UNLIKE Edinburgh Zoo, Fiat has experienced few problems producing a new generation of Pandas.

The third outing for the Italian city mini is bigger, roomier, safer and more fuel efficient than its predecessors.

It has a two-cylinder TwinAir petrol engine that makes a noise like a Ferrari while providing the necessary zip to survive in the urban jungle.

The 875cc unit boasts extremely low carbon dioxide emissions and an average fuel economy figure in excess of 60mpg.

Helping to achieve these impressive statistics is a start and stop system which switches the engine off when stationary and restarts it when the clutch pedal is depressed as well as a gear shift indicator which suggests to the driver when to change up or down to achieve the best economy.

The Centro Stile Fiat designers have restyled the car making it more rounded so softening the outline for a sleek look.

The Panda is part of an ever-increasing push by city cars into what used to be considered territory occupied by the supermini sector - so it offers just about enough room for five and one of the biggest boots in its class.

Most of the growth in length is at the back increasing luggage space as well as offering more legroom to rear passengers. The extra width means the three rear passengers can be seated in reasonable comfort although you wouldn't want the journey to be too long. The Panda's tall body ensures plenty of headroom.

The airy cabin features funky design features and a large centre console containing most of the controls and the gearlever. There's a raised driving position giving a good view of what the rest of the motoring population is getting up to.

The interior uses new materials with the seats featuring fabric with squares electronically welded to the backrests in order to improve airflow and so comfort in warm weather.

The climate control system is improved with a revised control unit ensuring the required temperature is reached as quickly as possible.

The dashboard has also undergone a radical reworking and now boasts a roomy storage pocket ahead of the front passenger. A more conventional locking glovebox is situated in the lower part of the dash.

If you're a cubby hole fanatic the Panda will be right up your street as there are a total of 14 storage spaces.

Fiat has redesigned the door panels allowing the sound system's speakers to be positioned higher. This has the dual effect of improving sound quality while also enabling the door pockets to be made wider and more usable.

The snazzy hand brake is shorter releasing storage space in front, behind and underneath the lever.

Fiat obviously operate a safety-first policy as the Panda has airbags aplenty as well as stability control, an anti-whiplash head restraint system and a low speed collision mitigation system which is on all but the entry-level model. This clever bit of kit reads the road ahead detecting obstacles in the car's path and applying the brakes automatically.

There are three versions of the Panda available - Pop, Easy and Lounge. The entry-level Pop model features electric front windows and a radio/CD player with the mid-range Easy model adding air conditioning, an improved audio system as well as roof rails and remote locking.

Step up to the Lounge model I drove and stylish alloy wheels, body-coloured mirrors and side mouldings are included giving this Panda an edge in the style stakes.