At the international show in Geneva, held in the spring of 2003, the Italian company Fiat organized an official demonstration of the second generation Panda subcompact hatchback, which at the development stage was called “Gingo”. Over the history of its existence, the car has been modernized several times: in September 2005, the list of equipment was expanded, in March 2007, the interior was updated, and in 2009, the technical component was improved and new options were added. The five-door remained on the assembly line until the end of 2012, after which it was replaced by a new model.
You won’t find anything extraordinary in the appearance of the second generation Fiat Panda, but the car’s appearance is definitely eye-catching. For all its compactness from the outside, the hatchback does not look like a small minivan with high contours of the roof and a clearly defined hood, the body of which flaunts strict rectangular headlights, vertically elongated lights and neatly arranged bumpers.
The Fiat Panda 2 is a “player” of the A-Class according to the European classification and measures 3538 mm in length, 1540 mm in height and 1589 mm in width. The wheel base of the Italian small car is 2299 mm, and the ground clearance is 120 mm.
Inside the second “release” of the Fiat Panda there is a simple but cozy atmosphere, but the overall impression is spoiled by the cheapness of the finish. The interior of the five-door looks simple, but not primitive: a three-spoke steering wheel, a laconic instrument cluster and a symmetrical center console, on which the radio, ventilation deflectors and the original climate control “remote” are “registered”.
The second-generation Panda's interior can accommodate four adult passengers, who are provided with sufficient free space in both rows of seats. It’s just that both the front seats and the rear sofa have an amorphous profile and do not have a high level of comfort.
The Fiat Panda has a small trunk - only 206 liters in standard form. The “gallery” is transformed into two identical parts and brings the useful volume to 860 liters, but it does not form a flat surface.
Specifications. On the second generation Panda you can find three engines, working in combination with a 5-speed manual or robotic gearbox and a front-wheel drive transmission or all-wheel drive with a multi-plate clutch in the rear axle.
- The petrol palette on the city car is represented by naturally aspirated “fours” of 1.1 and 1.2 liters with an in-line structure, 8-valve timing and distributed fuel injection, developing 54-60 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 88-102 Nm of torque at 2500 rpm /minute.
- There is only one diesel engine available for the hatchback - a 1.2-liter four-cylinder 16-valve unit with turbocharging and a Common Rail system, producing 70 “stallions” at 4000 rpm and 145 Nm of maximum thrust at 1500 rpm.
The Italian small car is not particularly fast: it reaches a maximum of 145-160 km/h, accelerating to the first “hundred” after 13-20 seconds. Gasoline versions of the car consume 5.4-6.6 liters of fuel in mixed mode, and diesel versions – 4.3-5.4 liters.
The second “release” of the Fiat Panda is built on the front-wheel drive “Fiat Mini” platform with a transversely oriented power plant in the front. The car is equipped with an independent MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a semi-independent torsion beam suspension at the rear.
The city car uses a rack-and-pinion steering center with electric power steering. The five-door has front disc and rear drum brakes (all-wheel disc on all-wheel drive versions), supplemented by ABS.
Equipment and prices. On the Russian secondary market, the “second” Fiat Panda in 2016 is offered at a price from 150,000 to 300,000 rubles - depending on the modification, year of “birth” and technical condition.
In all trim levels, the car can boast of having: one airbag, fabric trim, power steering, immobilizer, standard audio preparation and some other options.
The third generation of the compact Fiat Panda appeared before the world community in 2011, and just a year later, a modification with a 4x4 prefix was released. It received a similar engine range, a slightly retouched interior and a more interesting design. Thanks to increased ground clearance, large alloy wheels with a unique design and high-profile tires, the model looks more solid than the regular front-wheel drive version. Moreover, the manufacturer has slightly expanded the color palette for the body. From now on, the car can additionally be painted in soft orange or dark green metallic. In the latest version, the compact car, thanks to the relief stampings, looks like a real jeep. One cannot fail to note the stylish crossover body kit on the bumpers, doors and sills. It protects the paintwork in the most vulnerable places and gives the new product an off-road charm.
