The most important debut from a sales point of view for the Fiat Group at the Frankfurt Motor Show is the brand-new, third generation Fiat Panda city car. With more than 6.5 million sales spread over two generations and 31 years, the Panda is one of Fiat’s most successful models.
The 2012 Panda has been completely renewed and comes with a larger body, fresh looks, improved versatility and a new range of engines.
Available only as a five-door model, the new Panda has grown in length from 3,538mm to 3,650mm, in width from 1,578mm to 1,640mm, and in height from 1,450mm to 1,550mm.
And while the outgoing Panda was more or less for four passengers, Fiat claims that its successor can “comfortably accommodate up to five people” adding that is equipped with one of the “roomiest luggage compartments in its segment”.
The Italian city car will be available with a choice of six different fuel-efficient engines including a pair of TwinAir 0.9-liter two-cylinder gasoline units in naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants producing 65HP and 85HP respectively, a 1.2-liter four-cylinder gasoline with 69HP, and a 1.3-liter Multijet diesel with auto stop-start technology.
Furthermore, Fiat will also offer a petrol/methane version of the 0.9 liter turbocharged unit and a petrol/LPG version of the 1.2-liter unit.
All engines are linked to a five-speed manual gearbox, with a semiautomatic “Dualogic” to be offered on the options list.
Production of the new Panda will begin before the end of the year with European sales to start immediately after.
PHOTO GALLERY
