Fiat Australia have introduced another new car in to the Australian automotive market with arrival of the Fiat Panda. First seen in Europe last year the Fiat Panda now expands the Fiat range to includes the 500, Punto, Freemont, Scudo, Ducato and Abarth.
The third generation Fiat Panda has been a great success in Europe, but will the iconic supermini cut the mustard down under?
Fiat Panda Overview
The Fiat Panda is a city car with SUV inspired styling. Higher ride height, SUV seating position and room for five, what more could you ask for?
With a unique style the Fiat Panda supermini arrives with a choice of four trim levels– Pop, Easy, Lounge and the 4x4-inspired Trekking. Three engine choices and a competitive entry level price. The Fiat Panda has come out swinging
The full model line-up for the 2013 Fiat Panda is:
Pop 1.2L FIRE 4cyl petrol 5-spd manual $ 16,500
Easy 0.9L TwinAir 2cyl petrol 5-spd manual $ 19,000
Easy 0.9L TwinAir 2cyl petrol 5-spd Dualogic $ 20,500
Lounge 0.9L TwinAir 2cyl petrol 5-spd Dualogic $ 22,500
Trekking 1.3L MultiJet 4cyl turbo diesel 5-spd manual $ 24,000
Fiat Panda Engine
With a choice of three engines Fiat Australia have tried to cover all the bases. On our drive program Carshowroom.com.au only had the opportunity to test the 1.2litre, 5 speed petrol Pop and the 1.3 litre diesel that comes with the Fiat Panda Trekking.
The Entry level Pop's 1.2-litre FIRE engine,produces 51 kW @ 5,500 rpm and 102 Nm @ 3,000 rpm, the variable valve timing technology engine os able to produce fuel economy figures of 6.7 (urban), 4.3 (extra-urban), 5.2 (combined)
The 875cc twin air engine lays claim to having won International Engine of the Year 2011. IN the Fiat Panda it is paired with a five-speed manual or 5-speed Dualogic auto. It produces 63 kW @ 5,500 rpm and 145 Nm @ 1,900 rpm of power. Fuel consumption figures for the twin air are, Manual: 5.0 (urban), 3.8 (extra-urban),4.2 (combined) Dualogic: 4.8 (urban), 3.7 (extra-urban), 4.1 (combined)
TwinAir and MultiJet engines are both fitted with the Start&Stop system
The Trekking model is fitted with a 1.3 litre diesel engine that produces 55 kW @ 4,000 rpm
190 Nm @ 1,500 rpm, fuel consumption is rated at 4.8 (urban), 3.8 (extra-urban), 4.2 (combined).
Fiat Panda Interior
Jumping inside the latest Fiat Panda is larger on the inside thanks to it being 26mm wider at the front and 5mm wider at the rear, overall the cabin is 20mm longer than the previous model.
One thing most drivers will enjoy is the SUV inspired seating position, that gives you a commanding feel for the road
Like the VW Up! the Fiat Panda delivers an up-market interior that buyers of city cars aren't accustomed to seeing.
Attention to detail is very high and the use of the embossed fiat insignia is a nice touch. Rear leg room is tight and getting more than two adults in the rear for journeys longer than a trip to the shops will prove challenging.
Luggage capacity is 225 litres with the 60/40 rear seats in place, this increases to 870 litres when the rear seats are folded.
Fiat Panda Exterior and Styling
Fiat are experts in delivering good looking small cars and the Fiat Panda is no different. If the Fiat 500 is a little retro for your liking, then the modern looking Panda just might be the ticket.
It is 5cm wider and 11cm longer than the model it replaces, the 4x4 looking Trekking model as a touch of flare to the line-up.
Fiat Panda On the Road
The Fiat Panda shares it's DNA with the excellent Fiat 500, which is a great starting point. We had the chance to drive the entry level Panda Pop and Panda Trekking on Australian launch.
Both of the models had good ride and handling, however the Pop wasn't at home on some of Victoria's poor country roads, thanks to a stiff suspension set-up.
Around town with the City Mode activated for lighter steering, it was a breeze to navigate busy CBD streets.
Fiat Panda Challenges
We can't comment on the dualogic gearbox as Carshowroom.com.au didn't get to sample one the launch, but by all reports they aren't the greatest.
Apparently the 5 speed gear box is perfect for the twin air engine but a sixth gear would be welcomed on the 1.2 litre fire.
Fiat Panda Verdict and Competition
The Fiat Panda is a SUV cross mini city car and delivers a commanding driving position that many other city cars dream of.
Its competition however is a little harder to pinpoint. The Fiat 500 and Punto are both a rival to the Panda and each one offers price and size as a drawcard.
The Skoda Yeti is a small SUV inspired city car but with a higher purchase cost, will put many people off.