Dimensions
Despite the external surroundings, the Fiat Panda 4x4 is a class A subcompact hatchback. Its overall dimensions are: length 3686 mm, width 1672 mm, height 1605 mm, and wheelbase 2300 mm. As for the ground clearance, it has been increased by 20 mm and stands at a not very impressive 140 mm. This ground clearance is typical for most compact city cars. Thanks to their low center of gravity, they boast good maneuverability, so necessary on winding streets. As for the suspension itself, it doesn’t stand out in anything special. At the front there are independent McPherson struts with anti-roll bar, and at the rear there is a semi-independent beam.
Despite the small dimensions, the trunk volume is quite tolerable. With the backrests of the second row of seats raised, there is about 225 liters of free space in the rear.
Specifications
The new product will be equipped with two engines inherited from the standard version, exclusively mechanical variable gearboxes and an all-wheel drive system. The latter is capable of transferring part of the torque to the rear axle, but only at speeds less than 50 kilometers per hour.
The base engine is an in-line turbocharged two-cylinder petrol unit with 875 cubic centimeters. Despite the tiny volume, a direct fuel supply system and an advanced turbocharger allowed engineers to squeeze out 85 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 145 Nm of torque, starting at 1900 rpm. Such versions reach one hundred kilometers per hour in 12.1 seconds, accelerate to a maximum of 166 km/h and consume about 4.9 liters of gasoline per hundred in the combined driving cycle.
An alternative unit is a 1.2-liter in-line turbodiesel. It produces 75 horses at 4000 rpm and 190 Nm of torque at 1500 rpm. Heavy fuel models accelerate to 100 km/h in 14.5 seconds, reach a maximum of 159 km/h and consume 4.7 liters of diesel fuel per hundred kilometers in the same mode.
Bottom line
Panda 4x4 is a new take on a model with a long history. It has an unusual and memorable design that is in perfect harmony with the class and technical features of the model. Such a car will perfectly emphasize the character and individuality of its owner. The interior is a realm of high-quality finishing materials, thoughtful ergonomics and practicality. Even heavy traffic or a country trip should not bring unnecessary inconvenience to the driver. The manufacturer understands perfectly well that a modern car, first of all, should provide driving pleasure. That is why the hatchback is equipped with compact and economical power units, which are a fusion of advanced technologies and many years of engineering experience. Fiat Panda 4x4 is a compact and economical car with increased cross-country ability.
Video
The third generation of the Italian Fiat Panda hatchback was officially presented to European motorists at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the fall of 2011. A year later, in the fall of 2012, the Fiat Panda 4x4 was presented in Paris - an all-wheel drive version of the compact. Previous generations of the Italian super-mini Panda have earned a reputation as reliable and comfortable cars.
The first generation of the model was produced on 23!!! years, the second was not so long-lived and was produced for 8 years. Over 31 years, the Italians managed to sell more than 6.5 million compact cars, and it is a pity that the car is a rarity in Russia. In our review article we will tell you in detail about the advantages of the new generation Fiat Panda, sales of which started in April 2013 among our neighbors in Ukraine. We will draw the readers' attention to the exterior and interior design of the new product, the overall dimensions of the body, installed wheels and tires, enamel color options, and the full technical characteristics of the new Fiat Panda 2013. We will try to comfortably accommodate five passengers in the cabin and luggage in the trunk; we will consider filling the car with basic and additional options , we will conduct a test drive, find out the real fuel consumption, prices and configurations that are proposed to be purchased. Our assistants will be video and photo materials, comments from auto journalists.
More reviews of compact hatchbacks:
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- Let's start with the overall body dimensions of the new Fiat Panda: 3653 mm long, 1643 mm wide (with folded rear view mirrors 1882 mm), 1551 mm high, 2300 mm wheelbase, when installing tires 175/65 R14 or 185/55 R15 ground clearance 155 mm. Disks are available in steel 14 radius or light alloy 15 size.
- The Fiat Panda 4x4 is 3686 mm long, 1672 mm (with mirrors 1882 mm) wide, 2300 mm wheelbase, 1605 mm high, with 175/65 R15 tires the ground clearance is 170 mm, stylish alloy wheels of size 15 are installed.
Italian designers have given the new generation of the compact Fiat Panda a modern and stylish appearance. The front part of the body is organically decorated with three-level light, neat oval headlights are installed on top, a huge bumper with a large air duct is complemented by rays of daytime running lights and fog lights mounted on contrasting black plastic inserts. The short hood with waves of stampings gives the front of the car a solid and assertive look.
