Best Small Car

	With healthy new sales, there’s now plenty of choice, with a frugal diesel, 4x4 off-roader and hot hatch example catering for all tastes

Nobody does small cars better than Fiat – which is why the Panda steps up to scoop the crown this year. And Auto Express has been a fan of the city car ever since it took top prize at our New Car Honours in 2004.

Back then, our judges loved its looks, road manners and practicality – and these are still strong attractions. The Panda is also cracking value, and isn’t plagued by the reliability issues which have afflicted some older stablemates.

The revamp of the dealer network is more than a quick makeover, because the brand is rebuilding its reputation – and the Panda is a vital piece of the jigsaw. Its showing in our annual Driver Power satisfaction survey, where it finished in a very respectable 41st place overall, is proof that the Italian marque is winning its battle to improve quality.

With healthy new sales, there’s plenty of choice and a wide array of engine variants, with a frugal Multijet diesel, 4x4 off-roader and, more recently, a hot hatch model catering for all tastes. The flow of fresh additions to the line-up ensures the Panda continues to be a fashionable city car, while its five-door layout, spacious cabin and surprising long-distance ability make it a versatile and desirable selection.

The Fiat was the unanimous choice among our experts, and Graham Smith from British Car Auctions summed up its appeal: “The Panda has stood the test of time, it’s serious value for money and there are loads about.”

Dynamic trim offers the best value, but make sure you get air-con, because it’s not standard. The torquey 1.3-litre Multijet commands a premium of around £350 over a 1.2-litre petrol model, and prices for the chunky 4x4 start at about £5,500 – that’ll get you a 2005 54-reg car. The Fiat 500 arrives in the summer, too, and you can expect the Panda to bask in the glory of its tiny twin. So if you’re looking for an affordable runaround, you need to go Italian.

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