I drove one of these around ireland a few years ago when the ex and i hired it for five days. She hated it because it wasn't the ford fester she expected (she didn't drive, she just didn't like the car for no real reason that i could ever actually discern). It was fine to drive but her constant complaining spoiled things and i'm now tempted to buy one just to spite her memory....
@@stewartellinson8846 water through hands- don't understand this exactly, but I think you regret it. As for panda, today I drove 200000 km to see one,I wanted to buy it. I sat inside, even in the new model and got dissapointed. This seems to be so heavy, I mean the cokpit. I thought id loved this car but I didnt.
I’ve owned many cars from Polo’s to focus and Astra…but the car I loved the most and miss the most is my 2008 Fiat Panda 1.2. That car was so much fun, reliable and very nippy. Had it for almost 11 years until someone rear ended it and wrote it off. I was devastated.
@@mattylamb9194 My wife had one from 2004 to 2021 and I drove it whenever I could. Great fun, reliable and zero rust! Who would have expected that from a 17 year old Fiat?
Great to see a car of this age on the channel. Can see cars from 00-09 disappearing almost utterly, as they're binned off, much like 80s cars were. If you're ever in Yorkshire, I have an 07 Mazda 6 you can play with, and if you're very lucky, maybe a modded Minor.
Got one on the drive now. So many parts I remember from my mk2 Punto of nearly 10 years before. It's a joyous little machine, fun cornering at low speeds makes other cars feel boring in comparison.
I have a 3rd Gen Panda with the 1.2 FIRE engine. Still a SHO cam. It's not powerful, it's not fast but it's delightful, cheery, comfy and nice to drive.
I had a 2004 1.2 Dynamic as my first car. My plan was to just keep it for a year and then get something else, but I ended up keeping it for four years. I absolutely loved it, but I can confirm the 1.2 isn't that much more powerful, and it certainly struggled in the hilly area I lived in, which was ultimately why I got rid of it. Those FIRE engines can take a beating though, and they really love to be wound up! It takes a while to get them there, but once they're revving high, they're great fun.
Yes but the front end is heavier and in a car with already a bad understeer it becomes even worse. But I agree, the 1.3 diesel engine makes this little panda very fast on traffic and a lot easier to drive uphill
@@farmoboy83 There is a video of a 1.3 multijet Panda on the Nurburging, it doesnt seem too bad in corners! Actually, it overtakes just about anything xD
You should try a mk2 Ypsilon, preferably the 1.4 with leather and sunroof, it has the same italian fun factor as the Panda, but in a grown up deluxe package.
I do have a grudging respect for some small unassuming cars like this Fiat despite their drawbacks such as low power. We had a VW Fox 1.4 for five years, that was very good around town and car parks due to its rapid steering. It never failed us apart from a ropey bootlid lock which was a common issue and could be worked around.
The Brazilian Volkswagens like the fox, or gol are incredibly good cars for the price. I have a 2006 NA diesel wagon gol and it's really good. 270.000km now
Excellent filming with great 'tempo' in the shots, good pointers (visibility). I hope a Climbing or Cross version comes your way to review in rural Wales. And perhaps for the next road test episode, include build year of the car as an extra UA-cam search option. Thank you very much Team HubNut👊😎
I call the Ford Ka "Ka" like the first half of the word "cack". I point out the "cack" when i discuss them. I owned one, a 1998. It was scrapped due to serious rust problems in 2005 with 78,000 miles. I live about as far as it is possible to live from the coast in england. This was after snapping both front suspension springs three times in its life, having electrical faults on the lighting, and springing a leak on the PAS. It was still on its original clutch though and the SEFI engine was as sweet as the day it was new. Last ford this former ford man has ever, will ever buy.
Bought a new panda back in 1986 drove from Leigh Lancs to Herne Bay without a radio(standard panda didn't come with a radio) although i was bored to tears enjoyed every minute
Amazing how those cheap vents are also to be found on Ferraris starting already in the 70ies. I very much dislike the interior but it must be a nice city cruiser, a bit higher up than all the rest, and quite some space as well. If I have seen correctly, there is a button on the center console that can activate the power steering to be even lighter than it already is. Some modern small Opels have that possibility too. It becomes almost dangerous in such a way that you can almost turn the steering wheel with one finger. Nice review!
I love this car, though perhaps not this particular version. When Fiat re-entered the Canadian market with the new 500 there was a lot of talk and newspaper articles stating that they would soon bring in the Panda, too. I was salivating at the possibility of getting a Panda 4x4 as our 2nd car and my daily driver. Sadly, they never did import it.
A friend of mine has one.Very nice and practical with a lovely engine. Nippy and funny around town, like any Italian city car. The dogs love it too, and still haven't chewed it through.
I owned a 2012 Mk4 (so an early example of the next generation after this car) for a couple of years. 69bhp 1.2, it was only doing 3000rpm at 70mph in 5th. I personally prefer the styling of that one--them taking the theme of the "square with rounded corners" and running with it, to the extent that the gear knob was that shape rather than round, appealed to me, and I never did like that sharp downcurve on the back door window of this generation. I did find it to be woefully gutless above about 4000rpm, though, which seemed to me to be a very non-Italian engine feel!
Great little cars, in 2005 I spent a while in Guernsey (they love a small narrow car there) and these were all over the place. I'd much prefer to see these on the roads than the masses of of huge SUVs that people don't seem to be able to handle.
