Fiat Group Automobiles South Africa has introduced the new Fiat Panda to South Africa, which is now in its third generation. TheFiat Panda has sold more than 6.4-million units and is Fiat’s best seller in the small car segment.

New Fiat Panda combines practical design

Engine Capability

The new Fiat Panda is fitted with a 1.2-litre EVO ll engine producing 51kW of power at 5500 rpm and a torque figure of 102NM at 3000 rpm. The engine is mated to a five speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.2-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 120 g/km.

Exterior Design Features

The new Fiat Panda is simplicity personified with practicality and usefulness. To ensure that it meets the highest standards of safety and improves on the generous levels of interior space, the Panda has grown a few centimetres in length, width and height. The five door car can accommodate five people and has one of the most spacious boots in its segment.

Furthermore, the exterior can be distinguished by an unmistakable ‘Italian style’ and ‘Mediterranean’ stylistic language where smooth shapes give it an appealing, solid and protective look. The slightly convex bonnet joins with the elegant horizontal grille and the new front headlamps with a rounded shape resembling a smiling face. The new Fiat Panda also offers a unique front suspension with McPherson strut layout.

Interior Design Features

Inside the new Fiat Panda, designers added a touch of personality to make it a solid, functional and spacious car. The passenger compartment is designed with graphic patterns that decorate the door panels and roof of the car, creating an attractive ‘sky’ over the heads of the passengers. The radio interface sports an intuitive look with all the controls and buttons grouped into two ‘Islands’ for easier use.

Functionality and comfort are provided by the slim front seats which provide plenty of leg space for the rear passengers. The squares welded to the backrest circulate air between the passengers back and the seat fabric to improve comfort.

Additionally, the new dashboard is designed as a practical, multipurpose shell containing a roomy storage pocket along with the glovebox in the lower section. It is wrapped in a colourful frame which serves as a single perimeter to the steering wheel, radio and main controls.

Sophisticated technological and safety solutions

Technology features in the new Fiat Panda satisfy both the concrete needs of everyday mobility and the growing social awareness of the environment and safety issues. Safety features include the Blue&Me handsfree with Bluetooth, voice recognition, USB port, MP3 player and SMS interpreter.

Safety features include four airbags standard (front and window protecting the head), ABS complete with BAS (Brake Assist System), front seat belts with pretensioner and load limiter, ESC (Electronic Stability Control) complete with Hill Holder system.

In addition, the front seats are equipped with an anti-whiplash system that reduces the risk of injury in case of impact, while the rear seats are fitted with ISOFIX attachments for child seats.

At its launch the new model will be available in two trim levels (Pop and Lounge), 7 body colours, 3 interior trim colours and 14-inch steel and 15-inch alloy wheels.

New Fiat Panda – Price

The new Fiat Panda comes standard with a 3-year/100 000km full maintenance plan and warranty for peace-of-mind driving.