CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 36.3%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.0 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 250
Average Price: Around £4,300

Fiat Panda (2012-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Affordable to buy and cheap to run	Lacks the safety features of more modern rivals
4x4 versions are handy for country-dwellers	The Panda isn't very well equipped
Cute and distinctive looks	Not as fun to drive as a Ford Fiesta

Quick Summary

The Fiat Panda (2012-present) is a practical and inexpensive runabout that competes with city cars such as the Kia Picanto and Volkswagen Up. Now in its third generation, it's an honest and unpretentious car with considerable charm and character. The Panda offers generous interior space with clever rear seats that slide forwards or backwards to trade passenger legroom for additional luggage space. The boot is surprisingly decent for its size, and rear head and leg room are both generous. However, the Panda suffers from significant safety concerns, scoring zero stars in Euro NCAP crash testing in 2018, with particularly poor child occupancy ratings of just 17%.

The Panda is a pleasingly competent companion on the road, with comfortable ride quality and reassuring handling, though it's not particularly quick or exciting to drive. Engine options for used examples include a 1.2-litre 68bhp petrol, a 73bhp 1.3-litre diesel, and an appealing 85bhp 0.9-litre Twinair petrol. Running costs are low across all variants, with typical fuel economy around 50mpg for the 1.2-litre and 40mpg for the Twinair. Vehicle Excise Duty is reasonable, and insurance costs are also low. The Panda's light weight means tyre and brake pad wear is minimal, further reducing ownership costs.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking an affordable, practical runabout, those wanting a compact car with all-wheel-drive capability, and drivers prioritising low running costs over premium features.

Not ideal for: Families with children who prioritise safety, buyers seeking modern safety features and equipment, or those wanting a car that's fun and engaging to drive.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Panda if: You're on a tight budget, seeking a practical and affordable runabout, wanting a compact car with all-wheel-drive capability, or prioritising low running costs.

Consider alternatives if: You have children and prioritise modern safety features, require comprehensive equipment and technology, or want a car that's engaging and fun to drive.

Competitive Position: The Fiat Panda (2012-present) is an affordable and characterful choice in the city car segment, offering excellent value and practicality. However, its significant safety shortcomings—particularly the zero-star Euro NCAP rating and poor child occupancy scores—make it less competitive than rivals like the Kia Picanto, which scores higher for user satisfaction. The Panda's charm, low running costs, and unique 4x4 availability appeal to budget-conscious buyers, but alternatives such as the Volkswagen Up or Hyundai i10 offer superior safety and equipment for similar prices. It remains a compelling option for those prioritising affordability and distinctive character over modern conveniences.

Read our full Fiat Panda Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from May 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.