I’ve owned many cars from Polo’s to focus and Astra…but the car I loved the most and miss the most is my 2008 Fiat Panda 1.2. That car was so much fun, reliable and very nippy. Had it for almost 11 years until someone rear ended it and wrote it off. I was devastated.
@@mattylamb9194 My wife had one from 2004 to 2021 and I drove it whenever I could. Great fun, reliable and zero rust! Who would have expected that from a 17 year old Fiat?
The main thing I remember about driving one of these back in the day was how easy It was. Light controls, all-round visibility, comfy enough. A good basic machine, really.
And they appear to be direct to drive, so you get a sense that what you are doing behind the wheel is having an impact upon what is happening. That is so important to me, and is what makes the Panda so attractive to me, compared to most other modern cars
I drove one of these around ireland a few years ago when the ex and i hired it for five days. She hated it because it wasn't the ford fester she expected (she didn't drive, she just didn't like the car for no real reason that i could ever actually discern). It was fine to drive but her constant complaining spoiled things and i'm now tempted to buy one just to spite her memory....
@@stewartellinson8846 water through hands- don't understand this exactly, but I think you regret it. As for panda, today I drove 200000 km to see one,I wanted to buy it. I sat inside, even in the new model and got dissapointed. This seems to be so heavy, I mean the cokpit. I thought id loved this car but I didnt.
My grandparents brought one of these new in 2009 as part of the dreaded car scrappage scheme (don't worry it was only a 1100 Fiesta popular with optional rust holes that got axed). I had a Citroen C1 at the time which was much faster and more economical but the little panda always made me smile when driving. The car's still in the family and I definitely have a soft spot for it.
I must agree. They must lead pathetic lives! I enjoy this channel as well as several others in the UK 🇬🇧, an interesting mix of vehicles that never made it to the US 🇺🇸!
True but as an ex-Fiat mechanic I still get nightmares about that engine. Truly horrible and made of cheese! Petrols were a much better option (actually bought one!)
@@chrisdowns1987my 1.3 95 multijet II never saw a mechanic in 230.000 km Only once or two for removin the fap and change the chain that started to make some tiny noise Only issue i heard were the fap clogging when used for small trip (like 1-2km) as the engine couldnt start regenerating
They are on 1.1 and earlier 1.2, 60bhp but the 1.2, 69bhp is an interference engine. I'm glad I found that out beforehand and replaced the belt and pump on my 69bhp 2011 one when I bought it. Maybe Fiat did something to the head to get the extra 9bhp, I don't know 🤷♂️
When I first road tested one of these I didn't haven much hope for it based on how it looked but I was so surprised, it's one of my favourite cars to drive now
You are right, they will be classics in the future. That engine was designed for Italians to rev the nuts off. I like the body design best, so original and nobody else copied it. Big back doors and maximum use of wheelbase with the vertical back. A very clever car.
Love that phrase "rev the nuts off"...and it's spot on! I've the 1.2 fire engine in my Grande Punto which is completely underpowered given the weight of the car...the only way to actually get anywhere is to rev the nuts off it 😂 gear change is usually between 4 and 5000 rpm
@@adarbs6384 It all depends on the engine. I once swapped a Diesel Metro for a Diesel Fiesta - the latter was an odd engine it seemed to be a different engine at high revs but the Metro pulled well all through the rev range. My bro's Audi pulls well from 1800 all the way up yet other engines seem to get a second breath 3500-4000 rpm.
Always loved the Panda styling. This generation not quite as iconic as the original which is a pure LEGO box car but still looks good and cute. Immediately thought about getting one as a cute city beater and then Twingo popped in my head. When are we going to see you in a Twingo mr. HubNut? If anyone has driven this Panda and a Twingo and knows how they compare please let me know.
I drove the new Twingo as a courtesy car. Basic spec. Fun to drive as feels like a go cart but needs to be thrashed on the open road. The 3cyl rear engine is very noisy though.
I love these cars, small efficient easy to work on great around town. Running around in a little Citreion C1 which I bought for my daughter to learn in. I find I am using it much more than the Honda estate I own as it brings a smile to my face every time I drive it and I love ringing out the maximum of its tiny engine.
I had a Fiat Uno 45 Fire as a first car, roomy for a 6ft guy, compared to other small cars, and was utterly reliable. Fiats are best when small and simple, add size and complexity and you're asking for trouble.
my old 1.1 active was so nippy it got me 3 speeding tickets and i'm 74.. just changed it for a 1.2 dynamic... tuned to be more sedate as represents by my age and wallet...passed the 2 speed awareness courses which were very good.. my tutor on my last sac asked if i was collecting the air miles which was nice ...
Ahhh the memories!! My mum had a black version of this. We went absolutely everywhere in it, even took us through the snow to get a Christmas tree! Incredible machines! My mum then passed it on to her sister, who used it as a mobile tack shed, because she had or used to work on a racehorse stud. She ran it into the ground. These engines never break, it died, eventually, in about 2017.
Learned how to drive and passed my driving test on those things, at the time all the driving schools in my part of Poland were using it. Really like those cars and wouldn't mind owning one someday.
My first encounter with one of these was in Valencia in Spain where I had booked a Fiesta but when I turned up at the airport they could only offer me a Panda with much apologies. I drove the Panda with two days and as you found for all its faults it put a smile on my face. 2 days later I got a call saying they had a Fiesta and I could change it. I made mistake of doing that because whilst in every measurable way the Fiesta was a better car it was lacking in joy. Some 5 years later in 2010 I needed something cheap but new to run and I leased a Panda 100 and loved it almost as much as I loved my 205 GTi 25 years earlier and would go as far to say that the Panda 100 was the last of the genuinely cheap hot hatches.
