InsightGirl
  • Latest News
  • Cars
  • Article
  • Buying Guide
  • Reviews
    • Tractor Review
Sign In
  • What's Hot
  • Article
  • Latest News
  • Tractor Review
  • BYD
  • Reviews
InsightGirl
Sign In
  • Toyota
  • Chevrolet
  • Hyundai
  • KIA
  • Mercedes
Search
  • Latest News
  • Cars
  • Article
  • Buying Guide
  • Reviews
    • Tractor Review

Top Stories

Volkswagen Still Uses Front-wheel Drive – Here’s Why

Article
May 2, 2025

Kia Carens is that Spacious, Smart, and Sensibly Priced Car We have been Longing For

Article
May 17, 2025

John Deere 4440 Review 2025: The Good, Specs and Bad

Tractor Review
May 2, 2025
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
Copyright © InsightGirl. All Rights Reserved.
InsightGirl > Blog > Reviews > Fiat Panda Review, Specs, Interior Price and More
Reviews

Fiat Panda Review, Specs, Interior Price and More

Gigi
Last updated: May 30, 2025 6:14 am
By Gigi
Share
19 Min Read
List of Images 1/10
2020+Fiat+Panda+front+quarter+moving+2
2020+Fiat+Panda+front+quarter+static
2020+Fiat+Panda+front+static 2
2020+Fiat+Panda+side+static
2020+Fiat+Panda+rear+quarter+static
2020+Fiat+Panda+full+cabin
2020+Fiat+Panda+dashboard
2020+Fiat+Panda+infotainment
2020+Fiat+Panda+gear+selector
2020+Fiat+Panda+rear+seats

InsightGirl Verdict

8.2

The Fiat Panda is a charming and unpretentious city car that proves you don’t need a big budget to enjoy motoring—compact, capable, and cleverly practical, especially in 4×4 form.

Pros

  • + Incredibly compact and easy to park
  • + Practical interior with tall seating and great visibility
  • + Surprisingly roomy for its footprint
  • + Panda 4×4 model is capable and fun off-road
  • + Cheap to buy, run, and maintain
  • + Good fuel economy and low emissions
  • + Distinctive, lovable character

Cons

  • – Basic interior materials feel dated
  • – Rear seat space can be tight for taller passengers
  • – Not the quietest at motorway speeds
  • – Lacks some modern tech and safety kit
  • – Base engine feels underpowered when loaded

When I first bought the Fiat Panda, it was meant to be a temporary runabout—a cheap little city car to get me from A to B. I didn’t expect to fall in love with it. But after nearly three years of ownership and over 40,000 miles, I can confidently say the Panda has far exceeded expectations. It’s not a car that impresses on paper, but in real life, it just works.

Contents
InsightGirl VerdictProsConsA Quick OverviewStyling – A Box With PersonalityInterior and Practicality – Clever Use of SpaceDriving Experience – Surprisingly FunFuel Economy and Running Costs – Bare-Bones CheapReliability – Solid with the Right MaintenanceInfotainment and Features – Spartan but ServiceableSafety – Fair for the Price PointQuirks and Everyday ObservationsFinal Verdict – An Honest, Underrated GemFiat Panda ScorecardSpecifications & PricesGeneral InformationPower and PerformanceTransmission and DrivetrainInterior and CapacityDimensions and WeightNotable FeaturesVariantsAvailable Paint ColoursPrices

Quirky, frugal, and surprisingly capable, the Panda is proof that less can be more—if done right.


A Quick Overview

The Fiat Panda has been around since 1980, and the version I drove is the third generation, launched in 2011. Mine was a 2015 Panda 1.2 Pop, a base model with very little in the way of luxury—but a ton of charm. There’s also a TwinAir turbo version, a 4×4, and even a mild hybrid variant, but I stuck with the basic petrol engine for its simplicity and reliability.

It’s a compact city car with five doors, five seats (sort of), and a boot that’s big enough for shopping, but not much else. Yet somehow, the Panda punches way above its weight.

- Advertisement -

Styling – A Box With Personality

The Panda’s design is unashamedly boxy, and I love that. In a world where every small car is trying to look sporty or swoopy, the Panda is refreshingly square. The rounded-off edges and tall roofline give it a friendly, utilitarian vibe—like it’s here to help, not show off.

It’s not going to turn heads, but that’s not the point. The Panda has its own kind of charm: approachable, unpretentious, and practical. It also means great visibility—a huge plus in tight city streets or crowded car parks.


