MOTORS
Edited by Mike Torpey
by MIKE TORPEY
T
HE old image is one of soft, cuddly, universally loved but not very dynamic. Yet over its 32-year lifetime the Fiat Panda has found its way into 6.4 million homes, flourishing unlike its extinction-threatened namesake by being able to adapt to its environment. So much so in fact that Fiat has only felt the need to completely redesign the model twice in that period – until now. As more motorists prioritise price, economy and green issues, they face the dilemma of wondering how far they can downsize without running out of space. Fiat is confident it can provide the answer to that question and has thrown a massive resource at doing so. High numbers like 800 million euros invested, two million hours of product development, 200,000 hours of training and 8,500 suggestions from car workers has resulted in the new generation Panda. It goes on sale this week as a five-door, genuine five-seater city car with all the style, gizmos and interior comfort you would expect from an urban trend setter. While a modern, rounded design makes the new Panda less instantly recognised than its more squared off predecessors, there are still some of the straight-edged interior touches – particularly around the dash – that past owners will appreciate. Time-honoured Panda practicality is there too. Because this car is longer, wider and taller than before, there’s more space for passengers and luggage. Most city cars only cater for two rear passengers, the little Fiat can fit three – and there are no less than 14 storage compartments, including an open one on the dash. Even the cabin can be made to look more Panda-like with black and white upholstery and panels. And that’s not the only thing sure to put a smile on your face because this Panda has claws too, courtesy of a lively yet frugal engine line-up that includes a fabulous 900cc TwinAir turbo. It has the lowest CO2 emissions at 99g/km of any volume production petrol engine in the world and was named International Engine of the Year in 2011. The two-cylinder unit sounds sporty too with its throaty engine note, yet has the potential for 67mpg. A normally aspirated
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pages of new & used motors
CITY SLICKER: The new Fiat Panda is a genuine five-seater – and there are no less than 14 storage compartments
New Panda matures for modern living version joins the party later in the year, along with a 4x4 version, and there’s also the latest evolution of the 69bhp 1.2-litre petrol unit with its average fuel figure of 54mpg. Completing the line-up is a punchy 1.3 MultiJet turbodiesel producing 75bhp and boasting economy of 72.4mpg, and most models have economy boosters like stop/start and a gearshift indicator. The Panda test exercise took in an extensive route around the Cotswolds and confirmed that the Fiat has come on in leaps and bounds. It’s a real fun car to drive, though the five-speed manual gearshift is a bit notchy, and responds to being driven hard. As a result the TwinAir Turbo only returned 44.5mpg – way short of its official figure – but the more conservatively driven diesel was bang on its claimed mark of 72mpg. Prices are from £8,900 for an
entry grade 1.2 Pop model and standard kit includes electric windows, central locking, Dualdrive power steering, four airbags and body colour bumpers.
Easy trim versions add remote central locking, air con, roof rails and a higher grade audio system, while Lounge gets heated electric mirrors, 15-inch alloy wheels, front
COLOUR CODE: Even the Panda’s cabin reflects its name
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fog lamps, body coloured mirrors and door handles, and side mouldings. Safety measures comprise up to six airbags, double seatbelt pre-tensioners, an active anti-whiplash head restraint system, and ESP. And a new Low Speed Collision Mitigation system will become available for the first time later this year. It uses a laser sensor on the windscreen to scan a space a short distance in front of the vehicle to determine the risk of a collision and can activate emergency braking at speeds less than 18.6mph. Options will allow customers to style their own car courtesy of 10 exterior colours and six interior/dashboard combinations. You can also specify the likes of a sliding rear bench, a front passenger seat that folds into a table, rear parking sensors, fog lights and a cargo box.