The Panda Young arrives in two versions: the entry version kicks off at R99,900, while the Young+, which adds additional features such as alloy wheels, CD/MP3 player and fog lights, is being priced at R106,900 in the South African showrooms. Both prices including VAT and 'eco' tax.

"We’re very excited to be launching the new Panda Young and Young+ models because we know they offer customers the very best value proposition within the entry-level segment," says Oscar Rivoli, Managing Director, Fiat Group Automobiles South Africa. "Within the past few months there has been a lot of activity in the supermini market segment with both Japanese and Korean competitors upping their game by bringing new and revised products to the table - all with the emphasis on value for money.

"The advantage the Panda has over its rivals, however, is that it offers the most complete package at the price," continues Rivoli. "The Panda Young, for example, with a sticker price of just under R100,000 is the only budget supermini to offer a full complement of safety and comfort features including ABS with EBD, dual front airbags, air conditioning, trip computer and central locking as standard. And, for a price premium of just R5,000 for the Panda Young+ you’re getting alloys, foglights and a dash-integrated stereo system – no compromise whatsoever. On top of this, you’re getting a decent-sized 1.2-litre four-cylinder powerplant that can more than hold its own around town and as an open-road cruiser. In fact, with reference to the latter, I defy anyone to test the Panda and not be impressed by its cruising ability – the flexibility, quietness and overall pep of the motor is without peer in this class of car."

Performance is courtesy of the tried and tested 8V 44 kW, 1.2-litre powerplant which is now exclusively available in the Young and Young+ Pandas. 102 Nm of torque for this mill comes in at a very accessible 2,500 rpm. The 0-100 km/h dash is dispatched in 14 seconds while a very laudable 5.6 L /100km in the combined fuel cycle is more than achievable. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard on both models.

The paint options consist of Mambo Yellow, Tribal Violet, Cumbia Beige, Surf Azure, Azzuro Cappelini and Fiat’s signature pearlescent Funk White, while to match this range of exterior hues, there’s also a choice of three new (to South Africa) cloth interior combinations – grey/blue, grey/beige and grey/black – all featuring a unique circular art deco design.

The Panda Young, now on sale on the South African market, offers as standard equipment: body-coloured front grille with chrome-plated inserts as well as body-coloured front and rear bumpers with black protective inserts. “Young” badging on the tailgate, 13-inch steel wheels with a new-design of hub cap, follow-me-home lights, Fiat rolling code immobiliser, heated rear window with rear wiper, full-size spare, multifunction control panel with trip computer, key-operated central locking, Dualdrive electric power steering with 'City' function, manual climate control, electric front windows, autolock, rear padded headrests, dual front airbags (passenger bag has manual deactivation), ABS with EBD, front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters and wiring for a stereo system with four speakers and a rear stylus aerial. The Panda Young+ ,meanwhile adds 14-inch alloy wheels, front foglights, “Young+” badging  as well as a dash-integrated stereo system with CD, MP3 player and four speakers.

The revised Panda range has 20,000 km service intervals (or once a year) and enjoys full South African after-sales support thanks to a comprehensive parts inventory (housed and distributed in an a state-of-the-art facility) and the back-up of trained technicians at Fiat dealerships countrywide. Fiat Auto South Africa offers a three-year/100,000 km Warranty (three years on paintwork and five years on rust anti-perforation) as well as an optional three-year/60,000 km service plan on the new Panda models. The service plan is priced at just R4 750,70 including VAT. 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 and is available by calling the dedicated toll-free number.