The length of the car body is just over 3.5 meters, but how well every centimeter is used. Compact sloping hood, convenient doorways, high and flat roof, powerful profile of wheel arches, vertical rear. And how stylish the windows neatly fitted into the rear pillars and vertically installed lamp shades look.
The body of the compact Italian hatchback was created taking into account the cramped streets of European cities. A vertical tailgate, a lean bumper with an additional lining made of unpainted plastic and a pair of light elements, the main headlights of the headlights climbed high, propping up the roof.
To protect the body from minor damage, not only the rear bumper is supplemented with plastic protection, wide linings are installed on the door panels (in the parking lot they will protect the paintwork from careless neighbors) - and this is for an ordinary city hatchback.
The body of the Fiat Panda 4x4 version is additionally protected by a crossover plastic body kit. All lower parts of the car's body, from bumpers, sills and ending with the edges of the wheel arches, are made of unpainted plastic. The engine compartment from below is protected from unwanted contact with road unevenness by a metal protective sheet.
Smooth lines and contours of the body made it possible to achieve an excellent aerodynamic resistance to air flow of only 0.32 Cx. The small body of the third generation Fiat Panda is distinguished by a phenomenally high index of structural rigidity - 71300 Nm/deg; for comparison, the VAZ-21106, a trained participant in the Russian championship in road racing, has an indicator of 51800 Nm/deg.
- European car enthusiasts can choose enamel colors from a bright and wide palette of options: Blanco Sincero (white), Bilge Accogllente (beige), Rosso Gloloso (light red), Rosso Cupldo (bright red), Turchese Sognante (turquoise), Viola Profumato (purple), Grigio Silver (silver), Blu Dipintodiblu (dark blue), Verde Toscana (dark green), Aranclo Sicilla (orange), Marrone Avvolgente (dark brown) and Nero Seducente (black).
The interior of the 2013 Fiat Panda compact hatchback is comfortable and cozy. The driver's workplace will please the owner with the original design of the steering wheel, a stylish and informative dashboard with speedometer, tachometer squares and a large on-board computer screen. The soft, linear lines and square buttons with rounded corners for controlling the audio system, air conditioning and auxiliary functions fit seamlessly into the overall concept of a square interior design.
Inside the car, all solutions are aimed at achieving the most convenient and functional design of the interior; behind the apparent simplicity lies the ease of use of all the car’s controls and plenty of places to store small items. An open shelf on the front panel, large pockets in the front and rear doors, tables in the backs of the front seats, plenty of containers for bottles, 14 compartments in total.
The front seats with excellent lateral support provide a comfortable and convenient fit, the range of longitudinal adjustment is 220 mm, vertical adjustment is 60 mm. There is enough space to accommodate people with a height of 190 cm. Of course, if you move all the way back, the rear passengers will have nowhere to put their feet, but if the driver and passenger are not tall in the front row, then the occupants of the second row will sit comfortably. With one caveat - the third one is clearly superfluous, the width of the cabin will not allow it, and the transmission tunnel is too high.
As a bonus, the rear row can move along the cabin by 160 mm, increasing the luggage compartment volume from 225 to 260 liters. Unfortunately, folding the second row of seats will not create a flat trunk floor, but cargo capacity will increase to 870 liters. To transport objects longer than 2000 mm, in addition to the backrests of the rear row seats, the backrest of the passenger seat can also be lowered forward.
Italian interior designers offer the potential owner a wide choice of colors for decorating the interior of the Fiat Panda 2013: the design of the dashboard and door panels can be beige, red, blue or green, the seat upholstery is plain, combined or with various geometric patterns. At the same time, I am pleasantly pleased with the quality of the materials used and the neatness of the interior assembly.
In Ukraine, the Fiat Panda is offered in one Easy configuration: ABS with EBD, 4 airbags, central locking, air conditioning, Dualdrive electric power steering with City mode (provides minimal steering effort in city mode), steering column height adjustment, radio (CD MP3 6 speakers), front electric windows, electric heated mirrors, driver's seat lift.