This car was never designed to be a 1.4 100HP, it was designed to be what it is, a group 1 insurance and £30 a year tax type car from its roots on the fiat 500 that virtually runs on fumes. You have to own one to appreciate just that, i got my 59 plate one last week and it does exactly what it says on the tin but is actually is not a bad little car. Zero regrets.
I did consider one of these when I was car hunting in Sept 2010. Bought something else with an engine nearly twice as big instead and was a greater liability.
I had a 2007 1.2 limited edition 360 in black with smart blue seats and A/C traded it in with 130k on it and it still went well although the remote key had given up the ghost. Great little car but I needed a bigger car at the time.
my 1.2 i20, those mpg drop a whole bunch when traveling through wales and sure is a lot more work up down the gears compared to my old ford 1.4tdci. i can get through most of a tank day drive through wales doing just under 300 miles , my old diesel could get so many more miles but both same tax bracket even tho one drinks a lot more fuel. mad times we live in
@@stephenswift9868 just bought a 4x4 for my daughter to learn to drive in and the prices are nearly as bad as buying a jimny. Got one for £1400 with low miles but interior was rough as had been left standing with a window part open. I suppose for young drivers there aren't many small engined 4x4 alternatives and it inflates prices.
I had an Uno 1.1ie Mk 2 with this same FIRE engine. I never found it particularly slow but it was possibly a lot lighter than a Panda and less de-tuned. Btw the DOHC version is known as the SUPER FIRE engine but you probably knew that.
The Panda has a little more power and a little more weight, giving a very similar power/weight ratio. The 0-60 for the Uno is listed of 16.1 seconds (15 for the Panda) which is pretty lethargic by today's standards.
@@ferrumignis that figure sounds wrong for the Uno, at least the one I owned anyway. The Uno I had was closer to 60hp hence why in some markets it was called the Uno 60. If I remember correctly the 0-60 was around 13 sec which yes is still very slow by modern car standards.
Very under powered here in Johannesburg South Africa at Altitude. The fire engine is based on the Fiat 128 and I believe debuted in the Uno/Panda in 1985. What makes the charade different is it's gearing, very low in 1st all the way up combined with the vvti
what a belter! The 1.2 is the best one without a doubt. Sad, much like the older ones they are expensive and usually have detritus of les enfant leftover!!! or >60 skin
You don't have to use the key, at least not on my eleganza model. One issue with them is the microswitch in the plastic number plate light housing likes to corrode and stop working. Agreed about having to drive it like an Italian. Doesn't really suit driving round in 5th all time. I like mine though, and it's certainly practical. Put the seats down and you've basically got a van.
Best laugh I ever had way driving to the top of The Wayfarer(can bea serious green lane) in N Wales in Panda 4x4(this shape) and being met at the top by loads of raised and chopped LandRovers and Discos who could not believe we'd made it.So narrow inside-2x 16stone chaps nearly sat on one another knees -couldn't stop laughing.
From the rear it looks like a smaller Multipla, the recent one not the 50's original (not available in UK). Somehow it lost its charm from the first generation and would not look quite right in Panda paintwork. Designed to be thrown around the tight streets of Italian towns and villages, not for the Autostradas.
The main thing I remember about driving one of these back in the day was how easy It was. Light controls, all-round visibility, comfy enough. A good basic machine, really.
And they appear to be direct to drive, so you get a sense that what you are doing behind the wheel is having an impact upon what is happening. That is so important to me, and is what makes the Panda so attractive to me, compared to most other modern cars
I’ve a lot time Pandas. They sell badly in the motor trade I’m in. Shame. The car is good. Grown up enough. Hardy. And a little cheeky but not too much. Much overall the better package over the Fiat 500. But not cute so didn’t sell
My grandparents brought one of these new in 2009 as part of the dreaded car scrappage scheme (don't worry it was only a 1100 Fiesta popular with optional rust holes that got axed). I had a Citroen C1 at the time which was much faster and more economical but the little panda always made me smile when driving. The car's still in the family and I definitely have a soft spot for it.
Always loved the Panda styling. This generation not quite as iconic as the original which is a pure LEGO box car but still looks good and cute. Immediately thought about getting one as a cute city beater and then Twingo popped in my head. When are we going to see you in a Twingo mr. HubNut? If anyone has driven this Panda and a Twingo and knows how they compare please let me know.
I drove the new Twingo as a courtesy car. Basic spec. Fun to drive as feels like a go cart but needs to be thrashed on the open road. The 3cyl rear engine is very noisy though.
The colour matches all those joke Pandas that James May was previously featured in. Hopefully this one doesn't end up with a big construction skip on top of it.
True but as an ex-Fiat mechanic I still get nightmares about that engine. Truly horrible and made of cheese! Petrols were a much better option (actually bought one!)
@@chrisdowns1987my 1.3 95 multijet II never saw a mechanic in 230.000 km Only once or two for removin the fap and change the chain that started to make some tiny noise Only issue i heard were the fap clogging when used for small trip (like 1-2km) as the engine couldnt start regenerating
You are right, they will be classics in the future. That engine was designed for Italians to rev the nuts off. I like the body design best, so original and nobody else copied it. Big back doors and maximum use of wheelbase with the vertical back. A very clever car.
Love that phrase "rev the nuts off"...and it's spot on! I've the 1.2 fire engine in my Grande Punto which is completely underpowered given the weight of the car...the only way to actually get anywhere is to rev the nuts off it 😂 gear change is usually between 4 and 5000 rpm
@@adarbs6384 It all depends on the engine. I once swapped a Diesel Metro for a Diesel Fiesta - the latter was an odd engine it seemed to be a different engine at high revs but the Metro pulled well all through the rev range. My bro's Audi pulls well from 1800 all the way up yet other engines seem to get a second breath 3500-4000 rpm.