I've got one and I think it's great and as you say comfy. My mate who has a 3 series was shocked by its comfort and said it was more comfy than his car.
Bought a new 1.3 JTD in 2005 and drove it for 278.000km and 13 years. Only traded it in because it was a Diesel without a particulate filter. Bought a third gen Panda after that, which I still drive. My little blue Diesel was by far the best car I have ever owned. Economy, practicality and extreme reliability. It proved to be incredible hard wearing and I have no doubt it is still driving around in Poland or somewhere. It did all the things little Fiats do so well, like being refined and fun to drive, while avoiding 'traditional' Fiat problems. These are cheap boxes but they are cheap boxes of really solid quality. No electrical problems, no rust, no oil leaks. I even used it it tow a little T@B caravan, since the Panda is one of the very few A-segment cars homologated to do that. I absolutely loved this car.
Great to see a car of this age on the channel. Can see cars from 00-09 disappearing almost utterly, as they're binned off, much like 80s cars were. If you're ever in Yorkshire, I have an 07 Mazda 6 you can play with, and if you're very lucky, maybe a modded Minor.
I’ve had two Panda first series and now a Panda third series, bought new in 2012: this one is by far the most joyful little car I’ve ever had. But also the most reliable! Not a single tiny issue in more than 10 years! Unbelieveble. And in the past I had also a BMW, which was full of issues, very expansive to fix
The FIRE switched to twin overhead cams in 1997 with the 1242cc '85' (86bhp) version. I have one in my Punto Cabrio. It's excellent. These 54bhp 1.1s were also fitted to the earlier MK1 Punto as their entry-level engine.
Hi Ian. My wife still has her 2009 1.2 Active Eco Panda (with air-con) which she bought in early 2011 here where we live in sw France. In all this time, apart from normal wear and tear and servicing the car has not cost one penny (or centime !) in repairs. It has now done 120,000 kms and does not appear to have deteriorated at all. I agree that the engine could do with a little more low down grunt but it's a great little car, we both love it.
I covered 85K miles in the diesel variant and arguably the best car I have ever owned or driven. Totally reliable, comfortable and just ate up the miles. Spacious and easy to enter/ exit. I wish I have never sold it but had to move on.
A great review. Had my Panda Active Eco from new still serving me well after 12 years a fun little car, easy to park living in London with limited space.
I've just purchased a Panda Mk4 2012 1.2 Easy in turquoise blue for my dad who is 76 years young. Very funky looking dash. I was going for a mk3 in yellow but found a bargain that could not be missed. Granted it's a cat N but could not believe the insurers wrote it off. A dent in the rear quarter the size of a hand and minor scratches down the n/s doors and front wing boggles the mind. On the test drive the Panda surprised me how good it was even if the 0-60 is 14.4secs and you put your foot down in 4th @ 30mph and nothing happens. Maybe POWER less is more is the way I should go for my own choice of transport.
You just need to gear down to get some power. I like that. My MG ZR 160 is pretty sluggish at low revs, (certainly doesn't feel like a hot hatch). But up the revs by changing down a gear or two, and that is where the performance comes from. I like that; it's more entertaining. Panda seems to be like that too, at a lower level
I love Amanda, my 2007 1.2 dynamic Panda..... That feeling of not being able to get anywhere near 70 uphill is familiar.... Particularly in a headwind..... Amazed at the lack of electrical issues on your example, but I love her.... Interesting that you compared the Panda with the Morris minor, the minor would be my ideal car, but for now my quirky flowery Panda is perfect!
Got one on the drive now. So many parts I remember from my mk2 Punto of nearly 10 years before. It's a joyous little machine, fun cornering at low speeds makes other cars feel boring in comparison.
My second car in 2014 was a 2009 1.1 Active Eco. They're excellent. I added the bigger mirrors to mine, and changed the clocks to a newer model's with rev counter and trip computer, etc. 169 Panda is my favourite car of all time.
Absolutely adore the Panda, even more first generation, boxy and totally utilitarian! Johnny Smith met a guy that had a lot of Pandas! Please mr HubNut, try to find first generation Tipo, the one that chief inspector Montalbano drives in the detective story. Really those with digital dashboard!
It's the prime example of a car you can have lots of fun with at normal speeds with a little revvy engine and skinny tyres. I like the space inside for a little footprint too.
I bought a new 1.2 in 2009, l still have it, traded it in for an Vauxhall that l paid £150 for, £2000 scrapage scheme and a 30% discount because my bother worked in firm associated with Fiat, new car for £4000 l couldn't go wrong. its been very reliable.
As a former owner of a 1.2 8V, I can only recommend that car. 69 hp is perfect for this car, it had AC and for city hooning it is pretty much perfect. Tiny, yet amazingly roomy. And even with a lead foot, you can't get them to sip more than 6 liters/100 km. Also, as a former owner, I can assure you the central locking for the boot is broken. It is like that on every one and a replacement costs 160€ because you have to buy the whole assembly. :P
Don’t need to buy the new assembly as it will go faulty as well! You just have to clean the electrical actuator inside the handle. There are tutorials on Fiat forums showing how to do it. It only takes half an hour’s work and anyone can do it!
Just watched this video again After buying a 2012 1.2 as the daughters first car. Really pleased with it so far. It doesn't know what is in store for it, no doubt the clutch and brakes will get a hammering 😮👍🇮🇪
These Pandas are great little cars - the Italian car specialist I use to service my Alfa has them as courtesy cars - just 1.1 models, but they are tremendous fun. Not so keen on the follow-up model - decidedly odd steering. The 100HP looks hilarious, and is a car I’ve considered buying. Didn’t know about the Bertone connection - top Panda fact. The fact that James May has owned one gives it kudos in my view!!
