Fiat Panda

Hatchback (five-door city car) · 2012 to present

The Fiat Panda is a compact city car that has been a familiar sight on UK roads since the original model arrived in the early 1980s. The current, third-generation Panda dates from 2012 and remains on sale new in the UK, having been updated over the years with revised trims, a mild-hybrid petrol option, and the rugged Panda Cross and 4x4 variants for extra traction. Earlier second-generation Pandas, sold from 2003, are also common on the used market. All generations share a simple five-door hatchback body, compact dimensions suited to town driving, and a budget-friendly position in the Fiat range. Engine choices have included small-capacity petrols, the characterful TwinAir turbo petrol, diesel options in earlier years, and LPG conversions popular with high-mileage owners. It remains a practical, inexpensive choice for first-time buyers and those wanting an easy car to park and run in UK cities.

Fuel and powertrain options

The Fiat Panda is sold in the UK with the following powertrain options across its current and recent model years:

Petrol Petrol mild hybrid LPG Diesel (early models)

Things to check at MOT

Below are common inspection items that owners and technicians often pay attention to on the Fiat Panda. These align with standard DVSA MOT criteria. Every individual vehicle is different, and the MOT history of a specific car can be checked on gov.uk using its registration plate.

Check for corrosion around the sills, wheel arches and rear subframe mounting points, as these are known rust traps on older Pandas
Inspect the rear torsion beam suspension for wear, play or corrosion, particularly on higher-mileage examples
Test the electric power steering for consistent assistance and listen for unusual whining or loss of assistance at low speed
Examine the exhaust system and underbody for corrosion, especially on cars that have done frequent short urban journeys
Check all exterior lighting, including the smaller rear light clusters, for secure fitment and correct function

Frequently asked questions

Is the Fiat Panda cheap to run in the UK?

It is generally regarded as an economical city car thanks to its small, light-weight engines and compact size. For accurate fuel and tax figures for a specific model year, check the vehicle's V5C details and the official gov.uk vehicle tax pages.

What should I look out for on a Fiat Panda MOT?

Common attention points include underbody and sill corrosion, rear suspension wear, and electric power steering faults. Always review the car's full MOT history on the free DVSA MOT history checker before buying.

Does the Fiat Panda have four-wheel drive?

Certain versions, badged Panda 4x4 or Panda Cross, offer four-wheel drive and a raised ride height, aimed at buyers wanting extra traction in poor weather or on rougher surfaces.

How many generations of Fiat Panda have been sold in the UK?

Three generations have been sold in the UK: the original model from the early 1980s, a second generation from 2003, and the current third generation introduced in 2012 and still on sale new today.

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