Coinciding with the
commercial launch of the new Fiat Panda in Italy, the
outgoing second-generation version will continue in
production in Poland for the foreseeable future. It will
initially continue to be sold on four European markets -
Italy, France, Spain and Hungary - with more to follow.
Retaining the last-generation Panda will help Fiat to
cover the low-cost entry point of A-segment,
particularly as for the first time it is under serious
pressure from the VW Group in a segment it has
traditionally led. With VW planning to launch refettled
versions of its new up! via its captive Skoda and SEAT
brands at lower price points, the new Panda will have
its work cut out if it is to retain its preeminent
segment position.
Launched in 2003 and
having been sold in 76 countries around the world
(although essentially it is a European market model),
the second series of the Fiat Panda has improved its
market share in A-segment. In 2011 it captured 38% of
A-segment in Italy and was thus comfortably the
best-selling car in this category, ahead of the Fiat
500. And with its 15.7% share, it has also proven to be
Europe's best-selling city car. Backed up by this
success, today the outgoing Panda, which now gains the
extra "Classic" tag, is being retained in the line-up
but rationalised.
The model has been
heavily rationalised across the 4x2 version and keeps
only one version, called Classic. It is available with
the 69 HP 1.2 petrol, 75 HP 1.3 MultiJet 16v diesel, 69
HP 1.2 EasyPower (LPG/petrol) and 77 HP 1.4 Natural
Power (methane/petrol) engines. The Classic version
offers as standard front airbags, ABS complete with EBD,
height-adjustable steering wheel, Dualdrive electric
power steering, electric windows, central locking, radio
set-up, bumpers in body colour and protective strips.
The price list (turn-key)
starts at 9,050 euros on the Italian market for the 69
HP 1.2 Classic version; however for the launch it will
be available at 7,900 euros for the base model, 8,650
euros equipped with manual climate control, or 8,850
with the "Climate Pack" which contains manual climate
control, fog lights and roof rack bars.
The Panda Climbing 4x4
version also continues, it offers on demand four-wheel
drive, and can be fitted with the 69 HP 1.2 petrol and
75 HP 1.3 MultiJet 16v diesel engines. Standard
equipment comprises of front and side airbags, ABS
complete with EBD, height-adjustable steering wheel and
driver's seat, radio system with CD and MP3 player,
Dualdrive electric power steering, under-engine covers,
electric windows, central locking and protective strips.
ESP complete with electronic locking differential is
available as an extra.
The exterior and interior
colour selection has also been rationalised; however
after the cutbacks there are still six body colours:
three pastels (Bianco
Bianco, Giallo Ottimista and a non-standard Rosso
Sfrontato) and three metallic shades (Grigio
Perbene, Grigio Sfrenato and Nero Provocatore). Lastly,
the 'Vision' fabric in a new shade of Anthracite/Grey is
available for the Classic version, while the Panda
Climbing offers two interior trims, a Sand/Black fabric
and a black 'jeans' fabric.
|
|
Classic (4X2) |
Climbing (4X4) |
|
69 HP 1.2 petrol |
X |
X |
|
75 HP 1.3
MultiJet 16v diesel |
X |
X |
|
77 HP 1.4 Natural
Power (methane/petrol) |
X |
N/A |
|
69 HP 1.2
Easypower (LPG/petrol) |
X |
N/A |
