Skip advert
Advertisement

Fiat Panda vs rivals

New Fiat Panda faces a steep climb to get to the top of the city car class as it meets its rivals from Kia and Hyundai

Fiat Panda vs rivals

With global sales of 6.4 million and a well earned reputation for offering rugged, affordable, no-frills transport, the Fiat Panda has become an institution. Yet in recent years, it has faced an uphill battle to stay at the top of the city-car class.

Launched in 1980, the long-serving original Panda became a legend in its own lifetime. The MkII model won our Car of the Year title in 2004, but newer rivals have overtaken it – something Fiat hopes to address with the longer, taller and wider MkIII Panda.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There’s a choice of three trim levels and four engines. We tested the mid-spec Easy with the predicted best-selling 69bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine.

Facing up to the Panda are two of the best city cars around: the recently refreshed Hyundai i10 and a five-door Kia Picanto. All three come in below the magic £10,000 mark, but which one offers the best blend of value, space, fun and style on a budget?

Verdict

The new Panda retains the charm, style and fun of its predecessor. It also handles and rides better than before, and its attractive cabin adds to the appeal. So if you want a city car that puts a smile on your face, this is it. But does it win this test?

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Ioniq electric

2021 Hyundai

Ioniq electric

31,484 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £9,300
View Ioniq electric
Qashqai

2018 Nissan

Qashqai

47,278 milesManualPetrol1.3L

Cash £13,525
View Qashqai
Kodiaq

2021 Skoda

Kodiaq

38,572 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £21,500
View Kodiaq
Tucson

2020 Hyundai

Tucson

53,200 milesManualPetrol1.6L

Cash £12,200
View Tucson

Not quite. Value for money counts for a lot in the sub-£10,000 class, and the Fiat looks pricey, as the Kia and Hyundai both come with more kit and industry-leading warranties. The Panda also has the least amount of rear legroom.

However, it does beat the Kia. The stylish Picanto has a smarter cabin, but it’s held back by its breathless engine and firm ride.

That leaves the i10 to take a narrow victory. It has the strongest engine, a roomy cabin, plenty of kit and a cracking aftersales package. Add solid residual values and it’s hard to argue against our reigning champ. But with the VW up! five-door arriving in September, the pecking order could be about to change significantly.

Winner
Hyundai i10
★★★★

The Hyundai’s exterior styling and cabin are starting to show their age. Yet the i10 takes the win here thanks to its strong performance, tidy handling, solid build quality and great value. It’s also surprisingly practical and comes with the excellent Triple Care aftersales package.

2nd
Fiat Panda
★★★★

The new Panda is great to drive and packed with character. You get keener handling than rivals and refinement is excellent, so it’s the best all-rounder here. But it’s not perfect: the cabin is cramped, we wish it came as a proper five-seater as standard and it looks poor value in this company.

3rd
Kia Picanto
★★★★

To get a Picanto for less than £10,000, you have to go for the three-cylinder engine, which offers leisurely performance. It rides firmly, too, but it looks great, and has an impressive cabin plus lots of kit. It’s the best choice for town driving.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,158 off RRP*
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,274 off RRP*Used from £10,395
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £15,440
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 Electric Car Grant for new EVs sold under £3…
News
18 Jul 2025
Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake - front action

Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop

The second of Merc’s new-era EVs is here in the form of an attractive estate with a huge range
News
14 Jul 2025