The Fiat Panda II (Type 169), introduced in 2003 and crowned European Car of the Year in 2004, represents a massive leap forward from its utilitarian predecessor. Manufactured in Tychy, Poland—a plant renowned for its high build quality—the Panda II is a practical, five-door city car featuring a high roofline, excellent visibility, and a dashboard-mounted gear lever. While primarily designed for urban environments, the introduction of the 1.3 MultiJet diesel engine transformed it into a highly capable and economical long-distance commuter. The model received a mild facelift in 2009 (new grille, larger mirrors, updated engines). Overall, it is highly regarded for its robust chassis, cheap running costs, and the legendary capability of its 4x4 variants.
The Fiat Panda II is a brilliant, unpretentious, and highly practical small car. Regarding the 1.3 MultiJet Diesel: It is a fantastic engine for a very specific buyer. If you commute long distances, live in a rural area, or drive a lot of motorway miles, the diesel Panda is a torque-rich, incredibly frugal companion. However, do not buy the diesel for city driving. Short trips will clog the EGR valve, block the DPF (on later models), and cause oil dilution that will inevitably snap the timing chain, destroying the engine. For 90% of buyers looking for a city runabout, the 1.2 FIRE petrol is the far superior, hassle-free choice. If you do buy the diesel, insist on a flawless service history with oil changes every 10,000 km.