I had a Fiat Uno 45 Fire as a first car, roomy for a 6ft guy, compared to other small cars, and was utterly reliable. Fiats are best when small and simple, add size and complexity and you're asking for trouble.
I must agree. They must lead pathetic lives! I enjoy this channel as well as several others in the UK 🇬🇧, an interesting mix of vehicles that never made it to the US 🇺🇸!
They are on 1.1 and earlier 1.2, 60bhp but the 1.2, 69bhp is an interference engine. I'm glad I found that out beforehand and replaced the belt and pump on my 69bhp 2011 one when I bought it. Maybe Fiat did something to the head to get the extra 9bhp, I don't know 🤷♂️
As a former owner of a 1.2 8V, I can only recommend that car. 69 hp is perfect for this car, it had AC and for city hooning it is pretty much perfect. Tiny, yet amazingly roomy. And even with a lead foot, you can't get them to sip more than 6 liters/100 km. Also, as a former owner, I can assure you the central locking for the boot is broken. It is like that on every one and a replacement costs 160€ because you have to buy the whole assembly. :P
Don’t need to buy the new assembly as it will go faulty as well! You just have to clean the electrical actuator inside the handle. There are tutorials on Fiat forums showing how to do it. It only takes half an hour’s work and anyone can do it!
I love these cars, small efficient easy to work on great around town. Running around in a little Citreion C1 which I bought for my daughter to learn in. I find I am using it much more than the Honda estate I own as it brings a smile to my face every time I drive it and I love ringing out the maximum of its tiny engine.
I've just purchased a Panda Mk4 2012 1.2 Easy in turquoise blue for my dad who is 76 years young. Very funky looking dash. I was going for a mk3 in yellow but found a bargain that could not be missed. Granted it's a cat N but could not believe the insurers wrote it off. A dent in the rear quarter the size of a hand and minor scratches down the n/s doors and front wing boggles the mind. On the test drive the Panda surprised me how good it was even if the 0-60 is 14.4secs and you put your foot down in 4th @ 30mph and nothing happens. Maybe POWER less is more is the way I should go for my own choice of transport.
You just need to gear down to get some power. I like that. My MG ZR 160 is pretty sluggish at low revs, (certainly doesn't feel like a hot hatch). But up the revs by changing down a gear or two, and that is where the performance comes from. I like that; it's more entertaining. Panda seems to be like that too, at a lower level
Great cars FIAT's - I am currently driving a pretty rubbish ( and yep underpowered ) Grande Punto 1.2 - I should get rid but somehow I can't let it go at the moment.....
Absolutely adore the Panda, even more first generation, boxy and totally utilitarian! Johnny Smith met a guy that had a lot of Pandas! Please mr HubNut, try to find first generation Tipo, the one that chief inspector Montalbano drives in the detective story. Really those with digital dashboard!
The FIRE switched to twin overhead cams in 1997 with the 1242cc '85' (86bhp) version. I have one in my Punto Cabrio. It's excellent. These 54bhp 1.1s were also fitted to the earlier MK1 Punto as their entry-level engine.
My first encounter with one of these was in Valencia in Spain where I had booked a Fiesta but when I turned up at the airport they could only offer me a Panda with much apologies. I drove the Panda with two days and as you found for all its faults it put a smile on my face. 2 days later I got a call saying they had a Fiesta and I could change it. I made mistake of doing that because whilst in every measurable way the Fiesta was a better car it was lacking in joy. Some 5 years later in 2010 I needed something cheap but new to run and I leased a Panda 100 and loved it almost as much as I loved my 205 GTi 25 years earlier and would go as far to say that the Panda 100 was the last of the genuinely cheap hot hatches.
When I first road tested one of these I didn't haven much hope for it based on how it looked but I was so surprised, it's one of my favourite cars to drive now
My wife had a diesel one with the roof bars. They looked like carrying handles. Great car though, I loved it! FIRE, Fuel Integrated Robotised Engine. Thank you. Must get a life.
I've got one and I think it's great and as you say comfy. My mate who has a 3 series was shocked by its comfort and said it was more comfy than his car.
I daily a metallic blue one of these, true poverty spec, didn't even come with a cigarette lighter! Fairly nice to drive, although a lot of roll in the corners (and it's very slow!). Since getting it four years ago I've added a lot of things, new audio system with sub, armster armrest, short shifter, sound deadening and lots of other little bits. Next on the list is some alloys!
And engine from 1985 is a big plus, no doubt the new electrics could be discarded. Perhaps the Hyundai i10 was a closer rival being cheap, long warranty and all had air conditioning.
Plenty of engine designs across many manufacturers can trace their roots as far as the 1950s (Ford especially). Nothing wrong with that, it’s clearly proven over all that time.
I bought a new 1.2 in 2009, l still have it, traded it in for an Vauxhall that l paid £150 for, £2000 scrapage scheme and a 30% discount because my bother worked in firm associated with Fiat, new car for £4000 l couldn't go wrong. its been very reliable.
These Pandas are great little cars - the Italian car specialist I use to service my Alfa has them as courtesy cars - just 1.1 models, but they are tremendous fun. Not so keen on the follow-up model - decidedly odd steering. The 100HP looks hilarious, and is a car I’ve considered buying. Didn’t know about the Bertone connection - top Panda fact. The fact that James May has owned one gives it kudos in my view!!