I had one of these briefly, we used them as courtesy cars at Fiat, driven like a stereotypical Italian they're hilarious! The smart wipers system is great, no sensors but just knocks the wipers speed down one when coming to a stop then back up when pulling away + rear wiper speed is related to the front ones. Sold mine eventually as I had to do lots of motorway commuting, it got exhausting! Great to see one on the channel, on to autotrader I go..... 😋
I borrowed my friends panda 100hp. It was a very enjoyable drive and the handling was brilliant. I’ve always had a soft spot for Fiats as I past my test in a cinquecento.
Love these Pandas. My daughter had one and commuted from Bristol to Gloucester 5 days a week over a three year period. Never any problems. They are a very honest reliable cars. Buy one that has been looked after and they will give you reliable and cheap motoring for many years. Better than any equivalent VW, PSA or Ford. Good review thanks.
Had one of these with the 1.2 engine in champagne beige. Excellent little car. Surprisingly well built and refined for its price. Even drove it to Spain once, no hassle. The screeching sound of the rear wiper was probably the end of the plastic stalk touching the window. My Panda had a long scratch on the window along the end of the stalk when I bought it second hand. I'm guessing the wiper blade has never been replaced ;)
About 11 years ago I look at one of these as a possible replacement. Liked the look of them and it ticked all the boxes, sat in one in the showroom, very nice and comfortable ( must have been a top of the range). Arranged a test drive but when I turned up the model I'd arrange to try wasn't available and I was given a sub-basic model with non-adjustable everything. I can't remember driving anything as bad as that ever and I've driven some horrors in my time.
I enjoy all these reviews about cars that will never set foot in my country. That Panda seems like a nice basic car for basic transportation. Keep up the good work and Kudos for the Mrs. HubNut on her camera work and occasional hand or finger on the screen.
I've driven both the Mk 3 & 4 as hire cars on holiday, with both that engine and the 1.2 - the 1.2 does give you that little extra edge, and is still hugely economical. I really rate the 'new' Pandas- well put together, nicely styled, pretty comfortable, no nasty surprises. We need to get a car to live at our place in France, and I'm seriously considering a Panda for that, because they tick every box, and as you say, easy to continue to maintain!
I had a panda, and loved how easy it was to work on. My solution to door rust, was I went with my Nan, who had the largest boot, to the local dismantlers, and came back with both front doors and a tailgate. An afternoon of socket spinning and the rust was abolished.
I’ve a lot time Pandas. They sell badly in the motor trade I’m in. Shame. The car is good. Grown up enough. Hardy. And a little cheeky but not too much. Much overall the better package over the Fiat 500. But not cute so didn’t sell
I've had a 2011 Panda 1.2 Eco for the last 6 months and its really good, comfy, can hold it's own on the motorway and does 45mpg without trying. The ride can be a bit jolty on poor roads and you're right about hills, even with 69bhp it can struggle if someone pulls out and you have to ease off then get your foot back down but other than that I love the little car, it's certainly a keeper.
Absolutely stonking little cars 👌 had mine as my first car, little 1.1 just like this, but black Done almost 22k miles in it, upto just shy of 107k miles at present, and still going strong 👌 and you do get used to the lack of power, and I live in hilly old Devon 😂 even did a Paignton-Great Yarmouth run in it once, with just one stop for fuel Done all sorts of mods to it too, but it's always a joy to work on! Can't recommend them enough 👌
I daily a metallic blue one of these, true poverty spec, didn't even come with a cigarette lighter! Fairly nice to drive, although a lot of roll in the corners (and it's very slow!). Since getting it four years ago I've added a lot of things, new audio system with sub, armster armrest, short shifter, sound deadening and lots of other little bits. Next on the list is some alloys!
Great review of an under-appreciated car. I have a 2010 Panda Cross that I use almost daily off-road for my work. It’s great fun and very capable. I’ve had LandRovers, shogun, suzuki vitaras and SJ’s, but this is definitely my favourite. Almost feel guilty working it as it’s definitely going to be a collectable car in the future.
I remember these at launch. I big step up in quality over previous Fiat's. The 100hp is gaining a following and I've been in a friend's Panda 4x4 cross TwinAir off road and it was awesome. The Panda makes a lot of sense being cheeper than a 500 and having a boot that is a better shape. Of course the heart rules the head sometimes so we run two 500s with TwinAir 85 hp and TwinAir 105 hp engines which produce about 50% more torque than the 1.2 four cylinder engine at around 2000 rpm so they feel very gutsy and make an ungodly noise.
My Mrs. is a big fan of the Panda, having owned a 100HP for 7 years. She then replaced it with a TA 4x4, which she still has today. You're right about the suspension on the 100HP, much too stiff and ruined the car imo. although it had the best brakes of any car that I've ever driven. Vented discs all round. The TA with 85bhp is almost as quick, with a much more subtle ride. The TA engine is an absolute hoot to drive and the 4x4 only adds to the overall enjoyment of the little Panda. You're welcome to test the TA 4x4 out anytime you're up north, just down the road from Citwins.
The colour matches all those joke Pandas that James May was previously featured in. Hopefully this one doesn't end up with a big construction skip on top of it.
I’m seriously considering getting one for a winter car, very impressed by the video and I love how long the passenger side wiper arm is with a small wiper blade at 5:05 😂
I had a 2004 1.2 Dynamic as my first car. My plan was to just keep it for a year and then get something else, but I ended up keeping it for four years. I absolutely loved it, but I can confirm the 1.2 isn't that much more powerful, and it certainly struggled in the hilly area I lived in, which was ultimately why I got rid of it. Those FIRE engines can take a beating though, and they really love to be wound up! It takes a while to get them there, but once they're revving high, they're great fun.
