INTRODUCTION
A vehicle
with original styling that is striking for its dynamism. Once you climb
aboard, the same car conveys all the practicality and comfort of a higher
category car. This, in brief, is the spirit of the new supermini due to
go on sale in September. Its name? The Panda.
Appealing,
easy to remember and sustained by the over twenty years of success of the
model launched in 1980, the Panda name is part of Fiat's heritage.
It
is, therefore, a symbolic hand-over. September 5 marks the last day of
production of the small car which in Italian motoring and social history
has come to represent a unique new way of relating to the car, a way that
is more immediate, more relaxed and easier.
Over
the years the name Panda has become a veritable brand name, full of emotional
overtones, and one that motorists in Italy and the rest of Europe are still
extremely fond of. Statistics say that in Italy almost 90% of the public
recall the name, compared to less than 40% in the case of other well known
cars on the market.
The
new supermini now takes up this baton, reviving not only the name Panda
(which market research has shown to be particularly attractive to the public),
but also the spirit of the car, with a modern interpretation of its values
in terms of product and personality that have made the name Panda a real
icon in the public imagination.
In
addition, Fiat Auto's decision to call its new car the Panda completely
eliminates the concerns expressed by a competitor regarding a similarity
between the name of one of its cars already on the market and 'Gingo',
the name by which the new car was known during its previews.
And
so Fiat will take its rightful place as leader of this growing segment
where so much history bears its name: from the first 600 to the 500, from
the 126 to the first Panda and from the Cinquecento to the Seicento. The
first people to discover the car as an irreplaceable means of individual
mobility drove Fiat city cars. And they learned how to appreciate cars
that could be good-looking, reliable and fun to drive at low cost despite
their lack of space, weight and cylinder capacity. Now the baton passes
to the New Panda.
Our
aim: to focus on the perennial winning attributes of Fiat city cars. When
it built its new supermini, Fiat was able to call on the great engineering
and design heritage that it has built up over the years and the unique
know-how of a company that has always led the European market in this segment.
This unbroken success reveals how Fiat has always succeeded in the mini
segment in terms of sheer numbers but also and above all by winning the
trust of its customers: trust in the Fiat brand and in the experience of
its designers.
The
new model's ambitions do not stop here. With the New Panda, Fiat is determined
to take quality levels into a different league as far as comfort, safety,
engineering and equipment are concerned. Its aim is to interpret its age-old
supermini know-how in the light of changes undergone by the customers of
this market band and the rosy prospects for future growth.
Renewed
interest in this type of car mirrors changes in the market. The mini segment
is now a fast-changing universe that attracts customers who traditionally
buy such cars but also motorists from other market bands.
In
this sector we must also consider a very diverse demand determined by different
car applications (mainly around town but also over medium-long distances),
different annual mileages and different personal requirements. All these
customers share the fact that they choose a supermini as a response to
certain needs. These are not restricted to a need for saving but also a
need for a relationship with the car that must be entertaining and practical,
relaxed and environmentally friendly, fun and economical.
The
latest addition to the Fiat family represents the state of the art in this
particular category. It is the most advanced current response to people
who want a car with compact exterior dimensions that is equipped with all
the comforts that bigger cars have led us to expect; designed for low fuel
consumption but no less of a lively performer; ideal in town traffic but
still perfect over longer trips, always able to assure its occupants a
relaxed drive.
Its
very ability to meet different needs, however conflicting, allows the New
Panda to stand as a benchmark for those who experience the car in complete
freedom and appreciate its everyday usefulness. Down-to-earth, smart customers
who do not fall into the trap of following the latest fashion but instead
prefer to achieve the right balance between new styling and true practicality.
As
far as such customers are concerned, the new model is a veritable mix of
different car types. On the one hand, it offers all the roominess, flexibility
and modularity of an MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle). On the other, the driver's
seating level in relation to the ground is high and it has the all-terrain
look of a small SUV. The New Panda also borrows from conventional saloons
all the driving satisfaction and on-board wellbeing that can be assured
by a host of devices and systems, some absolutely unique to the supermini
spectrum.
All
in all, the New Panda sets new standards of comfort and practicality in
this category. Yet it still offers appealing, original styling and an impish
air that will raise an answering grin from anyone who is forced to tackle
the heavy traffic, lack of space and frenetic pace of life typical of town
centres. The New Panda is bound to arouse continual surprise for its ability
to adapt to different situations and the needs of its driver. A model that
offers four different motoring experiences that make the car unique in
the motoring world:
- flexibility
and practicality
-
style and character
-
technology and innovation
-
substance and quality.
Firstly,
the new model is a flexible and practical car. Its attributes of roominess
and ergonomics, for example, set it at the top of its category while the
extensive range offers everyone the version that best meets their needs.
The New Panda is just the first member of a family that is destined to
grow in time: the 4x4 version and the outgoing off-roader, will be the
next to follow it over the next few years.
Style
and character. Evident from an original, dynamic shape that makes it look
for all the world like a small SUV. Plus new design interiors that confirm
the impression of great quality that the model conveys at first glance.
An appealing car that may be customised with the wide array of accessories
on offer.
Technology
and innovation are the key words that define the New Panda experience.
Hence the new car comes with engines that are lively performers but decidedly
thrifty when it comes to fuel consumption (the results are among the best
in the car's category) and represent an effective solution in and out of
town. Pride of place goes to the 70 bhp 1.3 16v Multijet engine, the best
automotive engineering can offer in the small turbodiesel field. These
power units are combined with reliable, innovative gearboxes such as the
Dualogic.
The
new Fiat city car is also one of the safest superminis in its category.
The credit goes to the many sophisticated devices and systems adopted to
ensure preventive, active and passive safety. Not to mention the fact that
once you climb aboard, you discover the great pleasure of driving and travelling
due above all to the automatic air conditioner and Skydome sunroof.
Lastly,
the New Panda is a car of substance and quality. It was created using robust
design technology for which Fiat deployed its best resources and most sophisticated
procedures. The result is a reliable, top-quality car that boasts exclusive
equipment within the safety and comfort field. For example, the torsional
stiffness of the bodyshell is among the best in its segment (70,500 daNm/rad)
while the New Panda is the only car in its category to have 99% of its
interior surface lined. And more. The new supermini has passed the toughest
tests to ensure maximum protection of driver and passengers.
All
these features make the New Panda a fun pint-sized car that also represents
fantastic value for money with its winning package of features, running
costs and resale value. |