Interior and Practicality – Clever Use of Space

Step inside the Panda and you’ll find a cabin that’s basic, but very cleverly packaged. The materials are hard plastic throughout, but they’re tough and easy to wipe down. The dashboard is cheerful, with coloured inserts that match the bodywork on some trims. Even in my grey-on-grey base model, it felt honest, not cheap.

The seating position is high for a small car, giving a good view of the road. There’s enough headroom for tall drivers (I’m 6 feet) and plenty of light in the cabin thanks to the large windows.

Storage is excellent for a city car—door bins, dashboard trays, and a deep glovebox all help make the most of the space. The back seats are a bit tight for adults, but fine for kids or short trips.

- Advertisement -

The boot offers 225 litres of space, which grows to 870 litres with the rear seats folded. It’s not cavernous, but I’ve managed IKEA runs, camping trips, and weekly shops with some creative packing.


Driving Experience – Surprisingly Fun

Let’s be clear: the Panda is no hot hatch. With 69bhp from its 1.2-litre engine, it’s not fast—0 to 60 mph takes about 14 seconds, and hills can be a bit of a challenge. But in the city, it feels nippy, responsive, and light on its feet.

What really makes the Panda a joy to drive is its tiny footprint and featherweight feel. At around 950kg, it’s easy to chuck around town, and the steering is ultra-light—especially with the “City” mode engaged, which makes parking feel like turning a feather with your pinky.

- Advertisement -

The five-speed manual gearbox is smooth and easy to use, with a nice short throw. The clutch is light, and visibility is excellent, making it perfect for new drivers or those who just want a stress-free commute.

On the motorway, it’s a different story. At 70 mph, the engine buzzes loudly, and wind noise picks up. Overtaking takes planning, and you’ll find yourself shifting down a gear more often than not. But it’ll still sit comfortably at motorway speeds if you’re not in a rush.


Fuel Economy and Running Costs – Bare-Bones Cheap

One of the biggest reasons I bought the Panda was for its low running costs, and it didn’t disappoint. I averaged around 50 mpg in mixed driving, with 55+ achievable on long runs if I behaved myself.

The 1.2 engine is simple and robust. It doesn’t have a turbo, start-stop, or fancy electronics—just a timing belt, regular oil changes, and straightforward maintenance.

- Advertisement -

Road tax was low (pre-2017 models even qualify for £30 or zero tax), and insurance was about as cheap as you can get for a full-size car. Parts are abundant and affordable, and you can get tyres, brakes, and services done for pennies compared to more complex vehicles.


Reliability – Solid with the Right Maintenance

In three years of ownership, my Panda never left me stranded. The only real issues I had were:

  • A coil pack failure (cheap and easy to replace)
  • A sticky driver’s window switch
  • The occasional dashboard rattle on cold mornings

That’s it. Start it up, drive it, top up fluids, and it’ll keep going. The 1.2 FIRE engine has been around forever, and while it lacks modern refinement, it makes up for it with bulletproof simplicity.

Just make sure to keep on top of servicing, especially fluids and belts, and you’ll likely avoid major headaches.

- Advertisement -

Infotainment and Features – Spartan but Serviceable

My Panda Pop came with the bare minimum: no touchscreen, no air con, no cruise control, no Bluetooth. It had a radio, a USB port, and that was it. Honestly, I didn’t mind.

Higher trims offer Uconnect infotainment with Bluetooth, DAB, and smartphone connectivity, but even then, it’s basic compared to modern systems. If you care about tech, you’ll need to upgrade—or just use your phone.

What it lacks in features, it makes up for in intuitive simplicity. No confusing menus, no overcomplicated screens—just big buttons and physical dials that do exactly what they’re meant to.


Safety – Fair for the Price Point

The Panda scored 3 stars in Euro NCAP testing, which isn’t stellar, but not terrible for its age and size. Safety equipment on the base model is minimal: dual front airbags, ABS, and not much else.

- Advertisement -

Later models and higher trims add ESP, hill-hold assist, and side airbags, but if safety is a priority, you’ll want to look at better-equipped versions—or newer alternatives.

That said, in the real world, it feels stable, easy to control, and predictable in how it drives.


Quirks and Everyday Observations

Every car has its quirks, and the Panda is no exception:

  • The gearstick is oddly high up, mounted into the dashboard. It’s weird at first, but quickly becomes second nature.
  • The “City” steering button makes the wheel so light you can spin it with a finger—great for tight parallel parking.
  • Wind noise above 60 mph is noticeable, but not unbearable.
  • The heating and ventilation controls feel a bit flimsy but work reliably.
  • People constantly underestimate it—until they sit inside and realise how roomy it actually is.