Can't go wrong with a Panda 1.1 - super cars! By the way there is a clutch foot rest which you may have not found! I think they messed up the "Active" by turning it into "Eco" - plenty of oomph in my early 2003 one on a motorway - well relatively speaking! Best in the town's and better still on an empty country lane! Yes, I love them! Glad you liked the Panda too!
Seeing the Middleton Garage sticker in the back, the car started it’s life near me! Middleton Fiat is only about 5 minutes away from me. Car is a long way from home if it’s near you in Wales!
My wife had a diesel one with the roof bars. They looked like carrying handles. Great car though, I loved it! FIRE, Fuel Integrated Robotised Engine. Thank you. Must get a life.
Out of curiosity I tried the newer generation of Panda with the Twinair engine. What an endearing little bundle of fun. Slow, unpretentious, practical... but quirky. 'Squircles' (squared off circles) everywhere in the cabin, including the steering wheel, and I loved the sound of the little Twinair engine. 😁
Bought a new panda back in 1986 drove from Leigh Lancs to Herne Bay without a radio(standard panda didn't come with a radio) although i was bored to tears enjoyed every minute
Great little cars. I bought a new one for £7k to teach my son to drive in. He later took over ownership then gave it to a friend, having clocked up 150k miles.
My gf, who lives in Belgium ,has one of these donated from her mum... it's one of those elastic band gearbox jobs but goes like stink. It's primrose yellow with bats and spooky goings on inside! Same engine I had on a hire car which was a punto.... saw off a tigra going up that hill in Driffield! I love em ! If you don't razz it,you ain't doing it right 🤣
I own one, a 2007, same colour, Ideal away from motorways. around town, A and B roads it's perfect. No rust. the Engine is 'SAFE' Should the cambelt break, just fit a new one. No valves mashing into the top of pistons. It's just nice to drive. I had one in Brazil where it's called the UNO but that has a 1.4 engine, aircon etc.
Another great video on what is most definitely a Modern HubNut car. I also laughed out very loud at the outro.... (and did a bit of Dad Dancing to the catchy music.)
I have a 3rd Gen Panda with the 1.2 FIRE engine. Still a SHO cam. It's not powerful, it's not fast but it's delightful, cheery, comfy and nice to drive.
You should try a mk2 Ypsilon, preferably the 1.4 with leather and sunroof, it has the same italian fun factor as the Panda, but in a grown up deluxe package.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
I’ve owned many cars from Polo’s to focus and Astra…but the car I loved the most and miss the most is my 2008 Fiat Panda 1.2. That car was so much fun, reliable and very nippy. Had it for almost 11 years until someone rear ended it and wrote it off. I was devastated.
So many people say about this about these Pandas. Slow in theory, but an absolute hoot to drive, and a hark back to the older, (better?) days
@@mattylamb9194 My wife had one from 2004 to 2021 and I drove it whenever I could. Great fun, reliable and zero rust! Who would have expected that from a 17 year old Fiat?
Prevod
The main thing I remember about driving one of these back in the day was how easy It was. Light controls, all-round visibility, comfy enough. A good basic machine, really.
And they appear to be direct to drive, so you get a sense that what you are doing behind the wheel is having an impact upon what is happening. That is so important to me, and is what makes the Panda so attractive to me, compared to most other modern cars
I drove one of these around ireland a few years ago when the ex and i hired it for five days. She hated it because it wasn't the ford fester she expected (she didn't drive, she just didn't like the car for no real reason that i could ever actually discern). It was fine to drive but her constant complaining spoiled things and i'm now tempted to buy one just to spite her memory....
😸😸😸😸 (edit: that deserved 4 cats!)
I bought an RX8 because my ex liked and wanted one...
I can’t believe you’re not still together lol!
@@annakurzawa555 Six years gone, water through my hands.....
@@stewartellinson8846 water through hands- don't understand this exactly, but I think you regret it. As for panda, today I drove 200000 km to see one,I wanted to buy it. I sat inside, even in the new model and got dissapointed. This seems to be so heavy, I mean the cokpit. I thought id loved this car but I didnt.
My grandparents brought one of these new in 2009 as part of the dreaded car scrappage scheme (don't worry it was only a 1100 Fiesta popular with optional rust holes that got axed). I had a Citroen C1 at the time which was much faster and more economical but the little panda always made me smile when driving. The car's still in the family and I definitely have a soft spot for it.
What a great video, great camera work from Miss Hubnut, she is definitely an asset🇬🇧🤘☀️
I’ve just bought one and i like it, 1.2 Dynamic Auto in bright yellow 🤣
Love the panda, was pleased to see you reviewing one. 6 minutes online and a thumbs down already. There really are some sad people about.
I must agree. They must lead pathetic lives! I enjoy this channel as well as several others in the UK 🇬🇧, an interesting mix of vehicles that never made it to the US 🇺🇸!
Comes from bad experiences and very bad customer service, i had tipo and a uno previously no issue but the panda 1.1 engine is a joke
@@eggy1962 what comes from bad experience? The thumbs down?
@@robertbransby panda 1.1 ownership…..what did u think i was referring to?
@@eggy1962 it was just my comment was around the thumbs down that people do even though Ians video had only been online for 6 minutes.
If you can find a 1.3 multijet diesel version your visits to the petrol station are so rare it becomes an event.
True but as an ex-Fiat mechanic I still get nightmares about that engine. Truly horrible and made of cheese! Petrols were a much better option (actually bought one!)
