Fiat Panda 1.3 MultiJet review

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Fiat Panda 1.3 MultiJet Dynamic Road Test

Test date 15 March 2005 Price as tested £10,595

For Punchy, refined and frugal engine; cabin quality, comfort, price

Against Excessive body roll, less space in rear than rivals

The original Fiat Panda was known for its boxy styling and wafer-thin bodywork, and in 23 years Fiat sold 4.5 million of them – a rate eclipsed only by the Volkswagen Beetle. The new Panda is a world away from its predecessor in quality, but with 184,000 sold last year in Western Europe alone, it seems likely to be just as successful.

The Panda won the 2004 Car of the Year award, and the 1.2 petrol version scored a commendable four stars when we road-tested it (17 February 2004). Now the arrival of two new derivatives – a four-wheel drive and the 1.3-litre Multijet diesel tested here – highlights Fiat’s desire to capitalise on its success.