Cracking little cars very easy to drive, learners should be made to drive something like this for the first year of driving instead of being able to jump into a powerful car. The panda serves its purpose very well.🚙👍🇬🇧
Had one of these with the 1.2 engine in champagne beige. Excellent little car. Surprisingly well built and refined for its price. Even drove it to Spain once, no hassle. The screeching sound of the rear wiper was probably the end of the plastic stalk touching the window. My Panda had a long scratch on the window along the end of the stalk when I bought it second hand. I'm guessing the wiper blade has never been replaced ;)
As a 15 year old I was determined that when I learned to drive I would buy one of those brand new. Alas I didn't learn to drive until I was 20 and too skint to buy a new car 🤣
I used to have an 09 1.2 ECO Dynamic. I really liked it, until it started wearing out the nearside rear tyre in a very peculiar way, and I found out it was an unrecorded crashed car, with warped rear suspension.
Learned how to drive and passed my driving test on those things, at the time all the driving schools in my part of Poland were using it. Really like those cars and wouldn't mind owning one someday.
A great review. Had my Panda Active Eco from new still serving me well after 12 years a fun little car, easy to park living in London with limited space.
I have a Gen2 Mk3 Panda, the 1.2 with 69hp as a second car. Very practical little car, but i regret buying the 69hp version. It's the only fire engine that will be damaged when your timing belt snaps and it is drive-by-wire, which makes DIY maintenance difficult (f.e. can't even clean out the throttle body without disturbing the stepper motor) and the software is optimized for fuel economy, so it reacts terrible slow to putting your right foot down; Computer says "No.. don't kick it down!, i will give a gradual command to the engine because that's better for the environment") Wish i had a 60hp variant with a trottle cable 😄
I drove one of these around ireland a few years ago when the ex and i hired it for five days. She hated it because it wasn't the ford fester she expected (she didn't drive, she just didn't like the car for no real reason that i could ever actually discern). It was fine to drive but her constant complaining spoiled things and i'm now tempted to buy one just to spite her memory....
😸😸😸😸 (edit: that deserved 4 cats!)
I bought an RX8 because my ex liked and wanted one...
I can’t believe you’re not still together lol!
@@annakurzawa555 Six years gone, water through my hands.....
@@stewartellinson8846 water through hands- don't understand this exactly, but I think you regret it. As for panda, today I drove 200000 km to see one,I wanted to buy it. I sat inside, even in the new model and got dissapointed. This seems to be so heavy, I mean the cokpit. I thought id loved this car but I didnt.
I’ve owned many cars from Polo’s to focus and Astra…but the car I loved the most and miss the most is my 2008 Fiat Panda 1.2. That car was so much fun, reliable and very nippy. Had it for almost 11 years until someone rear ended it and wrote it off. I was devastated.
So many people say about this about these Pandas. Slow in theory, but an absolute hoot to drive, and a hark back to the older, (better?) days
@@mattylamb9194 My wife had one from 2004 to 2021 and I drove it whenever I could. Great fun, reliable and zero rust! Who would have expected that from a 17 year old Fiat?
Prevod
They certainly didn’t waste any paint under the bonnet!
True, also note the wiring harness 'tassels' where the electrical tape is peeling off! 😂
It’s for weight savings ;)
They only started doing that after 2007 😉 earlier ones were painted properly under the bonnet
What a great video, great camera work from Miss Hubnut, she is definitely an asset🇬🇧🤘☀️
I’ve just bought one and i like it, 1.2 Dynamic Auto in bright yellow 🤣
1:36 the same old good sohc fire is still being produced around the globe! In Brazil they still make the 1.0 and 1.4
My daughter had one of these for about 5 years, and I got to drive it a few times. Great little car!
Great to see a car of this age on the channel. Can see cars from 00-09 disappearing almost utterly, as they're binned off, much like 80s cars were. If you're ever in Yorkshire, I have an 07 Mazda 6 you can play with, and if you're very lucky, maybe a modded Minor.
Hired one of these while on holiday on the Greek island of Kos a few years ago (who remembers holidays abroad?). Very nice little car.
Got one on the drive now. So many parts I remember from my mk2 Punto of nearly 10 years before. It's a joyous little machine, fun cornering at low speeds makes other cars feel boring in comparison.
Love this car, so practical, so easy to use, does everything well.
The sticker on the underside of the bonnet helpfully states "Engine oil: We recommend you use oil". Always made me chuckle..
I have a 3rd Gen Panda with the 1.2 FIRE engine. Still a SHO cam. It's not powerful, it's not fast but it's delightful, cheery, comfy and nice to drive.
I have to say
Miss hubnut (Carly?) Does an excellent job of filming and keeping you and what your talking about in the frame at all times 👍
Well made.mines 11 years old. No rust at all even underneath looks factory fresh still.....brilliant cars.
I had a 2004 1.2 Dynamic as my first car. My plan was to just keep it for a year and then get something else, but I ended up keeping it for four years. I absolutely loved it, but I can confirm the 1.2 isn't that much more powerful, and it certainly struggled in the hilly area I lived in, which was ultimately why I got rid of it. Those FIRE engines can take a beating though, and they really love to be wound up! It takes a while to get them there, but once they're revving high, they're great fun.
I'm loving these interviews with the inclusion of a camera operator. Well done Miss Hubbut (I presume)
The 1.3 multijet with a good remapping makes it quite brisk!
