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Used Car Expert Rating

Fiat Panda (2012 to 2024)

Expert Rating

Used car score:

61
%
D

This model is no longer on sale or in production, so it doesn't have a New Car Expert Rating score.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

56
%
E

Safety Rating:

F

Eco Rating:

72
%
A

Reliability Rating:

96
%
A

Running Costs:

97
%
A

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

Used car score:

61
%
D

This model is no longer on sale or in production, so it doesn't have a New Car Expert Rating score.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

56
%
E

Safety Rating:

F

Eco Rating:

72
%
A

Reliability Rating:

96
%
A

Running Costs:

97
%
A

Summary


The Fiat Panda was a city car-sized five-door hatchback that was part of the Fiat range for about 12 years. Unusually, it is also offered either as a regular city car or as a 4×4 version with very decent off-roading ability that outperformed most conventional family SUVs.

The Panda was launched back in 2012 and received minor updates throughout its life. It was finally discontinued in the summer of 2024 to make way for the all-new Fiat Grande Panda arriving in 2025.

In 2018, the Panda scored zero stars in a Euro NCAP crash test – the worst score ever recorded by the safety organisation. There was substantial criticism of Fiat and calls for the car to be withdrawn from sale, but the car remained in production and on sale across Europe until the summer of 2024.

Despite its safety record, the Fiat Panda continued to receive mostly positive reviews from the UK motoring media, although the scores gradually declined over time as they would for any car that has been on sale for almost a decade. The regular model Panda was warmly praised for its city driving dynamics, while the 4×4 version was similarly acclaimed for its considerable off-road ability.

It’s a great shame that the Panda has such a terrible safety score, because the rest of the time it should very reliable and very cheap to run as a used car. According to exclusive costs provided to The Car Expert by our data partners (see below), it has outstanding results in our reliability and running cost categories.

As of January 2025, the Fiat Panda holds a Used Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 61%. It scores top marks for its low running costs and CO2 emissions, as well as its excellent reliability record. However, its safety rating is terrible and media review scores are poor.

Key specifications


Body style: Small five-door hatchback
Engines: petrol (with mild hybrid assistance)
Price: From £14,740 on-road

Launched: Spring 2012
Last updated: Spring 2019
Replacement due: TBA


Media reviews


Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

+

Auto Express

+

Car

+

Car Keys

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Daily Mail

+

Evo

+

Green Car Guide

+

Heycar

+

Honest John

+

Parkers

+

The Sun

+

The Sunday Times

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

Safety rating


Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 0 stars
Date tested: December 2018
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 45%
Child protection: 16%
Vulnerable road users: 47%
Safety assist: 7%

Note about the Euro NCAP rating

The current Fiat Panda was first tested by Euro NCAP when it was originally launched in 2011 and scored four stars. However, safety standards have increased over the course of this decade.

When the Panda was re-tested in 2018 against the latest criteria, it scored zero stars. In fact, it was the worst new car result in Euro NCAP’s history. The safety organisation said: “With nothing more than a seatbelt reminder scoring points in Euro NCAP’s Safety Assist box, the vehicle fails to reach even a single star.”

Eco rating


Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: 0.9 Twinair 4×2 manual

Overall score: 0 stars
Date tested: February 2019
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 0 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 6 / 10

Model tested: 1.2 8V Petrol 4X2 Manual

Overall score: 2.5 stars
Date tested: February 2021
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 4.3 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 5.7 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 4.8 / 10

Additional eco rating

The Fiat Panda 1.2-litre petrol manual received a 2.5 star rating from Green NCAP in February 2021. This is a separate result from the one illustrated above, which is for the 0.9-litre engine.

Green NCAP said: “The car is tested here with the four cylinder 1.2 litre petrol engine, now Euro 6d-Temp compliant. With only a three-way catalyst by way of exhaust after-treatment, control of pollutant emissions is limited and, in the more challenging tests – cold ambient temperature, high-load highway – CO is high enough for all points to be lost. However, even without a gasoline particulate filter, particulate number is never excessive, in the laboratory or on the road. Energy efficiency is not impressive for such a small car.

“Overall, the Panda 1.2 petrol delivers respectable performance all-round and achieves a fair 2½ star rating.”

The written rating only applies to the 1.2-litre petrol manual version of the Fiat Panda, while the illustrated example only applies to the 0.9-litre petrol manual version. These results do not imply similar ratings for any other engine and gearbox combinations in the range.

Reliability rating


Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Fiat Panda has an excellent reliability score of 84%, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers both generations of Panda (2012-2024 and pre-2012), although it’s based on a relatively small number of repair claims to date.

In addition to being very reliable, the Panda is one of the cheapest new cars to repair if it goes wrong, with an average repair bill of about £230.

Almost half of all reported problems with the Panda relate to its suspension, with an average repair bill of £140. The other area to look out for is the braking system, where repairs are about £260.

If you’re looking at a used Fiat Panda, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.

Running cost rating


Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumptionAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models55 mpgB37 – 59 mpgA – D
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models111 g/kmA108 – 168 g/kmA – C
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models7A3 – 10A – A
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£116A
Year 2£378A
Year 3£612A
Year 4£805A
Year 5£1,103A
Overall£3,014A

The Fiat Panda is a very cheap car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

The only thing stopping the Panda from getting a perfect set of straight-A scores is its fuel economy, which scores a B and is merely ‘very good’ rather than ‘outstanding’. However, for a petrol-powered car with no hybrid assistance (mild hybrids don’t really count), this is actually an excellent score.

You will struggle to find a car that’s cheaper to live with than a Fiat Panda.

Awards


Trophies, prizes and awards that the Fiat Panda has received

2021

  • 4×4 Magazine Awards – Best Crossover (Panda Cross)

2019

  • 4×4 Magazine Awards – Best Crossover (Panda Cross)

2018

  • 4×4 Magazine Awards – Best Crossover (Panda Cross)

2014

  • Towcar of the Year Awards – Best tow car under £16,500

2013

  • 4×4 Magazine Awards – Best Mini 4×4 (Panda 4×4)

2012

  • BBC Top Gear Awards – SUV of the Year (Panda 4×4)

Similar cars


Citroën C1 | Fiat 500 | Hyundai i10Kia Picanto | Peugeot 108 | SEAT Mii | Skoda Citigo | Smart Forfour | Suzuki Ignis | Suzuki Jimny | Toyota Aygo | Volkswagen Up!


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Pricing and specs for Fiat 500 and Panda mild hybrids

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Geneva: Is Fiat Centoventi concept the next Panda?

Fiat Panda branded a ‘zero-star car’ for safety

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Fiat Panda Cross review

Fiat Panda Cross review

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Despite its poor safety record, the Fiat Panda continues to receive mostly positive media reviews, although the scores have tended to decline over time.Fiat Panda (2012 to 2024)