Fiat unveils a new Panda

Can Fiat’s latest Panda knock the spots off the opposition?

FIAT is set to unveil its new Panda at the forthcoming Frankfurt Motor Show.
The new arrival, which will go on sale in UK next spring, is a consistent evolution of a highly successful city car that has always been a by-word for functional design, manoeuvrability, space, reliability and comfort.
While still remaining true to its compact design brief, new Panda has ‘grown’ by just a few centimetres to ensure the attainment of the highest safety standards, and improve the  passenger and luggage space. The car can comfortably accommodate up to five people and is equipped with one of the largest luggage spaces in its segment.
Now in its third guise, the Panda has taken a major step forward in  comfort, technology and safety equipment.
An all-new flexible interior and an elegant new exterior featuring softer, rounded shapes combine with built quality.
Buyers can choose from two TwinAir twin cylinder engines: the International Engine of the Year 2011 85bhp TwinAir Turbo, or the brand new 65bhp naturally aspirated TwinAir, both equipped with Start and Stop as standard. The recently revised four cylinder  69bhp 1.2 litre Fire engine completes the petrol engine range at launch, but a state-of-the-art turbodiesel 75bhp 1.3 litre MultiJet 2  engine, also with Start and Stop as standard, will also be offered.
First models will be front-wheel drive only, but a four-wheel drive version is planned.  Safety has been a priority in the new design, and new Panda has four airbags, ABS anti-lock braking with a brake assist system, front seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, Isofix attachments for child seats, anti-whiplash front head restraints, rear headrests, and Daytime Running Lights – all as standard.
And the car can accept Blue&Me-TomTom LIVE, a device that combines the advantages of an infotainment system which is integrated and connected with those of a portable navigator. The system allows customers to use mobile phones and media players in complete safety, without ever removing their hands from the steering wheel, while providing a distinctive navigational experience, built into the dashboard, and offering the most accurate traffic information updated in real time.