Fiat Pandas

With the Panda being produced in it's original form from 1980 to 2003, and the new model existing for five years, you wonder if any of them will become as collectible as the Fiat 500, or other small cars like the Mini.

Two cars answer that question, for each of the models. For the old model, the 4WD variant gained a good following for a robust, rural car. And even the new 4x4 climbing hasn't replaced it totally, as it's seen to be too low for rough ground.

Meanwhile of the new generation Pandas, there's just one obvious future classic: The Fiat Panda 100hp (Pic by Daz n P on Flickr).

The 100hp features a 1.4 litre 16 valve FIRE engine originally from the Fiat Punto, and now tuned to develop 100bhp. Not only does it have a 6 speed gearbox, all disc brakes and a new suspension, but it's capable of 115mph, making it a far more fun and sporty car to drive. Which is perfect for anyone who has driven the normal versions and wants something with a bit more power.

Originally available in Black, you now also get the options of Grey, Blue, White or Red. The body coloured bumpers, dark tinted rear and side windows and 15" alloys also make it a far more attractive car, for £10,260. Options include a subwoofer and 6 speakers, CD changer, Skydome double sunroof, roof bars, window airbags, and front side airbags.

Certainly as the owner of a 2003 standard Panda I'm tempted to price up the changes to the body, suspension modifications and alloy wheels!

Interestingly, the 100hp seems to be much more of an enthusiasts car, with a far higher proportion of members of the Fiat Forum, for example, than you'd expect given by the amount you see on UK roads. It certainly suggests that it will be the one to treasure as it's far closer to the spirit of the best small cars of the past - at least until the Abarth version of the new Fiat 500. Even then, the 500 loses a lot of the practicality that makes cars like the Panda so attractive.

It may seem a strange car to devote a blog to - after all, it's not the most glamorous or sporty vehicle out there...

But the Fiat Panda is one of the unsung heroes of the car world - the modern version is comfortable, spacious, and if you have the 100HP version, even quite sporty. It's also surprisingly roomy, especially for taller drivers, and with the rear seats folded down you can fit a reasonable amount inside.

The dash mounted gear lever is easy to use, and you actually get quite a high up driving position for such a small car.

Plus I ended up with one, and I'm quite attached to it.

For the record, mine is a 2003 1.1 litre Fiat Panda in blue.