The current Fiat Panda we're reviewing here is only the third generation to appear in the past 40 years, so obviously it's almost as shy about reproducing as its black and white namesake. It's been on sale since 2012, in which time the city car class has undergone a seismic change. Buyers on a tight budget are spoilt for choice, and will no longer accept paper-thin build quality, poor dynamics or a dodgy safety performance for the sake of good value.


Not that the Fiat Panda has too many of those undesirable qualities. It's a much better car than its predecessor, with a charismatically simple interior, fun-yet-comfortable driving dynamics, plus a good dollop of practicality. It was also one of the original mini-SUVs in the shape of the rough-and-tumble Panda 4x4. Rivals for the 2022 Fiat Panda include the Volkswagen Up, Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto and Toyota Aygo.


Part of the Fiat Panda's appeal is its unusual size. Small and easy to manoeuvre like a runabout should be, but with a tall roofline and blocky profile that makes it feel relatively spacious inside, even with adults sat in the back. Boot space is merely average though, with a smaller capacity and less flexibility than the best cars in this class.


The trouble is, the Fiat Panda is a very old design now, having first gone on sale over a decade ago. Where once its poor equipment levels and basic interior were countered by its keen pricing, it no longer looks a smart buy compared with newer, better-appointed rivals. Entry-level 'Pop' trim is inexcusably sparse, and we'd recommend the Lounge trim to the majority of buyers.