel, USB socket, 15-inch dark metal alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers, adjustable door mirrors, fully-adjustable driver’s seat, four airbags, and electronic stability control with hill hold assist.

Prices start from £11,840.

October 2020

Fiat Panda updated for 2021

This update also sees an overhaul of the Panda range and trim levels with the inclusion of the new Fiat Panda Sport.

The Fiat Panda is still available as a 4x4 with the Fiat 0.9-litre 85hp Twinair engine. The rest of the range is available with the brand’s 1.0-litre mild hybrid unit with 70hp that debuted earlier in 2020.

Fiat says the new Panda Life range offers an affordable car packed with smart solutions. The entry level Panda model provides body-coloured bumpers, 14-inch steel wheels, air conditioning and DAB radio with MP3 compatibility and USB connectivity.

The Panda City Life builds on this with front fog lights, new front bumpers, a brand-new insert in the side skirts and 15-inch dark metal alloy wheels. Various black exterior elements, including the roof rack, side protection, door mirror housings and external handles, complete the look.

Inside, two-tone grey seats and an anthracite-coloured dashboard complements the exterior, while leather steering wheel and audio controls, manual air conditioning and Uconnect system complete with DAB radio, Bluetooth and smartphone mount installed on the dashboard complete the standard specification.

The Panda Wild 4x4 tops the Panda Life range with the same exterior and interior features as the Panda City Life, but adds all-wheel drive, rear differential gear locking, and front and rear skidplates.

The Sport model joins the Panda line-up for the first time. It features new 16-inch alloy wheels, red brake callipers, darkened rear windows, and body-coloured door handles and door mirrors. A new dedicated matt grey paint is available exclusively on Panda Sport with the option to choose glossy black roof top and door mirrors.

Inside, a titanium-coloured dashboard, door panels in eco-leather, black roof and new seats with dark grey upholstery, red stitching and eco-leather details and techno-leather steering wheel with red stitching, complement the exterior styling.

The Panda City Cross provides a robust exterior look coupled with features never-before-seen on Panda. On the outside, LED DRL headlights, black door mirrors, handles, roof rack and side sills, 15-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers and skidplates complete the look, while a new ceramic blue pastel paint is available for the first time. Inside, new blue and black two-tone eco-leather upholstery on the door panels and seats with silver stitching and fabric side panels finish the look. Automatic climate control is also standard.

The new line-up is completed by the Panda Cross 4x4. Building on the Panda City Cross, the Cross 4x4 receives all terrain selector with three modes (Auto, Off-road, Hill Descent Control), all-wheel drive, rear differential gear locking and rear parking sensors. The standard specification is completed with red front tow hooks, electrically adjustable and heated body-coloured door mirrors, front and rear bumper with silver skid plates, silver side mouldings and roof rails and dark tinted rear windows. Inside, the new dashboard is made from processed waste wood, while the new black and grey two-tone seats feature fabric in the centre panel made from at least 37 per cent recycled material.

Launched in February with the Panda Hybrid Launch Edition, mild hybrid technology is now available throughout the 4x2 Panda line-up, providing all the benefits of efficient, compact, lightweight and accessible hybrid driving.

The mild hybrid petrol engine pairs the new Euro 6D Final-compliant 70hp 3-cylinder 1.0-litre engine from the FireFly family with a Belt-integrated Starter Generator (BSG) electric motor. The latter recovers energy during braking and deceleration, stores it in a lithium battery with a capacity of 11Ah, and uses it at a peak output of 3.6kW, to restart the engine in Stop&Start mode and assists acceleration. The transmission takes on the new 6-speed gearbox, designed to further optimise the engine’s range of usage.

The new Fiat Panda range will be available to order from early November priced from £11,895 OTR for the Fiat Panda 1.0-litre 70hp petrol model.

