Fiat Panda 1.1 Active Car Review

Facts At A Glance
Car: Fiat Panda 1.1-litre Active
Prices: £6,860 - £6,956 - on the road
Insurance Group: 1
Emissions: 135g/km
Performance: 0-60mph 15s / Max Speed 93mph
Fuel Consumption: (combined) 49mpg
Safety: Driver and passenger airbags
Dimensions: Length/Width/Height 3538/1790/1540mm

Safe and Soundproof

Our Rating: No Rating Available

The Fiat Panda 1.1-litre Active is the entry level on version that by all accounts is a good car. Fiat is proud to pronounce that the interior of the car is the only one in its class that has lining on 99 percent of the cabin. This lining helps keep the interior protected from being invaded by the noises of the outside world. This also makes the buyer very pleased that they didn't opt for a more expensive luxury car.

Under the hood of the Panda 1.1 is a 1.1-litre engine that gives decent power especially at low speeds. Many believe the gearshift to be the best in its class. The action of the clutch makes the car very easy to drive in city traffic and the addition of what Fiat calls the ?City? button takes the heaviness out of the steering when needed and make pulling tight turns much less painful.

The inside of the car offers a decent amount of space both in the front, but the back suffers the trappings of many cars in this class and might be a tight squeeze for anyone who is a little large in height or girth. People over six feet may also want to avoid getting the sunroof option as when installed it takes a few inches of headspace out and replaces it with some dangerous protrusions. Luggage space in the boot is a little better than expected.

Fiat has done a good job with the exterior styling by keeping it rather simple. This will help it appeal to a wide range of people who like to drive their cars in relative peace. Fiat, as usual, has added a few pieces of impact design that include the shape of the glazed area that swings over to a neat quarter window that then meets with the overly large vertical rear taillights. The front also tapers back over the wheel arches to meet the nice looking hips at the back of the car. This creates a perpetual motion type look that makes the car seem as if it is moving even when standing still. A tip of the hat should be given to the design team for designing a tiny 5-door car that actually looks good and holds its proportions.

Safety is a huge concern when driving such a little car and Fiat has made the Panda the first in its class that comes with six airbags as an option and two airbags as standard. Fiat also has built the Panda with a body structure that will cushion an impact and then direct the energy away from the passenger compartment.

Drivers looking for the cheapest way to get off the Fiat lot with a good, solid, safe car will be very pleased with the Active trim version of the Fiat Panda 1.1-litre engine. As all Fiats do, it offers a sensible choice as far as long term quality and a little bit of fun on the outside just for kicks. Buyers looking for a little more giddy-up in their step may want to consider picking up a Panda with a 1.2-litre under the hood.