It’s Thursday again and if you need something to help get you through the rest of your working week, we’ve got just the thing in the form of today’s Fiat Panda review. This handy hatchback is cheap to buy and cheap to run – making it one of the best small cars on the market.
In today’s review, we’re getting to grips with this cheeky little hatchback to find out why it’s most at home in the city – and if you’re interested in exploring your finance options, we’ll help you find the best Fiat Panda deals for you.
Original image by Overlaet
Design
Thanks to its dinky dimensions and funky styling, the Fiat Panda is a hugely popular small car. Inside the cabin, the Panda’s large windows make the interior appear more spacious – and its boxy design gives added height, providing great road visibility. Up front, there’s plenty of space for both the driver and passenger, and those in the rear shouldn’t struggle to get comfortable either. The back seats slide forwards and backwards, meaning that the 225 litre boot can extend to 260 litres when needed.
Performance & Handling
The Fiat Panda is right at home in the city – and with a range of petrol and diesel engines to choose from, you’ll find it easy to navigate around busy, narrow roads. If trying to park a car of any size sends your blood pressure through the roof, you’ll welcome the Panda’s City button – which lightens steering to assist with parking and keep your anxiety at bay.
When it comes to performance, the 68bhp 1.2 litre petrol is the entry-level engine in the lineup. Sauntering from 0-62mph in 14.2 seconds and returning a decent 54.3mpg, this engine costs just £30 a year in road tax. There’s also a more economical, slightly pricier 0.9 litre TwinAir turbocharged petrol engine – which accelerates from 0-62mph in a more spritely 11.2 seconds and returns a satisfying 67.3mpg. Road tax on this engine is zero, thanks to its rock bottom CO2 emissions.
The only diesel in the lineup is the 1.3 litre Multijet, and if you’re more likely to cover long distances, this is the engine to go for. The 1.3 litre will cost £20 in annual road tax while returning up to 72.4mpg. Whichever engine you opt for, running costs will be low – and with the hatchback falling between groups 2 and 7, it won’t even be expensive to insure.
Features
There are three trim levels available with the Fiat Panda – and although the entry-level Pop comes with air bags, power steering and a CD/MP3 system, you’ll need to shell out a little extra if you’re looking for more tech. Step up to the Easy spec and you’ll get air-conditioning and central locking, as well as body-coloured door mirrors and handles. Move up to the range-topping Lounge model and you’ll benefit from 15 inch alloy wheels, foglights and heated door mirrors – guaranteed to be a welcome addition in the colder months.
Fiat Panda Finance
Original image by Overlaet
If you’re in the market for a hot hatch, the Fiat Panda can be yours from just £9,375 – but if that’s a little out of your price range, we can help. A the Car Loan Warehouse, our flexible Fiat Panda finance options mean you could find yourself behind the wheel of this Italian beauty sooner than you think.
If the Fiat Panda ticks all your boxes but you need a more spacious ride, the Fiat Panda 4×4 might be just what you’re looking for. Whichever car you settle on, head over to our online car finance calculator for a quick quote today.
