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Car of the Year a champion for low-cost motoring

The new Fiat Panda has been named International Car of the Year. It's one of the dinkiest cars ever to receive the award. Its size makes it perfect for motorists in the city and on a tight budget. But what about the extra costs like insurance?

Research from leading car insurer, Admiral reveals that the Fiat Panda really is a low-cost champion. Even a young driver can insure one for a year for less than £300.

Admiral has compared the cost for two city-living motorists to insure the Panda and other cars in its class with a range of insurers. The results should make the Panda the first choice for anyone wanting a new car, but still trying to be economical.

Below are the comparison tables for two young motorists:

21-year-old female living in Livingston

  Admiral Direct Line Zurich
2004 Fiat Panda 1.2 Dynamic £270 £291 £249
2004 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 CDTi 16v Life £287 £321 £315
2003 Seat Arosa 1.0 S £287 £291 £259



25-year-old male living in Central London

  Admiral Direct Line Zurich
2004 Fiat Panda 1.2 Dynamic £297 £396 £419
2004 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 CDTi 16v Life £314 £396 £434
2003 Seat Arosa 1.0 S £314 £386 £434


Admiral managing director, Jane Stone, said: "As UK drivers are hit with extra costs from all sides, I think our research shows that it is still possible to drive in style on a budget. Young, urban professionals might not have the money to pay for the lifestyle they want to lead. But with the new Panda they can still afford a new car and won't have to compromise on style."

The New Panda was voted for as International Car of the Year by a jury of 58 senior motoring journalists from 22 countries. These include What Car? And Top Gear magazines. It was praised particularly for the high levels of comfort and refinement that you would normally associate with a big car. It is economical to run; being low on fuel consumption but is still responsive and agile. Now Admiral has shown that it is also cheap to insure.

Issue date: 30-03-04

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