The Fiat Panda, the platform on which the Panda 100HP was modeled, is a city car from the Italian automobile manufacturer Fiat. The first Fiat Panda was introduced in 1980, and was produced until 2003 with only a few changes. It is now sometimes referred to as the old Panda. The second model, launched in 2003 is sometimes referred to New Panda and was the European Car of the Year in 2004.

The Fiat Panda 100HP comes on a four cylinder 1368cc engine, capable of generating power of 100bhp at 600rpm. The six speed manual transmission takes it to a maximum speed of 172.5 km/hr.

It faces stiff competition from the Citroen C2 1.6i. Still standing against all odds, remains good looking and has in-built quality for a good drive.

The exterior of the Fiat Panda 100Hp speaks for itself. While some may say it shouts its glory, it is only fair to show what you have; which is what the 100Hp does, just showing what it's got; beauty and structure to capture any car loving fan.

The Panda 100HP has notable wheel arches with red calipers; alloys wheels, which draws attention of many and incenses haters. The Panda is a decent economical city runaround. The more you throw it around, the more it responds. It turns in and changes direction in an unbelievable format, you won't believe you have just turned, based on the wheel turn. It responds perfectly well.

It's not just that the Panda 100hp is quick or feels quick, it gives back what you give to it; very responsive and sensitive to your needs. It yells its enthusiasm at you with every gear change you make and with every change of direction it seems to shout its approval. This car represents Fiat at its brilliant best. Indeed, it seems that the relationship between power, price and fun is very proportional. Even a basic Panda is clearly conceived and smartly executed. Working your way up through the model ranges and reaching the heady heights of the Croma, you start to wonder if you wouldn't really be better off with the 100HP.

Fiat is has proved its ingenuity at making small cars. This can be traced back to the original Topolino. The Nuova 500 that replaced it was clever, cute piece of design; the Mini and even the more modern Pandas and Cinquecentos have been charming and effective too.

The cabin is a beauty and down at the gearlever, it has six forward speeds, all this in a car priced as it is. The result is a car that may not be quick on paper but, out on the road where it matters, it is startlingly rapid point to point. On certain narrow roads, its dimensions mean you can travel at speeds you'd not hope to match in other roads. Because it is light it does not only have absurd levels of grip, but it is also extremely agile, changing direction as and when it wills. It is as good to drive a car, and as looking as good as can be, and possibly a landmark in small car design. The verdict is yours, but it remains small, but fast and fun to drive; which is exactly what all Fiats should be.