"multijet " - sounds like a fighter plane !
@@chrisdowns1987my 1.3 95 multijet II never saw a mechanic in 230.000 km
Only once or two for removin the fap and change the chain that started to make some tiny noise
Only issue i heard were the fap clogging when used for small trip (like 1-2km) as the engine couldnt start regenerating
They certainly didn’t waste any paint under the bonnet!
True, also note the wiring harness 'tassels' where the electrical tape is peeling off! 😂
It’s for weight savings ;)
They only started doing that after 2007 😉 earlier ones were painted properly under the bonnet
Love them engines. Great that the belt snaps and its just a new belt and away you go.
Much better than most. If the timing belt goes, go to the scrapyard for a replacement engine!
They are on 1.1 and earlier 1.2, 60bhp but the 1.2, 69bhp is an interference engine. I'm glad I found that out beforehand and replaced the belt and pump on my 69bhp 2011 one when I bought it. Maybe Fiat did something to the head to get the extra 9bhp, I don't know 🤷♂️
When I first road tested one of these I didn't haven much hope for it based on how it looked but I was so surprised, it's one of my favourite cars to drive now
You are right, they will be classics in the future. That engine was designed for Italians to rev the nuts off. I like the body design best, so original and nobody else copied it. Big back doors and maximum use of wheelbase with the vertical back. A very clever car.
Since it's you.....small boot - yeah, but my bike would fit in that - standing up - whereas it won't necessarily fit in 'larger' boots !
#Brompton.
Love that phrase "rev the nuts off"...and it's spot on! I've the 1.2 fire engine in my Grande Punto which is completely underpowered given the weight of the car...the only way to actually get anywhere is to rev the nuts off it 😂 gear change is usually between 4 and 5000 rpm
@@adarbs6384 It's not uncommon ;)
@@millomweb well I've had Ford's, Renault's, Toyota's where you don't need to rev that high. If that's what you're referring to.
@@adarbs6384 It all depends on the engine. I once swapped a Diesel Metro for a Diesel Fiesta - the latter was an odd engine it seemed to be a different engine at high revs but the Metro pulled well all through the rev range.
My bro's Audi pulls well from 1800 all the way up yet other engines seem to get a second breath 3500-4000 rpm.
Always loved the Panda styling. This generation not quite as iconic as the original which is a pure LEGO box car but still looks good and cute. Immediately thought about getting one as a cute city beater and then Twingo popped in my head. When are we going to see you in a Twingo mr. HubNut?
If anyone has driven this Panda and a Twingo and knows how they compare please let me know.
I drove the new Twingo as a courtesy car. Basic spec. Fun to drive as feels like a go cart but needs to be thrashed on the open road. The 3cyl rear engine is very noisy though.
I love these cars, small efficient easy to work on great around town. Running around in a little Citreion C1 which I bought for my daughter to learn in. I find I am using it much more than the Honda estate I own as it brings a smile to my face every time I drive it and I love ringing out the maximum of its tiny engine.
I had a Fiat Uno 45 Fire as a first car, roomy for a 6ft guy, compared to other small cars, and was utterly reliable. Fiats are best when small and simple, add size and complexity and you're asking for trouble.
Owned a stilo estate, best car I ever bought.
IMO small and simple = reliable is true for most cars.
@@cornishhh ask for americans about that lol
Had the same model uno 45 fire and put 100k miles on it. It lived for about 17 years til the tin worms got it.
agreed, their electrical is still shoddy though, but the mechanically i don't think they are any less reliable than its japanese counterpart
1:36 the same old good sohc fire is still being produced around the globe! In Brazil they still make the 1.0 and 1.4
my old 1.1 active was so nippy it got me 3 speeding tickets and i'm 74.. just changed it for a 1.2 dynamic... tuned to be more sedate as represents by my age and wallet...passed the 2 speed awareness courses which were very good.. my tutor on my last sac asked if i was collecting the air miles which was nice ...
Ahhh the memories!! My mum had a black version of this. We went absolutely everywhere in it, even took us through the snow to get a Christmas tree! Incredible machines! My mum then passed it on to her sister, who used it as a mobile tack shed, because she had or used to work on a racehorse stud. She ran it into the ground. These engines never break, it died, eventually, in about 2017.
You are certainly keeping busy! Love it :)
Learned how to drive and passed my driving test on those things, at the time all the driving schools in my part of Poland were using it. Really like those cars and wouldn't mind owning one someday.
I like how the 0_60 test features a sign written car at the end giving the brief impression of been on a race track!
My first encounter with one of these was in Valencia in Spain where I had booked a Fiesta but when I turned up at the airport they could only offer me a Panda with much apologies. I drove the Panda with two days and as you found for all its faults it put a smile on my face. 2 days later I got a call saying they had a Fiesta and I could change it. I made mistake of doing that because whilst in every measurable way the Fiesta was a better car it was lacking in joy. Some 5 years later in 2010 I needed something cheap but new to run and I leased a Panda 100 and loved it almost as much as I loved my 205 GTi 25 years earlier and would go as far to say that the Panda 100 was the last of the genuinely cheap hot hatches.
I currently have a MkIII (2013) Panda with the 1.2 FIRE, and I absolutely love it. Such an endearing little car
My mrs had one for a wee while. We quite liked it. Comfy wee thing.
wee wee
@@mymellow836 😆
Was it the car or the wife that was a comfy wee thing?
@@plym1969 that’s classified
I've got one and I think it's great and as you say comfy. My mate who has a 3 series was shocked by its comfort and said it was more comfy than his car.
