We review the Fiat Panda from price to economy and all its features
IT’S mating season for Tian Tian and Yang Guang at Edinburgh Zoo.
But those plans could be in jeopardy with a THIRD Panda bamboozling the cuddly couple.
I bear my heart ... our Phil the Panda gets confused and offers little Fiat the food of love
This is the attractive new Fiat Panda, suitably in white and black markings, taking the desire of one of the zoo’s star attractions.
Fortunately the real happy Panda pair have nothing to worry about.
There won’t be any love triangle fight resulting in even more black eyes — because it was only me in a furry suit borrowed from St Mirren’s mascot.
But I loved the new car more than Tian Tian and Yang Guang.
More than 100,000 people have already visited the Pandas in Edinburgh. But the motorised version is even more popular, having sold 6.5MILLION since 1980.
This is undoubtedly the best model yet — and far more economical than its furry cousins. Yang Guang and Tian Tian will cost Edinburgh Zoo £645,000 per year. Just to feed them in bamboo will cost more than £5,000 a month.
The sums adds up far better for the Fiat Panda — it has always stood for fun, no-frills motoring.
Now, 31 years after the original was launched, the third generation has arrived.
Fortunately, Fiat are sticking closely to the tried-and-tested formula — which made it a sales superstar.
The new car is 110mm longer, 50mm wider and 10mm taller than its predecessor, while the wheelbase is still 2,300mm.
And it’s just as cute as the animal, with a cartoon-esque face and curvier features which closely mimic the 500. That’s not really surprising as the new Panda shares its underpinnings.
There’s a more rounded, thrusting front end, a larger glass area and, courtesy of wide alloy wheels, a more “planted on the road” impression.
Blacked-out B and C-pillars create a semi-floating roof effect and LED lights have been added below the headlamps.
But the greatest achievement is that the Panda now looks to be a lot more car than you’d expect for the money.
It’s the same inside, with the high, commanding seating position kept from the previous model. The fascia, in marked contrast to the rather basic original, looks fabulous.
Its design graces the car’s cabin and looks to have come from a more expensive car.
Practicality is ensured with the original car’s large pocket on the passenger’s side while the gearlever is fascia-mounted so it’s always close at hand for distraction-free driving.
The seats don’t just look impressive, they provide excellent support and comfort so taking a long motorway drive in the new Panda shouldn’t be too tough a task... well, as good as it can be in many a small car.
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Plus, like Renault, Fiat have teamed up with Tom-Tom to offer integrated yet removable sat nav.
There’s more room inside thanks to the larger dimensions and slimmed-down seats.
But while passenger space is generous, the 610mm of rear legroom is less than you’ll find in a VW Up! or Kia Picanto.
Still, the Panda does have a unique front passenger seat that folds down to form a table. The rear seat is versatile so it matches whatever you need. It can be a single bench, a 60/40 split backrest or a 50/50 split.
The rear seats can slide back and forth to increase boot space from 206 to 225 litres, or be folded flat to offer 870 litres. So, along with a lower loading load space and wider, more accommodating tailgate, this is a very versatile little car.
As with the original Panda, the new car is offered with two-cylinder engines.
There are two TwinAirs, producing either 64 or 84bhp, as well as a 68bhp, 1.2litre four-cylinder petrol.
We started out in a new Panda powered by Fiat’s acclaimed 0.9litre TwinAir petrol unit.
It was great fun but it’s essential to be in the right gear as the power delivery is short. The pick of the bunch is the 74bhp 1.3litre Multijet diesel.
The Panda retains its character around town thanks to light but direct electric power-steering, yet you’ll find it hard to keep up with traffic on faster country roads and motorways.
On narrow streets, the third window — which is designed to provide good visibility at an angle that is often obscured — gave you a great all-round view. The nifty, responsive engine, agile handling and compact dimensions ensured the drive was relaxing and undemanding.
The precise steering, complete with city mode, and strong brakes made for a confident drive.
The ride, with more sophisticated suspension, is on a par with more expensive, larger cars and the road-holding felt secure and quite sporty.
But what impressed just as much was the feeling that this new Panda is extremely well screwed together with an almost Germanic feel. It’s safe and secure and you always feel in charge.
Running costs will drop as the diesel’s fuel economy has improved from 65.7 to 72.4mpg, while its emissions have tumbled 5g/km to 109g/km.
For tax-free motoring, you’ll have to go for a TwinAir — both fall under the 100g/km barrier.
The previous car’s pricing started at £8,500 and this has increased to just £8,900 for the entry-level 1.2 Pop going up to £12,250 for the top spec 1.3litre Multijet Lounge model.
With that sort of value, this Panda will never be in danger of extinction.