Yes but the front end is heavier and in a car with already a bad understeer it becomes even worse. But I agree, the 1.3 diesel engine makes this little panda very fast on traffic and a lot easier to drive uphill
@@farmoboy83 There is a video of a 1.3 multijet Panda on the Nurburging, it doesnt seem too bad in corners! Actually, it overtakes just about anything xD
Shoreham beach looking good in the sun . My mum and dad lived there when first married .
You should try a mk2 Ypsilon, preferably the 1.4 with leather and sunroof, it has the same italian fun factor as the Panda, but in a grown up deluxe package.
The times in my life where money has been tight I have run a Fiat Panda. I have loved them and miss the economy and ease of driving they offer.
I do have a grudging respect for some small unassuming cars like this Fiat despite their drawbacks such as low power. We had a VW Fox 1.4 for five years, that was very good around town and car parks due to its rapid steering. It never failed us apart from a ropey bootlid lock which was a common issue and could be worked around.
The Brazilian Volkswagens like the fox, or gol are incredibly good cars for the price. I have a 2006 NA diesel wagon gol and it's really good. 270.000km now
The major flaw with the fox was safety. Only 2 airbags and the seat folding mechanism would cut off your finger...
Apart from that, i know some people that owned 4 of them... Good cars for around town, that's 4sure
Excellent filming with great 'tempo' in the shots, good pointers (visibility). I hope a Climbing or Cross version comes your way to review in rural Wales.
And perhaps for the next road test episode, include build year of the car as an extra UA-cam search option. Thank you very much Team HubNut👊😎
You make all the cars you look at seem better, thanks.
I call the Ford Ka "Ka" like the first half of the word "cack". I point out the "cack" when i discuss them. I owned one, a 1998. It was scrapped due to serious rust problems in 2005 with 78,000 miles. I live about as far as it is possible to live from the coast in england. This was after snapping both front suspension springs three times in its life, having electrical faults on the lighting, and springing a leak on the PAS. It was still on its original clutch though and the SEFI engine was as sweet as the day it was new. Last ford this former ford man has ever, will ever buy.
Bought a new panda back in 1986 drove from Leigh Lancs to Herne Bay without a radio(standard panda didn't come with a radio) although i was bored to tears enjoyed every minute
Amazing how those cheap vents are also to be found on Ferraris starting already in the 70ies.
I very much dislike the interior but it must be a nice city cruiser, a bit higher up than all the rest, and quite some space as well. If I have seen correctly, there is a button on the center console that can activate the power steering to be even lighter than it already is. Some modern small Opels have that possibility too. It becomes almost dangerous in such a way that you can almost turn the steering wheel with one finger.
Nice review!
E5 petrol is being replaced by E10. I think this could effect Hub Nuts quite a bit. Would love to see a video on this, viewing your views.
Great little cars especially as urban runabouts. Their simplicity is and will be a huge plus. Great styling too.
I love this car, though perhaps not this particular version. When Fiat re-entered the Canadian market with the new 500 there was a lot of talk and newspaper articles stating that they would soon bring in the Panda, too. I was salivating at the possibility of getting a Panda 4x4 as our 2nd car and my daily driver. Sadly, they never did import it.
A friend of mine has one.Very nice and practical with a lovely engine. Nippy and funny around town, like any Italian city car. The dogs love it too, and still haven't chewed it through.
I owned a 2012 Mk4 (so an early example of the next generation after this car) for a couple of years. 69bhp 1.2, it was only doing 3000rpm at 70mph in 5th. I personally prefer the styling of that one--them taking the theme of the "square with rounded corners" and running with it, to the extent that the gear knob was that shape rather than round, appealed to me, and I never did like that sharp downcurve on the back door window of this generation.
I did find it to be woefully gutless above about 4000rpm, though, which seemed to me to be a very non-Italian engine feel!
Great little cars, in 2005 I spent a while in Guernsey (they love a small narrow car there) and these were all over the place. I'd much prefer to see these on the roads than the masses of of huge SUVs that people don't seem to be able to handle.
I have a 4x4 Climbing Multijet. It's really slow and gutless, but it goes really well offroad with excellent fuel economy.
This car was never designed to be a 1.4 100HP, it was designed to be what it is, a group 1 insurance and £30 a year tax type car from its roots on the fiat 500 that virtually runs on fumes. You have to own one to appreciate just that, i got my 59 plate one last week and it does exactly what it says on the tin but is actually is not a bad little car. Zero regrets.
I did consider one of these when I was car hunting in Sept 2010. Bought something else with an engine nearly twice as big instead and was a greater liability.
I had a 2007 1.2 limited edition 360 in black with smart blue seats and A/C traded it in with 130k on it and it still went well although the remote key had given up the ghost. Great little car but I needed a bigger car at the time.
Geniunely my dream car
my 1.2 i20, those mpg drop a whole bunch when traveling through wales and sure is a lot more work up down the gears compared to my old ford 1.4tdci. i can get through most of a tank day drive through wales doing just under 300 miles , my old diesel could get so many more miles but both same tax bracket even tho one drinks a lot more fuel. mad times we live in
Always fancied the 4 x4.
We got some sort of a Panda look-alike here when Fiat re-re-RE-restyled the Uno, but its nowhere near Panda levels.
I like these, especially the 4X4. Kind of cute and utilitarian at the same time.
Problem is 4x4 is three times the price of a 2wd one.
Your right and they and the petrol mileage is supposed to be worse too. I just like the look of them. I would be happy with just a 1.2 ‘normal’ Panda.
