That the Panda couldn’t reach 90mph during its in-gear acceleration runs at the test track shouldn’t be seen as a sign of poor performance. The 64bhp 1.2 petrol took 22.0sec to travel from 50-70mph in top gear, but the Multijet requires only 14.3sec to cover the same increment.
The key to the diesel’s punch is a low 1500rpm torque peak, when 107lb ft of twist is put through the front wheels. Even below 1500rpm, the Multijet remains tractable, with an unusually lively throttle response for a diesel. A 0-60mph time of 12.6sec compares well against rivals (C2 13.5sec, Lupo 16.8sec).
The petrol-powered Panda, with 240mm solid front discs and 180mm rear drums, stopped from 70mph in a respectable 54.5m. The diesel version gets more efficient ventilated discs and takes 2.5m off that figure, while offering the same confidence-inspiring feel.
The Panda is relatively softly sprung, with a compliant ride that is unaffected by the £350 optional 14in alloys and lower-profile tyres of our test car (165/65 versus standard 155/80 R13 on steel wheels). The soft suspension results in an alarming amount of roll when cornering, but you soon become familiar with the exaggerated body motions. This is a fun car to drive briskly, and the angle of body lean is a useful measure of the remaining grip. Attack a bend aggressively and understeer soon sets in, but it’s progressive and can easily be reined in by coming off the throttle.
Unfortunately, the Multijet uses the same electrically-assisted steering as the petrol models. It’s too light, with a rubbery feel just off-centre, and that’s before you press the ‘City’ button, which lightens the steering even further for index-finger parking manoeuvres.