Extra space is now being sought in the Fiat Panda’s tightly packed trophy cabinet, as the widely acclaimed Italian city car has just been voted Best Small Car in the Auto Express Used Car Honours 2007.

This latest accolade for the multi-award-winning Panda, which began when it was awarded the most prestigious pan-European title of Car of the Year in 2004, has been bestowed by UK-based Auto Express magazine in association with Glass’s Guide, which offers a very comprehensive and industry-respected listing of used car prices. The senior cars editor from Glass's Guide, Jeff Paterson, comments: "Fiat has turned the corner in terms of quality and the Panda represents huge value for money. That’s exactly what we’re looking for in this market sector."

Auto Express itself, which made the Panda its own Car of the Year in 2004, is equally unstinting in its praise: “Nobody does small cars better than Fiat – which is why the Panda steps up to scoop the crown this year. The Fiat brand is rebuilding its reputation and the Panda’s showing in our annual Driver Power satisfaction survey is proof that the Italian marque is winning its battle to improve quality.”
 

The Panda was the unanimous choice amongst the panel of judges, and Graham Smith from British Car Auctions remarks, "Panda has stood the test of time, it’s serious value for money." The Panda is built at Fiat's Tychy plant in Poland and has spawned a string of versions including a 4x4, SUV and van as well as the limited-edition Monster. Already the basis of a successful one-make 'Cup' rally series in Italy, during January two specially-prepared Panda models, dubbed the PanDAKAR, tackled the tough Lisboa-Dakar Rally.

Auto Express sums up as follows: "The flow of fresh additions to the line-up ensures that the Panda continues to be a fashionable city car, while its five-door layout, spacious cabin and surprising long distance ability make it a versatile and desirable selection. So if you’re looking for an affordable runaround, you need to go Italian."