@@stephenswift9868 just bought a 4x4 for my daughter to learn to drive in and the prices are nearly as bad as buying a jimny. Got one for £1400 with low miles but interior was rough as had been left standing with a window part open. I suppose for young drivers there aren't many small engined 4x4 alternatives and it inflates prices.
The Jimny is a cute thing as well but probably too 4WD for day to day driving. I think you made the right choice on getting the Panda.
I had an Uno 1.1ie Mk 2 with this same FIRE engine. I never found it particularly slow but it was possibly a lot lighter than a Panda and less de-tuned. Btw the DOHC version is known as the SUPER FIRE engine but you probably knew that.
The Panda has a little more power and a little more weight, giving a very similar power/weight ratio. The 0-60 for the Uno is listed of 16.1 seconds (15 for the Panda) which is pretty lethargic by today's standards.
@@ferrumignis that figure sounds wrong for the Uno, at least the one I owned anyway. The Uno I had was closer to 60hp hence why in some markets it was called the Uno 60. If I remember correctly the 0-60 was around 13 sec which yes is still very slow by modern car standards.
Very under powered here in Johannesburg South Africa at Altitude.
The fire engine is based on the Fiat 128 and I believe debuted in the Uno/Panda in 1985.
What makes the charade different is it's gearing, very low in 1st all the way up combined with the vvti
I have one with the same engine. It can keep up with motorway traffic, but DO NOT upshift at low revs, you'll get nowhere like that.
what a belter! The 1.2 is the best one without a doubt. Sad, much like the older ones they are expensive and usually have detritus of les enfant leftover!!! or >60 skin
I bet the owner doesn't forget they have left the rear wiper on when the rain stops. 😀
You don't have to use the key, at least not on my eleganza model. One issue with them is the microswitch in the plastic number plate light housing likes to corrode and stop working.
Agreed about having to drive it like an Italian. Doesn't really suit driving round in 5th all time.
I like mine though, and it's certainly practical. Put the seats down and you've basically got a van.
I think this lesser model does without a switch on the tailgate.
I absolutely love the 100HP model, the normal basic ones however, just look a bit tragic if I’m honest.
I’m Fiat man for live just bring me one they’re lovely to drive.Best build cars in the world
The rear hatch/C pillar is quite reminiscent of the Multipla
Best laugh I ever had way driving to the top of The Wayfarer(can bea serious green lane) in N Wales in Panda 4x4(this shape) and being met at the top by loads of raised and chopped LandRovers and Discos who could not believe we'd made it.So narrow inside-2x 16stone chaps nearly sat on one another knees -couldn't stop laughing.
When you're going to review the dacia duster?
From the rear it looks like a smaller Multipla, the recent one not the 50's original (not available in UK). Somehow it lost its charm from the first generation and would not look quite right in Panda paintwork. Designed to be thrown around the tight streets of Italian towns and villages, not for the Autostradas.
2:01 multi jet came in 70bhp or euro 5 motor has 75 BHP
The main thing I remember about driving one of these back in the day was how easy It was. Light controls, all-round visibility, comfy enough. A good basic machine, really.
And they appear to be direct to drive, so you get a sense that what you are doing behind the wheel is having an impact upon what is happening. That is so important to me, and is what makes the Panda so attractive to me, compared to most other modern cars
I’ve a lot time Pandas. They sell badly in the motor trade I’m in. Shame. The car is good. Grown up enough. Hardy. And a little cheeky but not too much. Much overall the better package over the Fiat 500. But not cute so didn’t sell
A mate of mine swears by them.
I'm in the trade and just sold one easily with 450 profit 🤷♂️👌
@@BETFRED1981 they’re a nice thing.
Agree, except I actually think they are quite cute
My grandparents brought one of these new in 2009 as part of the dreaded car scrappage scheme (don't worry it was only a 1100 Fiesta popular with optional rust holes that got axed). I had a Citroen C1 at the time which was much faster and more economical but the little panda always made me smile when driving. The car's still in the family and I definitely have a soft spot for it.
Always loved the Panda styling. This generation not quite as iconic as the original which is a pure LEGO box car but still looks good and cute. Immediately thought about getting one as a cute city beater and then Twingo popped in my head. When are we going to see you in a Twingo mr. HubNut?
If anyone has driven this Panda and a Twingo and knows how they compare please let me know.
I drove the new Twingo as a courtesy car. Basic spec. Fun to drive as feels like a go cart but needs to be thrashed on the open road. The 3cyl rear engine is very noisy though.
The colour matches all those joke Pandas that James May was previously featured in. Hopefully this one doesn't end up with a big construction skip on top of it.
I looked at one of these before buying a K12 Micra back in 2004, still a great looking little car, would love to have a shot of one or a 100hp version
@Gareth Fairclough Why ?
If you can find a 1.3 multijet diesel version your visits to the petrol station are so rare it becomes an event.
True but as an ex-Fiat mechanic I still get nightmares about that engine. Truly horrible and made of cheese! Petrols were a much better option (actually bought one!)
"multijet " - sounds like a fighter plane !
@@chrisdowns1987my 1.3 95 multijet II never saw a mechanic in 230.000 km
Only once or two for removin the fap and change the chain that started to make some tiny noise
Only issue i heard were the fap clogging when used for small trip (like 1-2km) as the engine couldnt start regenerating
You are right, they will be classics in the future. That engine was designed for Italians to rev the nuts off. I like the body design best, so original and nobody else copied it. Big back doors and maximum use of wheelbase with the vertical back. A very clever car.