Panda version

WLTP CO 2 (g/km)

Basic Price

OTR

PANDA 1.0 Mild Hybrid 70hp

123

£9,115.83

£11,895

CITY LIFE 1.0 Mild Hybrid 70hp

124-125

£9,699.17

£12,595

WILD 4x4 0.9 TwinAir 85hp

156

£12,478.33

£16,295

SPORT 1.0 Mild Hybrid 70hp

125

£10,282.50

£13,295

CITY CROSS 1.0 Mild Hybrid 70hp

126-127

£10,865.83

£13,995

CROSS 4x4 0.9 TwinAir 85hp

156

£13,895.00

£17,995

May 2022

Fiat Panda Garmin special edition announced

Capable of tackling daily tasks with ease and style, the Garmin special series will be available in Foresta Green livery with orange accents, such as the line above the side mouldings, “Panda” writing on the hubcap of the 15’’ matte black style wheels and the “Garmin” badge on the pillar. A new light grey textured matte paint has been created for the skid plates, mirror caps and side moldings. Fog lamps and black roof bars complete the exterior equipment. The same approach is found in the cabin, where the interior offers orange detailing, such as the stitching on the black fabric upholstery of the seats. Standard equipment includes automatic air conditioning, and Radio DAB 7’’ touchscreen with Bluetooth®, Apple Carplay and Android AutoTM compatibility with steering wheel audio controls.

The Panda Garmin special series can be equipped with the Hybrid 1.0 GSE 70 HP engine.

What to watch out for

11-08-2014:

Complaint of sluggish performance in 1st and 2nd gear of EU6 Fiat Panda 1.2 Lounge purchased in April 2014. Hesitation when pulling away in 1st and 2nd gears due to a device fitted to the clutch to reduce emissions. "Feels very unsafe, when trying to pull out into traffic." See Fiat Forum

30-09-2014:

Fiat acknowledged four recorded customer complaints of 2,600 EU6 Panda 1.2 sold, all from owners who had the EU5 engine before and expected the EU6 to perform the same.

02-10-2014:

Software fix available from Fiat dealers that restores the performance of EU6 1.2 Panda and 500 engines.

11-03-2015:

Report of recently purchased used 2014 Fiat Panda 1.2 (assumed to be EU6) lacking power on hills and suffering from a sticking throttle that resulted in a crash.

27-03-2015:

Reader reports that an official fix for the 1,242cc EU6 engine problem in FIAT Pandas and 500s has finally reached dealers from Fiat.

13-06-2015:

Noises heard from engine of pre-reg 15 plate Panda after 1,100 miles. Dealer found noise was coming from block, swarf in oil, etc. Fiat delayed fitting of new engine for for further tests. Reader advised that if car was not fitted with new engine immediately he should reject it for a full cash refund.

08-03-2016:

Battery discharge problems with 2012 Panda after software upgrade 5958. Car bought used in April 2015. Software upgrade 5958 on 12-2-2016 after which radio stopped working and battery discharged. Battery replaced 21-2-2016 and discharged by 1-3-2016. Fiat dealer found faults with both battery and radio and wanted £600 to replace. Battery supplier tersted battery and found it okay. Dealer is legally obliged to fix the problem it caused.

30-04-2016:

Clutch failed on 2015 Panda TwinAir at 7,185 miles. Slave cylinder, pipe and hydraulic valve replaced under warranty. Later clutch burned out. Dealer blamed 'driver error'. Fiat paid for clutch under goodwill, but owner had to pay labour. Clutch returned to owner shows oil contamination, so up to him to get an engineer's report and sue the dealer for return of the labour charge.

01-02-2017:

Poor starting reported from Panda TwinAir in cold, wet conditions. Suspect condensation getting into the coil packs.

18-06-2017:

Complaint of clunking noise from LH to RH brake conversion on RHD Fiat Panda.

03-02-2018:

Report that cabin smell in a Fiat Panda Dualogic might not be a failing clutch. The rubber breather/circulation hoses on the 1.2 engine perish. Cost abouty £50 for a fresh pair of hoses.

08-07-2018:

MUST use correct Fiat specified Selenia oil in the TwinAir or will lead to problems.

What does the Fiat Panda cost?