Specifications new global Fiat Panda 2013: the car is sold in 160 countries, which implies the use of a new modular platform. The front suspension is on MacPherson struts, the rear is on torsion bars. Changing the architecture, suspension mounting points, using powerful anti-roll bars and elastic chassis elements allowed the engineers to achieve an omnivorous suspension. Even on roads with disgusting road surfaces, the chassis of the compact hatchback handles bumps like a crossover suspension. The interior is quiet and comfortable; the suspension was originally created taking into account the operation of the car in difficult conditions.
Of the 160 countries in which they plan to sell the new Fiat Panda, at best, half have high-quality road surfaces. At the same time, on high-quality asphalt, the car’s handling is like a go-kart; the Fiat Panda test drive demonstrates sharp steering, minimal roll in corners, and excellent and stable behavior even at high speed.
The Italian compact Fiat Panda of the 3rd generation is driven by one of four engines (three gasoline and one diesel engines).
Gasoline:
- The latest 0.9-liter two-cylinder Twin Air (65 hp) paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
- Turbocharged version of the TwinAir Turbo 0.9-liter engine (85 hp) in tandem with a 5-speed manual transmission.
- The four-cylinder 1.2-liter (69 hp) with a 5-speed manual transmission is capable of accelerating a hatchback weighing 940 kg to a maximum speed of 164 mph; the car reaches the first hundred in 14.2 seconds. Fuel consumption in the combined cycle is about 5.2 liters.
- And the 1.3-liter diesel 1.3 Multijet (75 hp) is equipped with a start-stop system, 5-speed manual transmission and can be content with only 3.9 liters of fuel in mixed driving mode. Acceleration to 100 mph in 12.8 seconds, with a maximum possible 168 mph.
A robotic gearbox is available as an alternative for all engines.
The all-wheel drive Fiat Panda 4x4 is equipped with TwinAir Turbo (85 hp), as well as a diesel 1.3 Multijet (75 hp). The gearbox is a 6-speed manual with a crawling first gear providing a confident start uphill or when driving on soft soils. Permanent all-wheel drive is provided electronically, transferring torque along the axles; there is an electronic imitation of differential locks with manual control and a stabilization system.
Compact dimensions, minimal overhangs, advanced all-wheel drive and well-chosen gearbox attachments, curb weight from 1050 to 1115 kg give the Fiat Panda 4x4 excellent off-road characteristics. The SUV looks like a bug, but can handle roads that many large crossovers can't.
Ukrainian car enthusiasts can buy a new 2013 Fiat Panda with a 1.2-liter 69 horsepower engine and 5 manual transmissions in the Easy configuration for 109.9 thousand hryvnia, which is a price of about 440 thousand rubles. In Italy, the cost of the new Fiat Panda 2013 is from 10,200 euros, and the off-road version of the Fiat Panda 4x4 - from 16,950 euros.
Fiat Panda Cross. Made in Italy. In Russia, maybe it will, but most likely not. Price? Better read to the end...
No, I still can’t restrain myself. And I will not bore the reader with my writing exercises in anticipation of the denouement. I will say right away and directly: do you see this, without any doubt, an attractive car that seats four, and in the case of a successful sum of anthropometric data, five, and with the comfort of a box that can accommodate a pair of shoes? Good, isn't it? Do you know how much it costs? Nine... No, wait a little longer.
He can't help but attract. To be honest, I liked him immediately. Especially when I was offered to drive it along the same off-road track at the Fiat proving ground in Balocco, where a few months ago I asked all my questions about the latest generation Jeep-Cherokee. I already knew very well what was in store for this lovely chicken-colored car, and this greatly added to my respect for it.
EASIER AND MORE COMPLEX
The all-wheel drive Panda has been nothing new for thirty years. The 4x4 version was available in all three generations of the model. And they always represented something more than just the desire of the manufacturer to simply increase profits through a magic formula. They really knew how to cope with off-road conditions. And the new model is no exception. All-wheel drive on the third generation Panda was offered a year and a half ago. Simultaneously simplifying and complicating the car compared to the previous all-wheel drive version. Viscous coupling as a method of transmitting torque to the rear wheels has given way to more advanced electro-hydraulics, allowing faster and more accurate responses to changes in the road situation. But the rear suspension has become simpler - instead of an independent design on longitudinal oblique arms, a conventional, albeit reinforced, torsion beam is now used.
