FIAT'S strength was always in funky small cars with big personality and the not-so-little Panda has stylish looks with a practical shape and decent equipment.

It won the European Car of the Year title when it came out in 2003 - and deservedly so.

Most second hand examples will be powered by the 1.1 or 1.2-litre petrol engines but the very good 1.3 MultiJet diesel was also available, as were a 1.4 petrol with no less than 100bhp and a 4x4 with petrol or diesel engine.

All have a five speed gearbox, but the 1.2 engine was also available with Fiat's Dualogic clutchless manual.

The light, slick gearchange is marvellous and the clutch is also very easy.

Willing engines and light weight give decent performance as long as the revs are kept up and, despite the high stance, road holding and handling are sporty and fun.

Fiat have solved light car ride problem superbly and Pandas soak up every kind of road surface with ease. 

The Panda is very practical, with excellent headroom, good legroom in the front and a reasonable amount in the back.

All have power steering with a button to make it extra light, the boot is quite small but the rear seat folds in one piece to give much more space and insurance is group one in the 1.1-litre.