Car Reviews: 2010 Fiat Panda

Fiat, one of the biggest names in the car manufacturing business have just gotten bigger and are now preparing for an invasion of America. Since acquiring a controlling stake in "Chrysler", Fiat plan to release a selection of their European line-up abroad, along with cutting down a few of the less popular Chrysler models. How will Fiat stack up against their more established rivals in the USA? Let's take a look at the current Fiat line up and see which cars could make an impact across the Atlantic.

The Fiat Panda is next up for review. The Panda is noted as being Fiat's attempt to create a spacious small car for those wanting the convenience of city cars, but who need a little extra room for storage or family. It has been relatively popular in recent times, with more and more of them appearing on the road. The low tax costs and high mpg have no doubt helped this car sell.

The exterior of the Panda is nothing to write home about. It is boxier than the Punto or 500 with more angles. It certainly does not look cute, but it isn't ugly either. It has charm but is not an eye catching design by any means. It is almost as if Fiat designed it to look the way it does because that is the most practical way it should look. The angular look might appeal more so across the Atlantic than the cute look Fiat have gone for on other models.

The interior is much like the exterior. It serves its purpose, with a well designed control panel and dashboard. Everything is nicely spaced out and it has a smart and professional finish to it, but does little to excite the senses. Just like the exterior, I believe practicality won over exuberance with the Panda's interior.

Available as the Fiat Panda, Panda 100HP or Panda 4x4, there are plenty of options to suit different needs. Whichever model you go for, the engine is nothing spectacular, with the four cylinder,99bhp, 1.3 litre engine on the Panda 100HP being the most powerful. However, this car, as mentioned before, was built for practicality. The low bhp numbers don't mean that this car offers a poor ride, however. It handles well and is nippy enough along city roads, where it should make its home.

The safety features on the Panda are good. With ABS coming as standard along with the usual assortment of airbags that one finds these days. Car safety really has improved greatly over the years and the Panda displays this as well an any other car out there. Traction and stability control are also included. The fuel economy is brilliant on this car and emissions are low, and will be even lower when the Multi-Air engine finds its way inside the Panda.

The Panda will probably not make as big an impact in America, should it be shipped, as the Fiat 500 or Punto Evo. However, it has never been the car to make much noise. It goes about its business and it does it well. The price for the Panda is fantastic, making it one of Fiat's most affordable cars. Starting at around 7,500 pounds, the Panda can reach up to around 11,000 in its 4x4 form, but even that is incredibly cheap for what you are getting. A practical car for practical means, the Panda succeeds in everything it wants to succeed in without ever going above and beyond.