Fiat Auto South Africa is widening further the scope of its Panda line-up with a new model coming it at either end of the range: the entry-level 1.1 Active and the range-topping 100 HP.

When you think Fiat, you think small cars. The undisputed champion of the compact car, the Italian automaker has been churning out personality-packed small cars in the mould of the Panda, the Uno and, of course, the 500, for generations. Where Fiat has truly lifted its game, though, is that it has managed to infuse its latest offerings with real substance and quality, while not forgetting the traditional attributes and values that are encoded in the company's DNA. In the case of the Panda, the credit goes to a design that has generated a car of compact external dimensions gifted with the level of comfort we now expect from larger cars – it’s ‘almost’ an MPV.

In detail, since its launch (and up to September 2006), more than 650,000 units have been registered in Europe, a result that makes this the biggest selling model in its market segment. If one considers the results for 2005 alone, the Fiat Panda achieved a 32% share of the supermini segment with sales of 200,000 in Europe (in Italy it exceeded 45% with approximately 130,000 units delivered). And more: in 2005, the European sales mix favoured the Dynamic specification (39.5%), followed by the Active (22%) and the extremely well-appointed Emotion (14%) – the latter is not available in South Africa. This shows that European customers tend to go for the top specifications since they appreciate the advantageous content/price ratio. The best-equipped 4x4 version (1.2 4x4 Climbing) accounts for nearly 13% of total model sales. And is also the biggest-selling off-road vehicle in Italy with sales of 75,000. The sales figures for 2006 confirm continuing customer interest for the Panda because the market share is virtually the same as the previous year. The excellent sales figures are also confirmed by the 18 awards received from the international motoring press, including the prestigious ‘Car of The Year 2004’ and ‘Auto Europa 2004’ awards.

In South Africa, the Panda’s been breeding and the result is two brand new products to extend the family: the 1.1 Active and the Panda 100 HP. In addition, there’s been a model year refresher to bring the 2007 Pandas bang up to date with current tastes. First and foremost, the new range introduces four new body colours: Surf Azure, Samba Orange, New Orleans Blue and Cumbia Beige. As far as the Panda is concerned, colour is not just a matter of superficial looks but an integral part of a product philosophy based on personality, flair and style. No changes have been made to the model’s original, dynamic shape. The Panda Model Year 2007 complements these lines with a stylish dark grey facia and new interiors featuring brand new colours and fabrics: all this authenticates the impression of great quality that the model conveys at first glance.

Panda 100 HP

Its very name, ‘Panda 100 HP’, tells you this is not just an exterior face-lift. The new car is fitted with a brand new 1.4 16v power unit that develops a power output of 100 bhp (74 kW in South African speak) at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 131 Nm at 4250 rpm. When equipped with this engine, the Panda 100 HP reaches a top speed of 185 km/h, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 9.5 seconds and consumes 6.5 l/100 km over a combined cycle. This performance, attractive by any standards, will satisfy young customers who continually seek performance but wish to stand out from the crowd. For some, though, it’s the intoxicating sound of the engine that bowls them over. As Britain’s renowned Autocar magazine put it: “The Panda is better when it goes faster, and there’s much to encourage you, not least the excellent-sounding engine, whose sporty warblings rise from idle through to the pleasingly soft 7000rpm cut-out.”

On the outside, the Panda 100 HP reveals itself to be a car with a true sporty vocation with rear spoiler, ‘privacy’ (darkened) glass for the rear windows, chromed exhaust pipe finisher, lowered suspension, special bumpers with a sporty grille, colour-coded door handles, front foglamps and new 15” alloys shod with 195/45-15” tyres which provide chewing-gum grip.
 

The same aggressive stamp is also evident in the passenger compartment, where customers will appreciate a leather steering wheel and gear knob, sports seats with special trim, split rear seats, a full on-board computer including ambient temperature reading, warning lights for boot-open/door-open/lights-on, auto-locking door function, remote steering wheel controls for the integrated stereo with MP3 and a black facia with chrome details – these features are on top of the already well-kitted 1.2 Dynamic. The 100 HP is naturally equipped with ABS, EBD and dual front airbags, but the safety kit is further topped up with side airbags.

Toys of a sporty nature that the Panda 100 HP boasts include: 6-speed manual gearbox, rear disc brakes, 25% stiffer springs (coupled with a 25mm lower ride height), a very special ‘Sport’ button on the facia. When the latter is selected, it tightens up the steering to give it more feel, while at the same time sharpening the throttle response to allow you to exploit your spirited driving style to the full. The Panda 100 HP colour range is also made up of five colours: red, black, white, blue and grey (the last two are new). A special ‘Pandemonia’ pack available at the launch will further accentuate the raciness of the new version with chrome side stickers (red if the body is white), red brake callipers, door mirrors and 15” alloys with silver treatment, sporty pedals and special interior mats.

Panda 1.1 Active

Coming in at the affordable end of the Panda range is new 1.1 Active. This tried and tested, supremely reliable engine has already been used on successful models such as the Seicento and first Panda. The torque delivery curve ensures a satisfying drive around town while keeping fuel consumption down and offering the sort of peak performance that sets the version at the top of its category.

This youthful, eager engine is a 4 cylinder in-line unit from the Fire family. It develops a power output of 40 kW at 5000 rpm while the torque rises to a maximum value of 88 Nm at 2750 rpm. It’s mated to a five-speed manual box. The result: comforting acceleration (from 0 to 100 km/h in 15 seconds) and a top speed of 150 km/h. Bore and stroke specifications are 72 x 70 mm. The cylinder head is two valves per cylinder but with a single overhead camshaft driven by a toothed belt. The tappets are driven directly. The crankcase is in cast iron with an aluminium cylinder head. The oil sump is made out of sheet steel. The lubrication system on the 1108 cc is forced circulation type with coaxial gear pump and full flow filter.

This layout is in keeping with the specific vocation of this power unit to offer running economy, low emissions and frugal fuel consumption. Over a combined route, the 1100 engine consumes 5.7 l/100 km, an absolutely outstanding result. Although entry-level in price, the new 1.1 Active is no stripped-out bargain-basement beginner with mean spec. The only external visual differentiator between the 1.1 and the 1.2 Dynamic are the black bumpers (colour-coded as a cost option) and a different full wheel trim design. Moving indoors, the 1.1 forgoes a rev counter and air conditioning (available as a R6000 cost option). The following are some of the feature highlights of the new 1.1 Active: dual-mode power steering with City function (lightens steering at parking speeds for ease of manoeuvrability), dual front airbags; heated rear window with window wiper; height-adjustable steering column; front electric windows; key-operated central locking; four headrests; headlight adjuster and three cupholders.

Enhancing the ownership prospect, the New Fiat Panda has 20,000 km service intervals, and enjoys full after-sales support in South Africa thanks to a comprehensive parts inventory (housed and distributed in an all-new, state-of-the-art facility) and the back-up of trained technicians at Fiat dealerships countrywide. Fiat Auto South Africa offers Fiat owners a 24-month Manufacturer Warranty, unlimited mileage and an additional 12-month Dealer Extended Warranty or up to 100 000km in total, three years on paintwork and five years on rust anti-perforation. The new models are covered by the AA Fleetcare roadside assistance for 12 months. The service is active 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Panda 1.1 Active is priced at R89,900 while the Panda 100 HP is R124,900.