A very smart city slicker

Second hand Sense: Fiat Panda Whatever your views on Fiat cars generally, the fact remains that the Italian manufacturer still…

Second hand Sense: Fiat PandaWhatever your views on Fiat cars generally, the fact remains that the Italian manufacturer still makes some of the best small cars around. Its Panda, for instance, looks a lot smarter than many of its competitors, is a deal more practical and has a quirky identity.

It is an ideal city car with a small engine, good handling, a high roofline, is easy to park, is a frugal consumer of fuel and is cheap to buy. There is even a four-wheel drive version that actually can apply a good deal of extra traction when required, and the thousands of them in daily use in the Italian countryside are a testament to the car's longevity.

Most important of all, the Panda is one of the very few Fiat cars that does not have a record for being recalled for fixing mechanical failings.

The Panda's biggest attribute, however, is that it is a very smart package. The car has a funky appeal, a smart interior layout and is quite well equipped for a car of its size, with front airbags, CD player and a good choice of upholstery options. It will take two adults in comfort and two little ones in the rear, although rear space is quite restricted. One might also be fooled into thinking that the rear luggage space is generous but it is not, and folding down the rear seats will increase it but not dramatically. It is, however, an easy car to load because of the low sill at the back.

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It is at its best in the city. The 1.1 petrol engine is peppy and economical and is the ideal size for the car. There is also a 1.2 option but the 1.1 is just as good a choice. A very impressive 1.4 multi-jet diesel option is also available, but there are not too many of them around. If diesel is your preferred option, then the multi-jet will not disappoint and will virtually run on air. The handling is good, even though the car has a slightly higher centre of gravity than other small cars, but the ride can be a little bit choppy when you are pushing it. However, the Panda delivers well in most respects and surprises in others. One of its most likeable traits is its simplicity, from things like the smooth gear change to its general ease of driving.

Where the Panda does not score well though, is when it comes to safety. EuroNCAP crash testers found it to have a strong and stable body shell, but the front seat belt pre-tensioners and load limiters did not prevent the passenger from suffering high loads on the chest during the frontal impact. High loads were also experienced during side impact simulations, and one of the doors also opened during these simulations. Child and pedestrian protection were also described as "disappointing". As I mentioned earlier, there is no recall record for the car, which is a positive.

A 2004 model with 1.2 engine, 39,000 kilometres on the clock and with reasonable levels of equipment is on offer for €6,950. A 2005 model with the 1.1 engine and 15,000 kilometres up, is on offer for €8,950, and a 4x4 demonstration car of the same year and with just 250 kilometres on the clock is on offer for €11,995.

FOR:Price, practicality AGAINST:Not so roomy. Low crash rating