Post by Kasey Kagawa

Usually we try to keep the topic of the Video of the Week different from one to the next, but this one was just too good to pass up. Out of all the awesome hot hatches that we don’t over here in the States, I covet the Fiat Panda 100HP the most. Sure, it’s the least powerful of the hot hatchbacks, putting out a paltry 99 HP and 97 ft-lbs from its 1.4L DOHC engine, and it has the dimensions of a car that’s more suited to carrying Grandma back and forth to the shops, but don’t let the pedestrian appearance and engine power throw you off. That little 1.4 loves to rev and is mated to a killer six-speed gearbox, and with a weight just under a metric ton and a great chassis and suspension setup, you get a sweet little screamer that just lives to be thrown through corners at 4000 RPM, inside rear wheel cocked up in the air. Best of all, at £9,995, it’s an absolute steal. Out of all the great cars that never see our shores, this would be my choice to gray market if I was given the chance. Sure, it’s underpowered and the exchange rates suck for us right now, but I think that it’s actually physically impossible to not smile while you’re driving a Panda 100HP, and isn’t that what all cheap cars should aspire to be like?