In this case, the differential is rigidly fixed to the body and connected to the wheels by swinging axle shafts.
Why did you go for simplification? Something had to be sacrificed to reduce weight and reduce costs. After all, the current Panda, due to government pressure on Fiat (in fact, a ban on mass production abroad), is produced in Italy, unlike its predecessor, which was supplied from the Polish branch. And the original assembly, coupled with the transition to a new generation, is expensive: the price of the base model jumped by 27%!
Even the regular Panda 4x4 has very decent off-road potential for its size. In fact, the modest size actually turns into an advantage: the body overhangs are minimal, the curb weight is about 1000 kg. Ground clearance has been increased to 152 mm, shock absorber mounts and front MacPherson strut supports have been strengthened, and the rear wheel drive clutch can be locked at the press of a button. True, the car has no appearance: a couple of black linings barely distinguish it from other Pandas. This is quite suitable for Villan, but hardly for a city slicker.
So for those who like to show off, they made the “Cross” version. It's brighter, more expensive... and even better off-road! “Cross” is not just a name and additional tinsel of plastic overlays, shiny roof rails and LED running lights. Here the ground clearance increased by another 9 mm and reached 161 mm (this is for the gasoline version, 3 mm less for the diesel version). Other additions include all-season tires, which have added 10 mm in width and rest more confidently on the ground, and a completely new rotating controller (with the pretentious name “terrain control”) for controlling all-wheel drive modes. Well, just like on all-terrain vehicles at the price... mmm... let's say, twice the size. True, this controller is here more for decoration. Its range of functions is no wider than that of other crossovers: a choice between automatic torque distribution between the axles (by default, 95% of the thrust goes forward) and a tightly locked clutch. And in the extreme right position of the controller, the hill descent assistance system is activated. We'll get down one way or another, but how will we get up? After all, the torque of a two-cylinder supercharged engine with a displacement of 875 cc. cm from the Twinair family, which has received international awards, is only 145 Nm - the coffee grinder probably has more...
DOUBLE FAST AND FURIOUS
This engine, small even for a modern motorcycle, can be confusing with its unusual rattling at medium speeds and above. In general, it begins to live only from 3000 rpm, but for a tiny “Panda” its capabilities are sufficient. Moreover, for the “Cross” the engine was even boosted a little, increasing the power by 5 hp. and eventually bringing it to 90 forces. Just never press the “Eco” button - you will immediately feel the true volume of the engine.
And I won’t say that compared to the gasoline engine, the other engine option - a completely ordinary four-cylinder turbodiesel with a displacement of 1.3 liters and a power of 80 horsepower - is very different. It pulls only slightly better, and the noise and vibrations from it are about the same - despite the increased insulation of the engine shield in the diesel version. And even the most important argument does not seem so weighty - a diesel engine is more economical than a gasoline engine on average by only 0.2 liters per 100 km.
On a normal road, the petrol Panda should be vigorously adjusted from time to time by changing gears. But I won’t say that it happens that often. In any case, it’s nice to do this - not every car, even a higher class, can boast such a carefully calibrated switching mechanism. Short strokes, clear fixation, no problems. The gearbox has six stages, and the first gear, very short, is specially selected for off-road excursions (we are familiar with this technique from Renault Duster). It is she who helps you climb those slopes that at first you want to run away from.
I put the all-wheel drive transmission into off-road mode (now the clutch is locked and distributes torque equally forward and backward, but opens at speeds above 50 km/h) and, slightly spurring the engine, I climb the slope with amazing ease. And then, turning the transmission knob to the extreme position, I turn on the descent assist system - and the “bear cub”, braking with its wheels, goes down at a speed of about 5 km/h. This is not surprising; all this has been done hundreds of times on a wide variety of SUVs and crossovers.
SERIOUS MOOD
It seems like a crossover is just like a crossover, but what’s surprising is this. When you first get acquainted with this car, you never expect that, despite its frivolous appearance, it will turn out to be a completely serious car. The feeling is about the same as when you buy a cute toy alarm clock in the store, and suddenly it turns out to be waterproof, with a built-in GPS receiver and a jammer of mobile phone frequencies.
