CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 38.1%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.0 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 240
Average Price: Around £5,000

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 surprising practicality for its size, with generous rear legroom and a clever boot system that allows the rear seats to slide forwards or backwards to trade passenger space for additional luggage capacity. The boot itself is a decent size, and rear seats fold with a 60/40 split for extra flexibility.

However, the Panda suffers from significant safety concerns, scoring zero stars in Euro NCAP crash testing in 2018, with particularly poor child occupancy ratings at 17%. This is a critical consideration if you regularly carry children. The car is also starting to show its age with some poorly finished trim and a lack of modern features like Bluetooth audio streaming on certain models. Running costs are low across all variants, with the 1.2-litre petrol averaging around 50mpg and the Twinair achieving approximately 40mpg. Vehicle Excise Duty varies by model year, though some early Twinair models can be free to tax. Insurance costs are also low, further reducing overall running expenses.

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

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


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

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

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

Competitive Position: The Fiat Panda (2012-present) is an affordable and charming city car that excels in value and running costs. However, its poor safety ratings—particularly for child occupancy—are a significant concern compared to rivals like the Kia Picanto and Volkswagen Up, which offer better protection and modern features. Whilst the Panda's distinctive looks and 4x4 availability are appealing, alternatives such as the Hyundai i10, Volkswagen Up, Skoda Citigo, or Seat Mii provide superior safety, equipment, and driving dynamics. The Panda remains a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers without children, but families should seriously consider safer alternatives.

Read our full Fiat Panda Review

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