Fiat Panda 1.2 8v > Reviews (9)

I purchased a Fiat Panda special edition Mamy (Dynamic 1.2 in orange) in May 2009. This is my first car, and I was looking to buy a car that would be economical to run, comfortable enough for small journeys, easy to drive and park, practical and affordable. Essentially a car that would suit a young city dweller with no family and a moderate need for a motoring vehicle. The Panda fulfilled all these criteria at a very reasonable price (£6300 new).

*Spacious*
Chiefly what attracted me to the Panda was that, in spite of its small dimensions, the car has 4 doors and the back seat is reasonably comfortable for two adults to sit in. Other cars of similar size or price range, did not. I find the 4 doors extremely convenient whether to put the shopping in or to host a friend or two when travelling around. Also the back seats can fold flat, turning into a very large boot which I find very convenient to put luggage in when going on longer trips (or camping) with my partner. In essence the car is very spacious for its dimensions, and does not feel cramped.

*Very manoeuvrable*
Another aspect of the Panda that was appealing to me was that the car sits quite high on the road. I find that this increases my visibility and makes driving easier, in particular when parking. Parking is a very strong point of the Panda. This is due both to its small dimensions and its very soft handling, you have the option to set the steering to a "city" setting which makes manoeuvring in small spaces a walk in the park. The car has such a small turning point (6.1 mt) that it practically turns on itself. You'll never have a problem parking anywhere and if you mostly live in a city you will find this extremely convenient. As well, I think this is a good point if you are a new driver or an inexperienced driver: you'll never have to struggle with many manoeuvres, the car just slips easily in and out of the smallest parking spots.

*Surprisingly fun to drive*
The car handling is great in lower gears and city traffic. In spite of the small engine, the second gear is quite reactive, so the car clears junctions and roundabouts quickly. Another story entirely is its reactivity on the motorway. This is a car for patient drivers, overtaking is no quick affair, speeding will be difficult. I find that if I stick to 3 gear I shall never worry about breaking the 30mph speed limit, and in 4th you'll never have a problem going more than 70mph. However the car is not a lazy bum, it is quite reactive, goes around corners speedily (but wouldn't try at top speed), is very reactive and in general a great pleasure to drive. Breaks are sharp and effective, the car is fitted with ABS and EBD which add to the safety.

*Not a Ferrari, but surprisingly good at cruising speeds*
The top speed of the car is supposed to be 96mph, not that you'll ever need to go that fast, but it gives you an indication that the engine is not particularly powerful. Again this car is designed with city driving in mind, don't expect Le Mans performance, however you'll never have problems driving the Panda on the motorway in so far as you stick to your speed limits.

Surprisingly I found that driving at 70mph is quite comfortable and the car gives me assurance (it keeps the road well, does not tremble, rides smoothly). I was, in this regard, expecting worse and remain very impressed in spite of Jermey Clarkson's advice.

*Economy*
This was another strong selling point of this car. Obviously with a small 1.2 engine you'd expect good fuel economy, I am averaging around 50mpg combined and I am very satisfied with the performance, particularly in this times of high fuel costs. The newer version of the engine (Eco 1.2) promises to be even better and lowers the CO2 emissions to 119gr/km, making this a very environmentally friendly little number (and a cheap one to run and insure).

*Looks: an acquired taste*
The Panda does not have a classic, flowing lines design. It is definitely an acquired taste. My partner claims "it looks like a saloon with the back cut off". I think this is a bit harsh, but the car does look small and perhaps a little boxy. However if you chose a bright colour (orange and sky blue are my favourites) and add roof bars the car can appear very funky indeed.
The interior looks youthful and essential, this car is more about substance than appearance. The dashboard is well designed (check out the stick gear position, on the dashboard, I love it!) rather than flashy (no chrome finishes here, it is obviously plastic but once more you'll be pleasantly surprised in finding that it is of better quality than the reputation of the Fiats would suggests). The air vents and seats finishes match the colour of the paint (orange in my case) which gives the car a happy-feel look. The front glove compartment (located underneath the passenger air bag) is bigger than I have seen in saloon cars, there are useful cup holders in the front and back seats and side pockets on the front doors.

*Extras*
I expected the Panda to be rather Spartan in look and feel, once more I was pleasantly surprised with the number and quality of the extras. The car has central locking key, electric front doors (the switches are on the dashboard), a very decent CD/MP3/tuner by Blackpunt (with controls on the steering wheel, an excellent idea), bluetooth connection and a surprisingly powerful air conditioning system. My favourite extra feature is the trip control computer, a small button on top of the lever for the screen wipers, lets you check out your average consumption, how many miles you have done on a particular trip, how many miles before refuelling and other such useful information.

*Concluding remarks*
I think the car fulfils all my expectations and at time easily surpasses them. Obviously this is not the perfect car, and will not suit everyone. There is nothing inheriting stylish or cool about the Panda (this is not a Mini or a Volkswagen Beatle) and if you are looking for a big or powerful machine this is certainly not for you.
However the car will certainly suit someone looking for a quirky economical little number that gives enough pleasant satisfaction to the casual driver to turn a shopping trip into a fun drive.

If you want more power, there is a 100HP model, and if you are lucky enough to live near rough terrain I would certainly recommend the 4x4 model, it promises great off road fun!