Due to its high seating position, the Panda Cross tilts in turns, like a wardrobe being carried up the stairs by movers, but it still steers clearly and transparently. You don’t even think about the fact that the steering effort could be a little more, and the tires could be better. Still, all-season is far from the optimal option. They start slipping too early. But on the road strewn with cobblestones, I never once doubted the energy intensity of the suspension. There was not even a hint of a breakdown. At the same time, the level of driving comfort is quite decent, and the stabilization system practically did not interfere with the control process, allowing you to moderately slide on gravel - the all-wheel drive transmission did a good job of extinguishing drift, modifying the torque feed back. After all, only under normal conditions 95% of the thrust goes forward - and if necessary, almost the same amount can be supplied to the rear wheels.
Offering something different from competitors such as the Hyundai i10 and Skoda Citigo. While some rivals can't match its personality and style, they offer more modern design and extra space. And yet, according to owners' reviews, the latest model from the Fiat Panda (2008) is distinguished by its larger size, increased usable volume, and a spacious trunk, which is easily expanded thanks to the sliding rear seats.
With a fairly comfortable ride, impeccable handling and excellent visibility, the Panda is an excellent city car. However, during long trips, the lack of engine performance can become tiresome. The quality of the interior trim does not always match the style of more prestigious competitors, but the latest generation of Panda has earned an excellent reputation in the eyes of users for its reliability.
Model history
Fiat has a long history of creating some of the most iconic city cars. Models such as the Topolino, Fiat 126 and, of course, the classic Fiat 500 cemented the Italian brand's position as a manufacturer of small runabouts.
Back in 1980, the release of the original Panda brought a lot of new things to the table. Designed by the legendary Giugiaro, the car offered basic transport capabilities for a pittance and rightly earned a reputation for reliability, which was further strengthened when Fiat introduced an all-wheel drive option a few years later. The first generation of Panda was sold in different markets for 23 years.
Of course, the second generation, which appeared in 2003, never managed to repeat this. However, the car remained popular until the manufacturer decided to focus its efforts on the new small 3-door Fiat 500 (2007) models. According to car owners, the Fiat Panda resembled much larger cars and looked like a mini-jeep, and its vertical tail lights were the same as those of the Volvo, although their use began in 1994.
In 2011, Fiat introduced the third generation of the model. The Panda began to look more expensive, as a distinctive and fashionable car, although it retained the height and boxy shape of the second generation. If the previous model was assembled in Poland, the updated version began to be produced at the plant in Naples, where Alfa Romeo Alfasud was previously produced.
The Panda shares a common base with the Fiat 500 and Ford Ka, and is equipped with a variety of diesel and petrol 2-, 3- and 4-cylinder engines. The model has many worthy competitors in the city car class, including Renault Twingo, Škoda Citigo, Suzuki Celerio and Hyundai i10.
Fiat offers a wide range of interior trims. Starting from the spartan modification of the entry-level Por and ending with the more highly specialized Lounge version with options such as alloy wheels and air conditioning. In between is Easy trim, and buyers can also choose the Trekking model with reinforced hull trim.
The Fiat Panda 4x4 is an off-road style option with all-wheel drive that comes in handy in challenging conditions. An even more extreme Panda Cross model is being released, which complements the previous one with an increase in ground clearance and a descent control system.
Performance
According to reviews from car owners, the Fiat Panda copes well with driving within the city, but on the highway the insufficient engine efficiency comes to the fore.
The ride in city conditions is truly excellent thanks to the high driving position, excellent visibility and lighting. The soft suspension easily copes with uneven road surfaces.
The "City" button on the dashboard makes steering easier - so much so that you can easily drive the car with one finger, squeezing into narrow passages without difficulty. However, the system does create a feeling of detachment, so it's best to save it for parking.
The characteristics of the Fiat Panda, according to reviews from owners, provide good control on the road, but, unfortunately, the engine is not always up to par. Its lack of refinement gives an advantage to rivals such as the Hyundai i10. And the almost identical urban trio of Skoda Citigo, SEAT Mii and Volkswagen up! have a clear advantage on longer journeys, especially compared to the more affordable petrol-powered Fiat versions. In this regard, the Fiat Panda diesel is praised by owner reviews, but, unfortunately, it is only available in combination with the most expensive Panda Trekking trim of the 4x4 modification.
