Supermini of the Year 2025: Fiat Grande Panda
Available as a petrol hybrid car or an electric car, the Fiat Grande Panda is a worthy bearer of an iconic name that has been around since 1980 in various forms. On the outside the Grande Panda uses that heritage intelligently from a styling perspective, but still has enough clever fresh touches to be very much the modern supermini. Advertisement - Article continues below
The cabin is proof that an inexpensive car doesn't have to feel cheap. Although it's not loaded with plush soft-touch materials – this is a car kicking off from around £19,000 in hybrid form and £21,000 for the EV, after all – the interior is stylish and clever, and has as much character as the Italian supermini's chunky exterior.
Front seat and boot space are both great for such a small car – although we'll gloss over the rear-seat room – and the Grande Panda is great to drive in its natural urban environment, where the cosseting low-speed ride defies the short wheelbase. And you're looking at an official figure of 52.3mpg for the 99bhp 1.2 hybrid, or a 199-mile range for the 111bhp electric model. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below
The Grande Panda is everything a great little car should be. It's practical, sensible, comfortable, cheeky, fun, well priced and proof that Fiat still knows how to make a great small car.
Our Find A Car service has the best deals out there on a new car from stock or top prices on used cars ... Fiat Grande Panda La Prima BEV (£23,975)
Given that it's an urban runaround, we've plumped for the electric version of the Grande Panda, although the hybrid is almost as recommendable, and cheaper. LaPrima spec is worth the extra cost if you can afford it, although the entry Red, which is £3,000 less, retains the car's charm, just with less equipment.
Our 2024 Supermini of the Year, and outgoing overall 2024 Car of the Year, has been relegated by its Panda sibling, but the Citroen C3 is still a cracking little car. Groundbreaking for what you get for the money, in both petrol and particularly electric form, the C3 is spacious for the class, comfy and easy to drive.
Making sure retro is as cool as ever, the new Renault 5 has made a huge splash. Instantly recognisable as an R5, yet modern and fun to drive, the French hatchback has a sound, sensible foundation beneath it, thanks to its strong pricing and, with the larger battery fitted, an official range of 249 miles.
Find a car with the experts Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It's our Deal of the Day for 29 June Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019
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From poor electric car sales to crashes in F1, Mike Rutherford thinks its been a crazy few weeks in the automotive world New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand's hot-SUV onslaught
New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand's hot-SUV onslaught
Every future Skoda will get the go-faster treatment, with the brand also working on making cars sharper and more engaging
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