The new Fiat Panda range will start at less than £9,000 when it goes on sale at the end of the month.

At £8,900 on the road, the entry-level five-door Panda `Pop' is comparable to its rivals. The price will rise to £12,250 for a range-topping diesel `Lounge' model.

The third, mid-range trim option is called `Easy'. There will also be three familiar engine choices to begin with, including a 69bhp 1.2-litre, the brilliant 0.9-litre 84bhp TwinAir two-cylinder turbo, and a 75bhp 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel.

Standard kit on basic Pop models includes electric windows, central locking, electric power steering, four airbags and body-coloured bumpers. ESP is not standard, though, and would need to be added as an optional extra.

Upgrading to Easy trim brings remote central locking, air conditioning, roof rails and a better stereo, while finally Lounge receives heated electric mirrors, 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, body-coloured mirrors, door handles and side mouldings.

The options list allows for two more airbags to be added, as well as a low-speed collision mitigation system that brakes the car automatically at less than 18.6mph if the forward-facing sensors detect an imminent impact.

Fiat is gunning for results in allowing customers to personalise the Panda to a very high degree. The options list is long, but buyers might find that the overall cost can escalate quickly.

"I'm delighted that we remain highly competitive against our key rivals in this small car sector," said Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK. "We are particularly good value when you take into consideration the levels of equipment offered in standard specification across the range."

There are better-equipped cars in the price bracket, however, which may have more appeal to buyers' minds. Fiat is likely to be hoping that the new Panda's cute styling wins hearts instead.