Miss Hubnut is a pleasant addition to the review videos
Bought a new 1.3 JTD in 2005 and drove it for 278.000km and 13 years. Only traded it in because it was a Diesel without a particulate filter. Bought a third gen Panda after that, which I still drive. My little blue Diesel was by far the best car I have ever owned. Economy, practicality and extreme reliability. It proved to be incredible hard wearing and I have no doubt it is still driving around in Poland or somewhere. It did all the things little Fiats do so well, like being refined and fun to drive, while avoiding 'traditional' Fiat problems. These are cheap boxes but they are cheap boxes of really solid quality. No electrical problems, no rust, no oil leaks. I even used it it tow a little T@B caravan, since the Panda is one of the very few A-segment cars homologated to do that. I absolutely loved this car.
Great to see a car of this age on the channel. Can see cars from 00-09 disappearing almost utterly, as they're binned off, much like 80s cars were. If you're ever in Yorkshire, I have an 07 Mazda 6 you can play with, and if you're very lucky, maybe a modded Minor.
I’ve had two Panda first series and now a Panda third series, bought new in 2012: this one is by far the most joyful little car I’ve ever had. But also the most reliable! Not a single tiny issue in more than 10 years! Unbelieveble. And in the past I had also a BMW, which was full of issues, very expansive to fix
The FIRE switched to twin overhead cams in 1997 with the 1242cc '85' (86bhp) version. I have one in my Punto Cabrio. It's excellent. These 54bhp 1.1s were also fitted to the earlier MK1 Punto as their entry-level engine.
Hi Ian. My wife still has her 2009 1.2 Active Eco Panda (with air-con) which she bought in early 2011 here where we live in sw France. In all this time, apart from normal wear and tear and servicing the car has not cost one penny (or centime !) in repairs. It has now done 120,000 kms and does not appear to have deteriorated at all. I agree that the engine could do with a little more low down grunt but it's a great little car, we both love it.
My daughter had one of these for about 5 years, and I got to drive it a few times. Great little car!
I covered 85K miles in the diesel variant and arguably the best car I have ever owned or driven. Totally reliable, comfortable and just ate up the miles. Spacious and easy to enter/ exit. I wish I have never sold it but had to move on.
Hired one of these while on holiday on the Greek island of Kos a few years ago (who remembers holidays abroad?). Very nice little car.
The sticker on the underside of the bonnet helpfully states "Engine oil: We recommend you use oil". Always made me chuckle..
A great review. Had my Panda Active Eco from new still serving me well after 12 years a fun little car, easy to park living in London with limited space.
Currently driving a 2010 1.1 active eco. Love the little thing.
What a pleasant surprise to see you driving this thing around my neck of the woods! Greetings from Brighton
Fantastic little cars, genuinely the best car under £500! We love ours 😁
They are abit dearer than that here in Ireland... but then isn't everything.
Brilliant video Ian 👍 I had one when I lived in Spain absaloutly loved it
I've just purchased a Panda Mk4 2012 1.2 Easy in turquoise blue for my dad who is 76 years young. Very funky looking dash. I was going for a mk3 in yellow but found a bargain that could not be missed. Granted it's a cat N but could not believe the insurers wrote it off. A dent in the rear quarter the size of a hand and minor scratches down the n/s doors and front wing boggles the mind. On the test drive the Panda surprised me how good it was even if the 0-60 is 14.4secs and you put your foot down in 4th @ 30mph and nothing happens. Maybe POWER less is more is the way I should go for my own choice of transport.
You just need to gear down to get some power. I like that. My MG ZR 160 is pretty sluggish at low revs, (certainly doesn't feel like a hot hatch). But up the revs by changing down a gear or two, and that is where the performance comes from. I like that; it's more entertaining. Panda seems to be like that too, at a lower level
I love Amanda, my 2007 1.2 dynamic Panda..... That feeling of not being able to get anywhere near 70 uphill is familiar.... Particularly in a headwind..... Amazed at the lack of electrical issues on your example, but I love her.... Interesting that you compared the Panda with the Morris minor, the minor would be my ideal car, but for now my quirky flowery Panda is perfect!
Love this car, so practical, so easy to use, does everything well.
My 1st car was a 09 plate panda dynamic multijet diesel. Good for fuel economy. Wish I kept it
Got one on the drive now. So many parts I remember from my mk2 Punto of nearly 10 years before. It's a joyous little machine, fun cornering at low speeds makes other cars feel boring in comparison.
The TwinAirs sound great. Had a 1.2 as a hire car in Tenerife. Also thought it was fun to drive and deliciously simple.
My second car in 2014 was a 2009 1.1 Active Eco. They're excellent. I added the bigger mirrors to mine, and changed the clocks to a newer model's with rev counter and trip computer, etc. 169 Panda is my favourite car of all time.
Absolutely adore the Panda, even more first generation, boxy and totally utilitarian! Johnny Smith met a guy that had a lot of Pandas! Please mr HubNut, try to find first generation Tipo, the one that chief inspector Montalbano drives in the detective story. Really those with digital dashboard!
It's the prime example of a car you can have lots of fun with at normal speeds with a little revvy engine and skinny tyres. I like the space inside for a little footprint too.
I bought a new 1.2 in 2009, l still have it, traded it in for an Vauxhall that l paid £150 for, £2000 scrapage scheme and a 30% discount because my bother worked in firm associated with Fiat, new car for £4000 l couldn't go wrong. its been very reliable.
My sister had a mk1 Panda with the 1.0 litre FIRE engine and I remember that motor had so much gusto and pizzazz. Really was a fun car .
