Fiat Panda might be small but it’s big on fun and light on fuel

THE Fiat Panda is a city car that comes with loads of personality. Its small engine will impress most people with its willingness and fuel economy. Overall, it’s is a fun little car to drive around town.

On the downside, some of its more modern rivals offer higher levels of allround refinement. However, the Panda fights back with impressive safety features that trump most of its rivals at this price point.

OUR TEST CAR

Our Panda on test was a year old. With only 16 150km on the clock there was nothing to complain about. The bodywork seemed new, the interior pristine condition and mechanically it proved to be perfect. The Panda came equipped with 175/65R14 tyres that offered lots of tread.

A small, turbocharged 900cc twin-cylinder engine delivers 63kW of power and an impressive 145Nm of torque.The TwinAir engine offers an entertaining drive with responsive performance. You can drive it for economy shifting at low revs, but it is more fun using higher revs. The engine can become noisy at higher engine revs, although it is an entertaining, likeable noise.

The Panda felt nippy, and a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 11.2-seconds is on point, proving excellent for an entry-level vehicle. With a claimed fuel economy of 4.2l/100km it is one of the most economical petrol-driven vehicles on the market, but note that it could use double that, depending on driving style and usage.

LIVING WITH IT

I was impressed by

its comfort.

The dampers seem well sorted and thus provides smooth passage around city streets and even bumpier country roads. There is some body roll around corners, but nothing that will make you uneasy. The five-speed manual gearbox is a pleasure to use, with easy and precise throws between gears. Ultimately, the Panda is most comfortable in the city where its size and light steering ensures excellent manoeuvrability in and around small spaces.

Inside, the emphasis remains one of stylish practicality. The dash is designed to ensure ease of use, while the fascia design is appealing and practical. As expected at this price, you will notice harder plastics in the cabin, but on the plus side, they seem durable. Considering its entry-level status the Panda impressed with its safety features that included front and side airbags, stability control and ABS braking with EBD. Standard features were also plentiful:

Air conditioning, city- driving mode, central locking, front and side airbags (4), multifunction steering wheel, ABS with EBD and brake assist, on-board trip computer, stability control, multimedia infotainment system, cupholders, economy driving mode, 14 storage pockets, Bluetooth, ISOFIX rear seats, USB and AUX ports and 12V connector, electric windows (front only), stop/start.

VERY USEABLE

The Panda does not feel cramped when you slide in behind the wheel. Visibility from the driver’s seat is great, while the controls are easy to operate . Inventive design also provides 14 compartments for gadgets big and small. Boot space is fair, and can be increased from 225-litres to 870-litres by folding away the rear seats.

The Panda offers buyers a city vehicle with a charming personality and an enjoyable drive. The 900cc turbo engine promises good all-round performance and fantastic fuel economy. The fact that the Fiat Panda comes with a four-star Euro Ncap safety rating and is covered by a three-year/100 000km maintenance plan enhances the value it offers potential buyers.

For: Great little engine, fantastic fuel economy, good safety features, remainder of three-year maintenance plan and lovely engine noise.

Against: Engine a little noisy when pushed hard, can be ungainly when loaded.