LIGHTEN UP A LITTLE, WILL YOU?

Enjoy the carefree charm of the third-generation Panda from just £2000

- SAM PHILLIPS

If you want a quirky baby hatchback with genuine off-road ability, there's only one car for the job: the Fiat Panda 4x4. The third generation of the ever-so-cute Italian, launched in 2011, added a cheeky and cuddly look, improved interior technology and greater refinement to its famous versatility.

"The Panda is one of those cars that is exceptionally hard to be harsh to, one that revels in being what it is: a wonderfully compact, fun car," was our summary when we road tested it at the time.

Its ease of use and classless appeal helped earn the Panda an impressive 4.5-star verdict, trouncing rivals in a segment that was then full of overachievers - the Volkswagen Up chief among them.

Fast forward to 2025 and the Panda is accessible to all, with well-used, high-mileage examples available for less than £2000.

If your budget is tight, you will end up with a Panda powered by either a 68bhp 1.2-litre four-cylinder or 84bhp turbocharged 0.9-litre two-cylinder petrol engine.