As a former owner of a 1.2 8V, I can only recommend that car. 69 hp is perfect for this car, it had AC and for city hooning it is pretty much perfect. Tiny, yet amazingly roomy. And even with a lead foot, you can't get them to sip more than 6 liters/100 km. Also, as a former owner, I can assure you the central locking for the boot is broken. It is like that on every one and a replacement costs 160€ because you have to buy the whole assembly. :P
Don’t need to buy the new assembly as it will go faulty as well! You just have to clean the electrical actuator inside the handle. There are tutorials on Fiat forums showing how to do it. It only takes half an hour’s work and anyone can do it!
I have to say
Miss hubnut (Carly?) Does an excellent job of filming and keeping you and what your talking about in the frame at all times 👍
Just watched this video again After buying a 2012 1.2 as the daughters first car. Really pleased with it so far. It doesn't know what is in store for it, no doubt the clutch and brakes will get a hammering 😮👍🇮🇪
I remember back in the 80s an Aunt told us she had bought a Jeep and then she turned up in a Panda! We did laugh.
These Pandas are great little cars - the Italian car specialist I use to service my Alfa has them as courtesy cars - just 1.1 models, but they are tremendous fun. Not so keen on the follow-up model - decidedly odd steering. The 100HP looks hilarious, and is a car I’ve considered buying. Didn’t know about the Bertone connection - top Panda fact. The fact that James May has owned one gives it kudos in my view!!
I had one of these briefly, we used them as courtesy cars at Fiat, driven like a stereotypical Italian they're hilarious! The smart wipers system is great, no sensors but just knocks the wipers speed down one when coming to a stop then back up when pulling away + rear wiper speed is related to the front ones. Sold mine eventually as I had to do lots of motorway commuting, it got exhausting! Great to see one on the channel, on to autotrader I go..... 😋
My mum just bought a 0.9 TwinAir and it's absolutely hilarious to drive
I borrowed my friends panda 100hp. It was a very enjoyable drive and the handling was brilliant. I’ve always had a soft spot for Fiats as I past my test in a cinquecento.
I looked at one of these before buying a K12 Micra back in 2004, still a great looking little car, would love to have a shot of one or a 100hp version
@Gareth Fairclough Why ?
Love these Pandas. My daughter had one and commuted from Bristol to Gloucester 5 days a week over a three year period. Never any problems. They are a very honest reliable cars. Buy one that has been looked after and they will give you reliable and cheap motoring for many years. Better than any equivalent VW, PSA or Ford. Good review thanks.
I'm loving these interviews with the inclusion of a camera operator. Well done Miss Hubbut (I presume)
Had one of these with the 1.2 engine in champagne beige. Excellent little car. Surprisingly well built and refined for its price. Even drove it to Spain once, no hassle. The screeching sound of the rear wiper was probably the end of the plastic stalk touching the window. My Panda had a long scratch on the window along the end of the stalk when I bought it second hand. I'm guessing the wiper blade has never been replaced ;)
About 11 years ago I look at one of these as a possible replacement. Liked the look of them and it ticked all the boxes, sat in one in the showroom, very nice and comfortable ( must have been a top of the range). Arranged a test drive but when I turned up the model I'd arrange to try wasn't available and I was given a sub-basic model with non-adjustable everything. I can't remember driving anything as bad as that ever and I've driven some horrors in my time.
I enjoy all these reviews about cars that will never set foot in my country. That Panda seems like a nice basic car for basic transportation. Keep up the good work and Kudos for the Mrs. HubNut on her camera work and occasional hand or finger on the screen.
Makes a lovely rorty Italian noise when you drive it in 'Italian Tune Up' mode.
I've driven both the Mk 3 & 4 as hire cars on holiday, with both that engine and the 1.2 - the 1.2 does give you that little extra edge, and is still hugely economical. I really rate the 'new' Pandas- well put together, nicely styled, pretty comfortable, no nasty surprises. We need to get a car to live at our place in France, and I'm seriously considering a Panda for that, because they tick every box, and as you say, easy to continue to maintain!
I had a panda, and loved how easy it was to work on.
My solution to door rust, was I went with my Nan, who had the largest boot, to the local dismantlers, and came back with both front doors and a tailgate.
An afternoon of socket spinning and the rust was abolished.
I’ve a lot time Pandas. They sell badly in the motor trade I’m in. Shame. The car is good. Grown up enough. Hardy. And a little cheeky but not too much. Much overall the better package over the Fiat 500. But not cute so didn’t sell
A mate of mine swears by them.
I'm in the trade and just sold one easily with 450 profit 🤷♂️👌
@@BETFRED1981 they’re a nice thing.
Agree, except I actually think they are quite cute
I've had a 2011 Panda 1.2 Eco for the last 6 months and its really good, comfy, can hold it's own on the motorway and does 45mpg without trying. The ride can be a bit jolty on poor roads and you're right about hills, even with 69bhp it can struggle if someone pulls out and you have to ease off then get your foot back down but other than that I love the little car, it's certainly a keeper.
Absolutely stonking little cars 👌 had mine as my first car, little 1.1 just like this, but black
Done almost 22k miles in it, upto just shy of 107k miles at present, and still going strong 👌 and you do get used to the lack of power, and I live in hilly old Devon 😂 even did a Paignton-Great Yarmouth run in it once, with just one stop for fuel
Done all sorts of mods to it too, but it's always a joy to work on! Can't recommend them enough 👌
I daily a metallic blue one of these, true poverty spec, didn't even come with a cigarette lighter! Fairly nice to drive, although a lot of roll in the corners (and it's very slow!). Since getting it four years ago I've added a lot of things, new audio system with sub, armster armrest, short shifter, sound deadening and lots of other little bits. Next on the list is some alloys!
The mk1 panda was made all the way undtil 2003.... its amazing...