Engines
The technical characteristics of the Fiat Panda, according to reviews from owners, are largely determined by the power plant. The engine range includes 2 petrol and 1 diesel. 0.9-liter 2-cylinder petrol TwinAir with 84 hp. With. is the most interesting choice. The motor not only provides the best performance, but also makes a pleasant rumble when it gets to work.
Although TwinAir is the fastest engine in the Fiat Panda line-up, don't expect amazing results. It allows you to accelerate to 100 km/h in 11.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 177 km/h. The mid-range turbocharger delivers more power than other engines in the range. However, the efficiency of the motor is far from the official indicators declared by the manufacturer.
Gasoline engine 68 hp. With. experiences maximum loads and sounds hysterical on the freeway. It is quite slow and accelerates to 100 km/h in 14.2 seconds, so users do not recommend choosing this version.
The 1.3-liter MultiJet diesel engine with 94 hp remains. With. While it makes more power and torque than the TwinAir, it has a much smaller rev range and is therefore a couple of tenths of a second slower to 100km/h. It's barely adequate for overtaking, and on the highway the engine gravitates toward a reasonably efficient low cruising speed. It's just not as attractive as the Panda TwinAir.
Transmission
Basically, the model is equipped with a manual 5- and 6-speed gearbox. Some modifications, such as TwinAir Turbo, are equipped with a Dualogic transmission, which can be used either in manual mode or as an automatic transmission. According to reviews, the manual Fiat Panda requires simple forward and backward movements of the lever to change gears. Gear selection and clutch engagement are done electronically and hydraulically, so there is no clutch pedal. Reviews from car owners call the Fiat Panda robot traditional, but with the advantage of fuel economy, which is usually provided by manual transmissions.
Fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and operating costs
All engines in the Fiat Panda series, according to car owners, promise impressive fuel economy figures, but the 1.3-liter MultiJet diesel comes out on top, requiring 3.9 liters per 100 km. It emits 104 g/km of CO 2, which, unfortunately, exceeds the preferential standards.
The 0.9-litre TwinAir petrol model is exempt from road tax in the UK as it emits 99g of carbon monoxide per kilometre. The engine also claims fuel consumption of 4.4 l/100 km, although, according to user reviews, it will be difficult to get close to this figure in the real world. This shouldn't be a major problem given the low mileage of small cars like the Panda, and the slight decrease in efficiency that some drivers will experience is a reasonable price to pay for the TwinAir's engaging nature.
The last engine in the range in terms of performance, the 1.2-liter petrol engine, looks more attractive from a financial point of view. It only claims 5.2L/100km and emits quite a bit of carbon dioxide (119g/km). However, in basic trim it costs 20% less than the least expensive TwinAir Easy model.
The price advantage of the 1.2-liter variant is roughly halved when comparing variants of the same trim level, making it a tough choice. And yet, users are leaning towards TwinAir, because the pleasure it gives to ride with it compensates for all the losses.
All engines benefit from efficient and fuel-efficient technology that stops the engine at idle, so the Panda won't be a frequent visitor to petrol stations.
Insurance
Standard versions of the Fiat Panda have an insurance group rating of 2 to 7, so buyers shouldn't have any problems finding affordable policies. However, some rivals such as the Škoda Citigo are available with Group 1 insurance, which may be attractive to first-time car buyers.
Depreciation
As the city car sector exploded with competitive offerings, the traditionally strong players began to wane. Used Fiats have never been in great demand. However, given the low initial cost, the depreciation won't be too much. According to experts, after 3 years Fiat will retain 42.7% of its original price.
Interior, design and technology
Owner reviews call the Fiat Panda a nice choice on the city car market. It has a more attractive appearance than the slightly conservatively styled Volkswagen up! and the standard Kia Picanto. For many owners, the design of the model was the deciding factor. The height, bold details and eye-catching blend of straight and curved lines certainly stand out from the competition.
The interior continues from the car's exterior and features many designer square shapes with rounded corners. The short, toy-style gear lever and colorful fabrics contribute to the model's fun character.
Although the interior has improved greatly since the Fiat Panda (2008), owner feedback suggests that some of the materials feel too cheap in terms of quality and are not up to par with the Volkswagen up!, SEAT Mii and Škoda Citigo.
