Fiat Panda Diesel 2014 Review

We've tested the 0.9-litre twin-cylinder turbo-petrol Panda Lounge previously and save for its lethargic gearbox it was a decent thing to drive, if a little expensive.

The same goes for the range-topping Fiat Panda Trekking model. It's not a bad micro car in many respects; the diesel engine is willing, the five-speed manual is inviting, and some of the design cues are cute.

But at $24,000 this micro car is not cheap compared to its rivals. The most expensive Mitsubishi Mirage is $14,990, and for the same money you can get a Volkswagen Polo diesel.

Plus there's no cruise control and no automatic transmission option for this range-topping diesel model, ensuring It'll be about as popular as discussing asylum-seeking policy at a dinner party.

Coated in bold orange paint, featuring black body cladding, the Trekking model we tested attracted a few glances from passers-by in the city and out in the country, and as its name suggests, the Trekking model is designed for exploration.

With slightly more ground clearance compared to a regular Panda, it delivers good forward vision and Traction Plus -- a brake-based system that reduces drive to the wheel that's slipping -- the 2WD Panda was predictable on dirt roads but I wasn't game enough tackle rougher stuff.

The steering is ultra light in city mode but adds weight by switching it to normal mode, and with a tight turning circle of 9.3 metres, the Panda is well suited to zig-zagging its way through the urban jungle, narrow one-way streets and tight underground car parks.

It's so easy to manoeuvre and the reverse parking sensors are rarely required for snug parking.

Ride quality is not too soft and mushy, and for the most part, the car cruises comfortably on all but the worst-quality streets. Handling is better than expected -- the Panda turns quickly and surely although bicycle-thin tyres mean it doesn't take kindly to being shoved into corners at speed.

Fiat's 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine provides the car with ample grunt, which makes it a nifty little runabout. And it runs on the whiff of an oily rag, returning an impressive 5.1L/100km in our test, which was however a lot more than the claimed 4.2L/100km.

Because the Panda is not a heavy vehicle it gets up and boogies readily and feels good when the turbo is huffing and puffing. That said, there is some turbo lag lower in the rev range, meaning every now and then you're left waiting for maximum thrust.

The diesel engine makes a bit of a clatter too. It's probably the punchiest engine in the range but certainly not the quietest: at 2500rpm at 110km/h on the freeway, engine, tyre and wind noise are noticeable.

We also found the Euro-centric speedometer left something to be desired, with neither 60 or 100km/h numbers listed. Little things, but annoying nonetheless.

The five-speed manual is a lovely little cog-swapper though, slotting in and out of gates in a satisfying, smooth manner. It's fun to bomb around in, though it could do with another ratio. Also the pedals are tightly spaced and the driving position is not ideal. I rarely get cramped or tired in the driver’s seat, but after a two-hour cruise up the Calder Freeway out of Melbourne I wasn't feeling limber.

One of the more memorable aspects of the Panda is its interior decor. The moment you step into the car it's a feast for the eyes, with squircles (square circles) everywhere and some novel takes on traditional arrangements.

The funky interior design motif is odd but endearing and the dash-mounted electric window buttons and the squircle heating/cooling controls are an interesting alternative to the norm.

The unorthodox layout continues into the storage solutions, such as the lidless glove box. It works quite well, as you can (literally) throw all sorts of junk in it, from phones and salami sandwiches to sunscreen and health supplements. The radio controls are peculiar too, but it all adds to the experience. Even the handbrake is a weird-looking blobby thing.

Low-quality plastics are used throughout the interior, but because it looks so quirky the shabby materials are only really noticeable upon close inspection by hand or eye.

One of the less impressive elements of the interior is boot space, which at 225 litres is below average, though it was just big enough to fit a large three-wheel folding pram. Head room in the car is good thanks to its tall body, but the back seats offer little leg room for adults. The baby seat went in without any trouble.

Also the interior mirror and Tomtom sat nav conspire to partially block the driver's left-hand view, which is a design oversight. You can yank the sat nav out, which is handy.

The cup holders, while numerous, are small and have no indentations for extra grip, the trip computer is confusing and pairing a Bluetooth device is about as enjoyable as algebra.

Although the Fiat Panda Trekking offers an interesting driving experience with a funky cabin, there's little to recommend it over its rivals in practical or value-for-money terms. And if it has to be an Italian compact car, there's a more affordable option in the Fiat 500.

2014 Fiat Panda Trekking pricing and specifications:
Price: $24,000 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 55kW/190Nm
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Fuel: 4.2L/100km (combined)
CO2: 109g/km (combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

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