My Panda 4x4 is from 1999 and got the same engine pretty much... 1,1 FIR. :)
"8 min in...." well... off course you knew... ;)
Great review of an under-appreciated car. I have a 2010 Panda Cross that I use almost daily off-road for my work. It’s great fun and very capable. I’ve had LandRovers, shogun, suzuki vitaras and SJ’s, but this is definitely my favourite. Almost feel guilty working it as it’s definitely going to be a collectable car in the future.
I remember these at launch. I big step up in quality over previous Fiat's.
The 100hp is gaining a following and I've been in a friend's Panda 4x4 cross TwinAir off road and it was awesome.
The Panda makes a lot of sense being cheeper than a 500 and having a boot that is a better shape.
Of course the heart rules the head sometimes so we run two 500s with TwinAir 85 hp and TwinAir 105 hp engines which produce about 50% more torque than the 1.2 four cylinder engine at around 2000 rpm so they feel very gutsy and make an ungodly noise.
The secret to driving low powered cars, as my pal told me, is not letting the RPM lower and drop as you change up.
Carrying as much momentum as possible into corners helps a lot, too.
My Mrs. is a big fan of the Panda, having owned a 100HP for 7 years. She then replaced it with a TA 4x4, which she still has today. You're right about the suspension on the 100HP, much too stiff and ruined the car imo. although it had the best brakes of any car that I've ever driven. Vented discs all round. The TA with 85bhp is almost as quick, with a much more subtle ride. The TA engine is an absolute hoot to drive and the 4x4 only adds to the overall enjoyment of the little Panda. You're welcome to test the TA 4x4 out anytime you're up north, just down the road from Citwins.
The colour matches all those joke Pandas that James May was previously featured in. Hopefully this one doesn't end up with a big construction skip on top of it.
I’m seriously considering getting one for a winter car, very impressed by the video and I love how long the passenger side wiper arm is with a small wiper blade at 5:05 😂
Hi Ian, another great review, not a bad little car, can't wait to see what you test next.
I had a hire one when on holiday in Amalfi. I quite liked it, but as far as the Amalfi coast road was concerned. That little car is very wide.
Shoreham beach looking good in the sun . My mum and dad lived there when first married .
The 4x4 is pure magic will go anywhere at anytime 🏴🚙⛺️
Well I must admit that the 2009 Fiat Panda is an odd but interesting car to be seen on Hubnut. But I know that Ian loves his odd & quirky cars.
I had a 2004 1.2 Dynamic as my first car. My plan was to just keep it for a year and then get something else, but I ended up keeping it for four years. I absolutely loved it, but I can confirm the 1.2 isn't that much more powerful, and it certainly struggled in the hilly area I lived in, which was ultimately why I got rid of it. Those FIRE engines can take a beating though, and they really love to be wound up! It takes a while to get them there, but once they're revving high, they're great fun.
Can't go wrong with a Panda 1.1 - super cars! By the way there is a clutch foot rest which you may have not found!
I think they messed up the "Active" by turning it into "Eco" - plenty of oomph in my early 2003 one on a motorway - well relatively speaking! Best in the town's and better still on an empty country lane! Yes, I love them! Glad you liked the Panda too!
You make all the cars you look at seem better, thanks.
Seeing the Middleton Garage sticker in the back, the car started it’s life near me! Middleton Fiat is only about 5 minutes away from me. Car is a long way from home if it’s near you in Wales!
Lives in Sussex but is currently just a few metres away from me. 😉
Always wish I'd had one of these, loved my 1986 1000CL back in the day, and great to see you tearing along the A27!
My wife had a diesel one with the roof bars. They looked like carrying handles. Great car though, I loved it! FIRE, Fuel Integrated Robotised Engine. Thank you. Must get a life.
Out of curiosity I tried the newer generation of Panda with the Twinair engine. What an endearing little bundle of fun. Slow, unpretentious, practical... but quirky. 'Squircles' (squared off circles) everywhere in the cabin, including the steering wheel, and I loved the sound of the little Twinair engine. 😁
Bought one in February 2008 for £5k - RF07 NLV. One of the best cars I've ever owned, I loved that lil Panda
Bought a new panda back in 1986 drove from Leigh Lancs to Herne Bay without a radio(standard panda didn't come with a radio) although i was bored to tears enjoyed every minute
Great little cars. I bought a new one for £7k to teach my son to drive in. He later took over ownership then gave it to a friend, having clocked up 150k miles.
My gf, who lives in Belgium ,has one of these donated from her mum... it's one of those elastic band gearbox jobs but goes like stink.
It's primrose yellow with bats and spooky goings on inside!
Same engine I had on a hire car which was a punto.... saw off a tigra going up that hill in Driffield!
I love em ! If you don't razz it,you ain't doing it right 🤣
A classic of the future, nice review Mr HubNut.
I own one, a 2007, same colour, Ideal away from motorways.
around town, A and B roads it's perfect. No rust. the Engine is 'SAFE' Should the cambelt break, just fit a new one. No valves mashing into the top of pistons. It's just nice to drive.
I had one in Brazil where it's called the UNO but that has a 1.4 engine, aircon etc.
Everyone needs a Panda 4X4.
Another great video on what is most definitely a Modern HubNut car.
I also laughed out very loud at the outro.... (and did a bit of Dad Dancing to the catchy music.)
I have a 3rd Gen Panda with the 1.2 FIRE engine. Still a SHO cam. It's not powerful, it's not fast but it's delightful, cheery, comfy and nice to drive.
You should try a mk2 Ypsilon, preferably the 1.4 with leather and sunroof, it has the same italian fun factor as the Panda, but in a grown up deluxe package.