Fiat Panda 1.2 Dynamic 5dr Car Review - February 2012

The Fiat Panda has a refined 1.2-litre 4-cylinder, 8v 1242cc petrol engine. Performance is not mind-shattering but the engine is spirited enough to provide some thrill. Designed specifically for city driving, it is agile and responsive. Handling is good at modest speeds but becomes vague on fast roads. Like most city cars, turning into corners too fast causes body roll.

62mph arrives in a pedestrian 13.4 seconds - a number of city cars accelerate faster - whereas the top speed of 101mph is among the higher speed limits for small cars. A torque figure of 75 lb-ft is high enough to give sustained pull.

The Panda 1.2 is one of the few city cars that has considerable punch at motorway speeds. Supple suspension ensures that you do not feel every bump on rutted sections of the road. Body control is in good measure too and the car remains stable at speed.

The engine revs quietly and road noises are well suppressed. Visibility is enhanced by large windows and thin A-pillars. The rear view is excellent and unobstructed.

The Panda 1.2 Dynamic is made in a lovely box-like, 5-door, hatchback design. It has well-defined lines, a tall layout and a chic front end. Strong build and ergonomics make you feel like you are in a far superior vehicle. The cabin design is equally good, with tasteful finishing making up for any cheap materials used.

Equipment offered in the Dynamic trim is significantly higher than in lower trims. You get air con, alloy wheels, electric doors, electric front windows, power steering, central locking, immobilizer, fog lights, anti-lock braking system, driver airbag, passenger airbags, CD player and MP3 connectivity.

Optional extras include rear parking sensors for £220, front side airbags for £220, stability control for £440 and metallic paint for £440.

The cabin is cleverly designed and brings a new level of practicality to this class. Everything is within easy reach and the central console is rather neat. The steering wheel and driver’s seat can be adjusted for height, and the gearlever is strategically placed. Together, they give a terrific driving position. The driver’s seat, like all other seats, is supportive.

The 5-speed manual gearbox is efficient and gear shifts are smooth. You can activate feather light-steering for easy parking in tight spaces by hitting the ‘City’ button.

There is tons of head and legroom in the front and adults will be comfortable. Legroom is limited in the rear, making long drives uncomfortable for adults seated back there. For short drives, the four seats can comfortably accommodate five people.

Storage space in the cabin is adequate, with numerous cubby-holes and door pockets providing ready storage solutions. Boot space is a rather mediocre 206 litres but the rear seats can be split and slid to increase the space to 861 litres.

While it would be unrealistic to expect a lot from the Panda for what it costs, the manufacturers failed to include crucial safety features, and this affects the safety of the car. Electronic stability control and side airbags, both of which are important, are only available as cost options. This is one of the reasons the Panda 1.2 only managed 4-stars in the Euro NCAP crash test.

The Fiat Panda is relatively cheap compared to rivals given the sheer amount of equipment you get. It does retain most of its value, depreciating by a lower rate than most rivals.

Service costs are low and will not be a financial blow. In any case, the manufacturer offers a 3-year or 60,000 mileage warranty and service intervals every 12,000 miles.

Competitively placed under insurance group 6, it attracts low insurance premiums. Low fuel consumption ensures that you do not spend much on fuel. The mileage-fuel return is good for a city car, at 57.6mpg. Modest carbon emissions means road tax will be cheap.