The final points were: Fiat Panda, 281; Mazda3 and Volkswagen Golf, 241; Toyota Avensis, 219; Vauxhall Meriva, 213; BMW 5-series, 144; and Nissan Micra, 111.
The new Fiat Panda, which goes on sale here in January, provides big-car features in a compact (11ft 6in long) package. A taller-than-average five-door hatchback, it offers two petrol engines (1.1 and 1.2 litres) and Fiat’s advanced new 1.3 litre Multijet diesel. Standard equipment includes two airbags, electric windows, stereo radio cassette player and remote central locking, with antilock braking on all but the most basic version, which is expected to be priced at £6,200.
The jury praised the car’s practicality, value for money and fun-to-drive personality.
