Why a Panda 100HP? Introduced in 2006 and very well received by the motoring press the Panda 100hp offers a usable dollop of power mated to a lightweight well balanced chassis, the tried and tested formula popularised during the golden age of the hot hatch in the 80’s and 90’s, before big boost , awd, dual clutch transmissions and big ‘premium’ price tags pushed hot hatches out of the reach of mere mortals.

It came with a good level of standard kit, Bluetooth hands free, electric windows, remote central locking, ABS, power steering, privacy glass, climate control, trip computer, sports seats, chunky alloys, purposeful body styling, front fog lamps etc. Also thanks to having 5 doors and a boxy shape you can fit a surprising amount of stuff in the back, all this for 10k OTR. Now with a good one coming in at between £2,500 and £3,000 there’s not much pound for pound that will put as big a smile on your face in terms of pure driving enjoyment and the bonus is they are surprisingly practical, cheap to own and don’t drink 99RON like it’s going out of style. Oh and you get a massive nod from your fellow petrol heads, guy who lives to my left has an RS3 and the guy to my right has an M135i, both are car nuts and both want my 100hp ?.

I won’t go into the full specification or try to write a review as that has already been covered off by actual real journalists. Check out what Evo had to say about it in issue 101.

Ok so now you’re thinking to yourselves these things sound pretty cool but how do I avoid buying a bag of woes? Well traditionally the 100hp has been bought by enthusiasts who keep them in pretty good shape, but there are a few thrashed examples knocking about and as with all cars there are a few things to watch for. As with any car purchase best advice is buy the latest, highest spec and lowest mile example you can find. Latest ones are on a 60 plate. Drive at least 3 before you buy.