The model range includes 4 trim levels: Pop, Easy, Lounge and Trekking. Low-end variants look a little cheap with their 14-inch steel wheels, but they have electrified front windows and an MP3-capable CD player as standard.
The mid-level Easy models are equipped with remote central locking and air conditioning, as well as a set of roof rails, which certainly adds a bit of oomph to the car.
The Lounge variants are more stylish, with alloy wheels and fog lights. Meanwhile, the Panda Trekking version adds 15-inch alloys, ESP, Hill Start Assist as well as Traction Plus and bold exterior cladding for a much greater visual presence.
Navigation, stereo and infotainment system
Even the entry-level Pop trim comes with a 4-speaker audio system, CD player, and MP3 compatibility.
The Easy trim already offers 6 speakers, while the top-range Trekking model adds a Blue & Me setup, providing a Bluetooth smartphone connection to your TomTom navigation device. In addition, the car is equipped with steering controls, which are an additional option on other versions.
Practicality, comfort and loading space
Thanks to its vertical position and angular shape, the Fiat Panda, according to reviews from car owners, seems larger than it actually is. It's certainly a far cry from the tight packaging of its predecessor.
With a high roofline, the car appears filled with air and visibility is all-round. While there's plenty of room up front, the steering wheel is only height-adjustable, and most models must be specified with the optional Flex Pack to get height adjustment in the driver's seat.
The Flex Pack also adds a valuable rear folding seat, cargo net and folding table, and, unusually, you can choose between 2- and 3-seat configurations for the rear row with a 50:50 or 60:40 seat width ratio.
The interior of the Fiat Panda, according to reviews, is complemented by convenient storage spaces, including a large tray in front of the front passenger and several cup holders.
Dimensions
At 3653mm long and 1643mm wide, the Panda is almost identical to the Hyundai i10, but is 10cm longer than the Volkswagen up! and 20 cm - Toyota Aygo. For comparison, the larger Fiat Punto Supermini is 4065 mm long.
Legroom, headroom and passenger space
The Fiat Panda's rear row, according to reviews, seems a little cheap, but it slides back and forth to create more legroom or luggage space. The Fiat Panda's boxy shape means passengers have plenty of room to relax. Four adults can squeeze into the car in reasonable comfort, but three in the back row will be cramped, as in any city runabout. Legroom will also be an issue for adults.
Trunk
Although the Panda's cabin appears spacious, luggage space is limited to just 225 liters, which is 26 liters less than what the Škoda Citigo can accommodate. You can move the rear row forward to create 260 liters of volume, but this will deprive passengers of legroom. It's also a little annoying that you have to pay extra for this split seat, but otherwise the boot is quite practical, the rear door opens wide and you only have to throw luggage over a low barrier.
Reliability and safety
The Fiat Panda received just 4 stars in Euro NCAP tests, which is disappointing in a market where most newcomers have a full 5-star rating. One reason for this is that ESP was an optional extra at the time of evaluation back in late 2011, but this issue was immediately resolved and the feature became standard on all models in early 2012.
Adult passengers and children score 82% and 63% in tests. For comparison: Renault Twingo scores 78 and 81%, Hyundai i10 scores 79 and 80%, and Volkswagen up! - 89 and 80%.
Over the years, Fiat has struggled to shake off its reputation for making passenger cars with poor build quality and unreliable reliability, and the Panda doesn't appear to be as durable as its direct competitors. But because the car is relatively simple from a mechanical standpoint, there's not much that could go wrong, a point that appears to have been borne out by the strong scores in the 2015 Auto Express Driver Power satisfaction survey.
Of the 200 best models, the Fiat Panda took 52nd place in the reliability category, and 88th in build quality. The car was rated 20th for its low operating costs. It received an average score in almost all areas except seat comfort, where the model ranked only 170th.
Guarantee
Reviews from car owners praise the Fiat Panda for having a 3-year warranty for 100 thousand kilometers, which is on par with most competitors. However, the Kia Picanto and Hyundai i10 leave it in the shadows, offering 7-year 160,000 km and 5-year unlimited packages respectively. Toyota Aygo comes with a 5-year, 160,000 km warranty.
Service
The fixed price for the Fiat Panda, according to owner reviews, allows you to distribute maintenance costs on a monthly basis. Prices vary depending on mileage and usage, but are competitive with other city cars.