Since it's you.....small boot - yeah, but my bike would fit in that - standing up - whereas it won't necessarily fit in 'larger' boots !
#Brompton.
Love that phrase "rev the nuts off"...and it's spot on! I've the 1.2 fire engine in my Grande Punto which is completely underpowered given the weight of the car...the only way to actually get anywhere is to rev the nuts off it 😂 gear change is usually between 4 and 5000 rpm
@@adarbs6384 It's not uncommon ;)
@@millomweb well I've had Ford's, Renault's, Toyota's where you don't need to rev that high. If that's what you're referring to.
@@adarbs6384 It all depends on the engine. I once swapped a Diesel Metro for a Diesel Fiesta - the latter was an odd engine it seemed to be a different engine at high revs but the Metro pulled well all through the rev range.
My bro's Audi pulls well from 1800 all the way up yet other engines seem to get a second breath 3500-4000 rpm.
I had a Fiat Uno 45 Fire as a first car, roomy for a 6ft guy, compared to other small cars, and was utterly reliable. Fiats are best when small and simple, add size and complexity and you're asking for trouble.
Owned a stilo estate, best car I ever bought.
IMO small and simple = reliable is true for most cars.
@@cornishhh ask for americans about that lol
Had the same model uno 45 fire and put 100k miles on it. It lived for about 17 years til the tin worms got it.
agreed, their electrical is still shoddy though, but the mechanically i don't think they are any less reliable than its japanese counterpart
Love the panda, was pleased to see you reviewing one. 6 minutes online and a thumbs down already. There really are some sad people about.
I must agree. They must lead pathetic lives! I enjoy this channel as well as several others in the UK 🇬🇧, an interesting mix of vehicles that never made it to the US 🇺🇸!
Comes from bad experiences and very bad customer service, i had tipo and a uno previously no issue but the panda 1.1 engine is a joke
@@eggy1962 what comes from bad experience? The thumbs down?
@@robertbransby panda 1.1 ownership…..what did u think i was referring to?
@@eggy1962 it was just my comment was around the thumbs down that people do even though Ians video had only been online for 6 minutes.
My 1st car was a 09 plate panda dynamic multijet diesel. Good for fuel economy. Wish I kept it
Love them engines. Great that the belt snaps and its just a new belt and away you go.
Much better than most. If the timing belt goes, go to the scrapyard for a replacement engine!
They are on 1.1 and earlier 1.2, 60bhp but the 1.2, 69bhp is an interference engine. I'm glad I found that out beforehand and replaced the belt and pump on my 69bhp 2011 one when I bought it. Maybe Fiat did something to the head to get the extra 9bhp, I don't know 🤷♂️
As a former owner of a 1.2 8V, I can only recommend that car. 69 hp is perfect for this car, it had AC and for city hooning it is pretty much perfect. Tiny, yet amazingly roomy. And even with a lead foot, you can't get them to sip more than 6 liters/100 km. Also, as a former owner, I can assure you the central locking for the boot is broken. It is like that on every one and a replacement costs 160€ because you have to buy the whole assembly. :P
Don’t need to buy the new assembly as it will go faulty as well! You just have to clean the electrical actuator inside the handle. There are tutorials on Fiat forums showing how to do it. It only takes half an hour’s work and anyone can do it!
I love these cars, small efficient easy to work on great around town. Running around in a little Citreion C1 which I bought for my daughter to learn in. I find I am using it much more than the Honda estate I own as it brings a smile to my face every time I drive it and I love ringing out the maximum of its tiny engine.
I've just purchased a Panda Mk4 2012 1.2 Easy in turquoise blue for my dad who is 76 years young. Very funky looking dash. I was going for a mk3 in yellow but found a bargain that could not be missed. Granted it's a cat N but could not believe the insurers wrote it off. A dent in the rear quarter the size of a hand and minor scratches down the n/s doors and front wing boggles the mind. On the test drive the Panda surprised me how good it was even if the 0-60 is 14.4secs and you put your foot down in 4th @ 30mph and nothing happens. Maybe POWER less is more is the way I should go for my own choice of transport.
You just need to gear down to get some power. I like that. My MG ZR 160 is pretty sluggish at low revs, (certainly doesn't feel like a hot hatch). But up the revs by changing down a gear or two, and that is where the performance comes from. I like that; it's more entertaining. Panda seems to be like that too, at a lower level
I like this shape of Panda, we had a 1.2 Eleganza auto, a hoot to drive. Ours was light yellow. Will one of these join the Hubnut fleet in future?
Fantastic little cars, genuinely the best car under £500! We love ours 😁
They are abit dearer than that here in Ireland... but then isn't everything.
Great cars FIAT's - I am currently driving a pretty rubbish ( and yep underpowered ) Grande Punto 1.2 - I should get rid but somehow I can't let it go at the moment.....
Well I must admit that the 2009 Fiat Panda is an odd but interesting car to be seen on Hubnut. But I know that Ian loves his odd & quirky cars.
The secret to driving low powered cars, as my pal told me, is not letting the RPM lower and drop as you change up.
Carrying as much momentum as possible into corners helps a lot, too.
Absolutely adore the Panda, even more first generation, boxy and totally utilitarian! Johnny Smith met a guy that had a lot of Pandas! Please mr HubNut, try to find first generation Tipo, the one that chief inspector Montalbano drives in the detective story. Really those with digital dashboard!
