No one will buy a Panda on the strength of its straight-line performance. The little Fiat just nips inside 14.0sec to 60mph before topping out at 91mph; hardly class-busting performance, but enough to easily see off the Skoda Fabia 1.2 8v, if not the bigger-engined and uncommonly-speedy-for-the-class CityRover.
Keen to respond to throttle inputs in the city and ideal for allowing the Panda to nip into gaps in the traffic flow, the relatively low-tech engine is smooth and refined right up to motorway speeds, although wind noise detracts from the overall refinement at 80mph. The downside to an engine tuned primarily for torque is noticeable harshness over 4000rpm.
Other than a slight fidget from the front end over rutted tarmac, the Panda’s suspension remains admirably quiet. Unfortunately, there’s a downside to running such soft suspension and that manifests itself in the body roll that can leave passengers swaying around in the car once it reaches B-road speeds. There’s also a noticeable drop in body control in the same environment and that can leave the driver bracing the left knee against the dash and hanging on to the steering wheel. It’s better than some rivals in this department, but it’s a shame that the Panda can’t truly deliver away from its natural arena of the city.
Unfortunately, the Panda’s steering is very light, without much feel, and that’s even before you select the ‘city’ mode which lightens it even further. It guides the Panda accurately through a corner without the rubberiness that can blight an all-electric power-assisted set-up.
Keen drivers will soon get frustrated with the Panda’s modest grip levels and willingness to spin the front wheels. But a notch off the pace and the essential rightness shines through.
