The new Panda is essentially a conservative car in concept and design. Built on an all-new platform which Fiat claims is very stiff, it’s a conventional steel monocoque in construction that contributes to a relatively light kerbweight of only 840kg on the entry-level 1.1 Active, despite a bodyshell designed with the latest thinking in impact resistance.
Shunning the temptation to make a cute-eyed retro car, the new Panda is a fusion of city car, SUV and MPV styling themes. Though tall (1578mm), a fact accentuated by its narrow-ness (1589mm), and with a bluff front, it nevertheless enjoys a respectable Cd of 0.33. The cross-bred style is emphasised by blacked-out B- and C-pillars and the fitment of roof rails – standard on the Eleganza model featured here. The nose includes Fiat’s new corporate grille.
Fiat’s acclaimed 70bhp 1.3 Multijet diesel doesn’t join the Panda line-up until summer, so for now buyers can only choose between two eight-valve petrol engines. The ‘Fire’ motors have been around for nearly two decades, but Fiat has adopted a new Marelli injection system, new manifolds and different profile camshafts in its latest round of tweaks and developed a new engine installation system to keep cabin vibrations to a minimum. A 1.1-litre version powering the cheapest cars delivers 54bhp, but the 1.2-litre derivative tested here kicks out 60bhp at 5000rpm and a strong 75lb ft at only 2500rpm. All engines drive the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox.
The suspension design is equally orthodox, comprising MacPherson struts up front and a torsion-beam rear axle. Most Pandas run on modest 155/80 R13 rubber all round, but the Eleganza comes fitted with lower-profile 165/65 R14 tyres. Only the Multijet enjoys the luxury of ventilated front discs: all other Pandas run solid 240mm discs up front and 180mm drums at the rear. Anti-lock is standard.
