Fiat Panda Hatchback 2004 - Present

The Fiat Panda has taken little time to re-establish itself as a popular city runaround.

First seen on British streets in 1980 the Panda changed little between then and 2003 by when the car looked as tired and dated as the original members of the Eastenders cast. Fiat decided that nothing short of a complete overhaul would be enough to re-launch the Panda so that's what they have given it and the results are impressive. Gone are the cheap looking panels from the side of the car and the build that looked like a small agricultural machine the new Panda looks hip and funky with curves that Jordan would be proud of.

On the outside the car looks impressive but inside the car it where the 2004 update really starts to count. The seats are supportive and comfortable and there is head and leg room both front and rear for all but the tallest of passengers. The rear seats will start to become a trial after a couple of hours to anyone but the under fifteens but the chance to stretch your legs will soon refresh and leave you ready to resume the journey. The boot space is adequate without being overly generous so overnight trips will require drivers to be imaginative when packing the luggage.

There are three different types of engine; 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 litre petrol units. Somewhat unusually the most prudent is the best performing which is the 1.3 multijet, although there's not much in it with top speeds of 93, 96 and 99 mph, and 49, 52 and 65 mpg respectively. They are all good around town and none really that great on the motorway. While they can happily maintain 70 mph for a stretch that all take a while to get there and pushing on to higher speeds takes both time and planning.

As you'd expect the drive is easy and assured. It offers confident cornering and good braking. The suspension is set up to soak up the bumps but hold the road tightly. You'll have a blast every time you take it out in town making the most of the available road.

All around the new Panda is a vast improvement on the last one but that's telling half of the story. It's a great city runaround that offers a rewarding drive. With the all new Panda Fiat have aimed for the stars and nearly hit them.

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