Why is the Fiat Panda so popular with drivers?

One enduringly popular competitor in the field is the Fiat Panda. It’s a great all-rounder that’s also pretty cheap to run and ideal for nipping around urban spaces.

So, why is the Fiat Panda so popular with drivers? We find out …

Fiat Panda – the specs

Affordability

There’s no arguing with the facts – the Fiat Panda is resolutely affordable. Admittedly, that means that the standard spec is pretty spare, with items like power steering, six airbags, and central locking included. Whilst this doesn’t stand up to some rivals on the market, if you’re looking for a car that won’t break the budget, it’s hard to argue with the Fiat Panda.

Not only is the car affordable, it’s also pretty cheap to run. The standard Panda sits in between insurance group ratings 3 and 6, so you’ll snag wallet-friendly coverage. It also depreciates slowly over time, which is something to consider if you’re planning to pop it on the resell market.

Great for urban centres

The Panda’s engine is now a TwinAir model, with 84bhp and a range of 0 to 62mph in 12.7 seconds. It also has a high driving position for great all-round visibility, as well as soft suspension for managing bumpy roads. Plus, there’s a ‘city button’, which makes steering light and easy and makes both parking and cramped manoeuvring easier.

This means that it’s a super urban vehicle, but don’t expect the car to manage long or fast motorway trips. You’ll have to work the gearbox – and you’ll notice road and wind noise at 70mph. Alternatives like the Hyundai i10 or VW Up! are far better options if you’re looking for a drive that can tackle long, fast journeys with greater ease.

Design

The Panda’s aesthetics are on the funkier side, but there’s no drawback to having a car with personality. The body design is based on Fiat’s ‘squircle’ theme (squared-off circles), which informs the interiors too.

The trim can feel a little cheap and plastic, but the Panda is renowned for its affordability, so you get what you pay for. It also comes in a range of colours – the Italian blue is particularly eye-catching.

Practicality

The Panda is a little boxy in appearance and has a high roofline. This helps with visibility, as well as overall head and leg room. The cabin is therefore pretty comfortable for four adults, but the boot is on the smaller side, with a 225-litre capacity.

It’s not going to blow you away, but it’s still a respectable small car that offers more by way of comfort than you’d expect.

Find car finance for a Fiat Panda

Get behind the wheel of a Panda today with financing from My Car Credit – we can even help drivers looking for car finance with a poor credit rating.