Final Verdict – An Honest, Underrated Gem

The Fiat Panda isn’t glamorous. It doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. But in a world of overdesigned, overpriced crossovers, the Panda offers something refreshingly rare: honest, utilitarian charm.

- Advertisement -

It’s the kind of car that grows on you. It makes the school run, the commute, and the weekly shop simple. It never tries to dazzle, yet rarely disappoints.

If you’re after a low-cost, no-fuss daily driver that’s easy to live with and surprisingly fun to throw around town, the Panda more than fits the bill. It’s not for everyone, but for those who get it, it’s a joy.


Fiat Panda Scorecard

CategoryScore (out of 10)
Styling6
Interior Practicality8
Driving Experience7
Fuel Economy8
Reliability7
Value for Money9
Comfort6
Features & Tech4
Safety5
Overall Character9

Specifications & Prices

General Information

ManufacturerFiat
Model NamePanda
Vehicle TypeCity Car / Supermini
Body Style5-door hatchback (current), previously 3-door
Production Years1980–present
Manufacturing LocationPomigliano d’Arco, Italy
Original Price (2024 model)~$15,000 USD

Power and Performance

Engine Options0.9L TwinAir, 1.0L Mild Hybrid, 1.2L petrol, 1.3L Multijet diesel (older)
Horsepower69–85 hp (51–63 kW)
Torque90–145 Nm (66–107 lb-ft)
Top Speed155–170 km/h (96–106 mph)
0–100 km/h (0–62 mph)12–15 seconds
Fuel TypePetrol / Diesel / Mild Hybrid / LPG
Fuel Consumption4.0–6.0 L/100km (39–59 mpg)

Transmission and Drivetrain

Transmission5-speed or 6-speed manual
Drive TypeFront-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (4×4 models)
ClutchSingle-plate dry clutch

Interior and Capacity

Seating Configuration5 seats
Boot Space225–870 litres (depending on seat layout)
Interior FeaturesManual AC, optional Uconnect radio, folding rear bench

Dimensions and Weight

Length3,653 mm (143.9 in)
Width1,643 mm (64.7 in)
Height1,551 mm (61.1 in)
Wheelbase2,300 mm (90.6 in)
Curb Weight940–1,030 kg (2,072–2,270 lbs)
Ground Clearance150–190 mm depending on trim (4×4 has more)

Notable Features

InfotainmentUconnect radio with USB, Bluetooth, smartphone mount
SafetyESC, hill-hold assist, airbags, optional autonomous emergency braking
ClimateManual air conditioning, heated rear window

Variants

Panda City LifeUrban-focused variant with connectivity features
Panda 4×4All-wheel drive model with raised ride height
Panda CrossRugged styling with off-road features
Panda HybridMild hybrid version with improved economy

Available Paint Colours

White, Red, Black, Blue, Grey, Orange, Green (varies by year)

Prices

New Price (2024 base)
United States (USD)$14,500–$18,500 (not sold new officially in US)
European Union (EUR)€13,500–€17,000
United Kingdom (GBP)£11,500–£15,000
Used Price (Good Condition)
USD$3,000–$10,000
EUR€2,800–€9,500
GBP£2,400–£8,800

TAGGED:FiatFiat Panda

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
LinkedIn Reddit Email Copy Link
ByGigi
Follow:
I am that girl bringing features, specs, and updates about your favorite cars because I love cars.
Leave a Comment
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
- Advertisement -

Top Stories

2026 Kia EV9 New Nightfall Edition Gets Improved Range, and a GT Powerhouse
Latest News
May 28, 2025
Honda Rebel 500 Pricing, Top Speed, MPG and More
Article
May 19, 2025
Kia Carens is that Spacious, Smart, and Sensibly Priced Car We have been Longing For
Article
May 17, 2025
Fiat Panda Review, Specs, Interior Price and More
Reviews
May 30, 2025
Fiat Multipla Review, Specs, Price and More
Reviews
May 30, 2025

Related Strories

Reviews

Razor Crazy Cart Review: Pure Drift-Fueled Fun on Wheels

By Gigi
May 14, 2025
InsightGirl

Here at InsightGirl, we believe in making the absolute best content for cars that intersect the best user experience and functionality.

Quicklinks

  • Toyota
  • Chevrolet
  • Hyundai
  • KIA
  • Mercedes

More

  • Submit a Post
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • About us
  • Contact

Follow Socials

2025 InsightGirl. All Right Reserved

wpDiscuz
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

Not a member? Sign Up