The FIRE switched to twin overhead cams in 1997 with the 1242cc '85' (86bhp) version. I have one in my Punto Cabrio. It's excellent. These 54bhp 1.1s were also fitted to the earlier MK1 Punto as their entry-level engine.
My first encounter with one of these was in Valencia in Spain where I had booked a Fiesta but when I turned up at the airport they could only offer me a Panda with much apologies. I drove the Panda with two days and as you found for all its faults it put a smile on my face. 2 days later I got a call saying they had a Fiesta and I could change it. I made mistake of doing that because whilst in every measurable way the Fiesta was a better car it was lacking in joy. Some 5 years later in 2010 I needed something cheap but new to run and I leased a Panda 100 and loved it almost as much as I loved my 205 GTi 25 years earlier and would go as far to say that the Panda 100 was the last of the genuinely cheap hot hatches.
When I first road tested one of these I didn't haven much hope for it based on how it looked but I was so surprised, it's one of my favourite cars to drive now
I remember back in the 80s an Aunt told us she had bought a Jeep and then she turned up in a Panda! We did laugh.
The mk1 panda was made all the way undtil 2003.... its amazing...
My Panda 4x4 is from 1999 and got the same engine pretty much... 1,1 FIR. :)
"8 min in...." well... off course you knew... ;)
My wife had a diesel one with the roof bars. They looked like carrying handles. Great car though, I loved it! FIRE, Fuel Integrated Robotised Engine. Thank you. Must get a life.
You are certainly keeping busy! Love it :)
My mrs had one for a wee while. We quite liked it. Comfy wee thing.
wee wee
@@mymellow836 😆
Was it the car or the wife that was a comfy wee thing?
@@plym1969 that’s classified
I've got one and I think it's great and as you say comfy. My mate who has a 3 series was shocked by its comfort and said it was more comfy than his car.
I daily a metallic blue one of these, true poverty spec, didn't even come with a cigarette lighter! Fairly nice to drive, although a lot of roll in the corners (and it's very slow!). Since getting it four years ago I've added a lot of things, new audio system with sub, armster armrest, short shifter, sound deadening and lots of other little bits. Next on the list is some alloys!
And engine from 1985 is a big plus, no doubt the new electrics could be discarded. Perhaps the Hyundai i10 was a closer rival being cheap, long warranty and all had air conditioning.
Plenty of engine designs across many manufacturers can trace their roots as far as the 1950s (Ford especially). Nothing wrong with that, it’s clearly proven over all that time.
The Fire engine is very reliable. If the Panda MK2 will ever becomes a classic, that will help a lot.
I had a 2009 1.1 active. Was a great car for nippy about by myself, but once you had passengers it suffered.
I bought a new 1.2 in 2009, l still have it, traded it in for an Vauxhall that l paid £150 for, £2000 scrapage scheme and a 30% discount because my bother worked in firm associated with Fiat, new car for £4000 l couldn't go wrong. its been very reliable.
I didn't mind the Panda to much to drive, but I'm 6ft 7 and the B pillar is where my shoulder should be.
These Pandas are great little cars - the Italian car specialist I use to service my Alfa has them as courtesy cars - just 1.1 models, but they are tremendous fun. Not so keen on the follow-up model - decidedly odd steering. The 100HP looks hilarious, and is a car I’ve considered buying. Didn’t know about the Bertone connection - top Panda fact. The fact that James May has owned one gives it kudos in my view!!
Cracking little cars very easy to drive, learners should be made to drive something like this for the first year of driving instead of being able to jump into a powerful car. The panda serves its purpose very well.🚙👍🇬🇧
The TwinAirs sound great. Had a 1.2 as a hire car in Tenerife. Also thought it was fun to drive and deliciously simple.
I had a hire one when on holiday in Amalfi. I quite liked it, but as far as the Amalfi coast road was concerned. That little car is very wide.
Some mint comments about these little crappy cars that we've loved so much . We'd all have one again given half a chance wouldn't we lol
Had one of these with the 1.2 engine in champagne beige. Excellent little car. Surprisingly well built and refined for its price. Even drove it to Spain once, no hassle. The screeching sound of the rear wiper was probably the end of the plastic stalk touching the window. My Panda had a long scratch on the window along the end of the stalk when I bought it second hand. I'm guessing the wiper blade has never been replaced ;)
As a 15 year old I was determined that when I learned to drive I would buy one of those brand new. Alas I didn't learn to drive until I was 20 and too skint to buy a new car 🤣
I used to have an 09 1.2 ECO Dynamic. I really liked it, until it started wearing out the nearside rear tyre in a very peculiar way, and I found out it was an unrecorded crashed car, with warped rear suspension.
Learned how to drive and passed my driving test on those things, at the time all the driving schools in my part of Poland were using it. Really like those cars and wouldn't mind owning one someday.
A great review. Had my Panda Active Eco from new still serving me well after 12 years a fun little car, easy to park living in London with limited space.
I have a Gen2 Mk3 Panda, the 1.2 with 69hp as a second car. Very practical little car, but i regret buying the 69hp version. It's the only fire engine that will be damaged when your timing belt snaps and it is drive-by-wire, which makes DIY maintenance difficult (f.e. can't even clean out the throttle body without disturbing the stepper motor) and the software is optimized for fuel economy, so it reacts terrible slow to putting your right foot down; Computer says "No.. don't kick it down!, i will give a gradual command to the engine because that's better for the environment") Wish i had a 60hp variant with a trottle cable 😄