AT A TIME WHEN manufacturers are rushing to launch new so-called 'city cars' Fiat, one of the original pioneers of the diminutive mode of transport, has launched its new Panda.
But rather than refer to its newcomer as a city car, Fiat boss Olivier Francois sums it up as “the official car for doing whatever the hell you like.”
The reason for such boldness? Fiat's ethos behind building the Panda is based on offering the "essential" car for people who will use it as their only car.
The interior has a much more spacious and roomy feel to it, certainly when compared to the previous Panda, and visibility is nothing short of spectacular. It's exactly what you want when negotiating bumper-to-bumper city traffic, and the super-light, responsive steering merely further boosts feeling of fun.
And, of course, Scotland has a certain penchant for Pandas at the moment, with the current residency of Chinese duo Tian Tian and Yang Guang in Edinburgh Zoo.
But while they munch their way through irreverent volumes of bamboo, Fiat dealers across Scotland are giving showroom space to the third-generation four-wheel Panda. It's available in three specs — Pop, Easy and Lounge — and prices start at £8900 for the entry-level Pop 1.2-litre, and rise to £12,250 for the Lounge 1.3 Multijet diesel.
The new model retains the essential Panda mechanical layout, but a number of cost-saving chassis and suspension parts have been incorporated.
Not only is the little car stiffer, but Fiat has also tackled noise and vibration levels generated by the engine, wind and road. Strangely, at a time when most manufacturers are doing what they can to reduce the weight of their new models, the Panda has actually gained 60kg: it now tips the scales at 930kg.
One figure though which has been cut is its aero drag figure, which plummets from 0.40 to 0.33: the newcomer isn't quite the brick through the air which previous models have been.
Its also grown in size. Though the wheelbase remains 2300mm, it's 114mm longer, 11mm taller and 65mm wider at the waistline than the outgoing model.
The cabin is a masterclass in storage: there are no fewer than 14 different compartments for gadgets. Fiat's designers have uncompromisingly concentrated on stylish practicality for the interior. And it'll get even better later in the year when the option of a sliding rear-seat enters the range.
The dash has been redesigned to improve layout and ease of use, while the fascia is not only practical but is rather eye-catching.
The interior has a much more spacious and roomy feel to it, certainly when compared to the current Panda, and visibility is nothing short of spectacular. It's exactly what you want when negotiating bumper-to-bumper city traffic, and the super-light, responsive steering merely further boosts feeling of fun.
And talking of fun, have a close look at the plastic in the doors and the fascia: the pattern is the word 'Panda' used in very small lettering in a number of styles. It actually works really well.
What's also instantly noticeable is the car is much quieter on the road. Not only that, but it feels as though it rides much flatter over the surface, resulting in a more comfortable driving experience.
The new range includes three engine choices, including the entry-level 1.2-litre 69bhp Fire. Fiat's groundbreaking 900cc TwinAir technology is also available with two versions, turbocharged (85bhp) and normally aspirated (65BHP). Both use a developed version of Fiat’s uniquely flexible valve timing system, dubbed MultiAir II: and both have CO2 figures which duck below the psychological 100g/km barrier.
For diesel lovers, there's the turbodiesel 75bhp, 1.3-litre MultiJet II unit, and even this produces just 103g/km CO2.
The new 2WD Panda range will be supplemented by a Panda 4WD in September, just in time for the winter snow. Not only does the mini offroader gain extra-strength suspension mountings, but it also gets unique spring/damper/anti-roll bar rates which deliver increased wheel travel.
Surprisingly, only around 7% of buyers of the new Panda will opt for the little diesel, and the though 1.2 will capture most volume, the TwinAir turbo — starting at £9400 — is the one which is the growing in stature.
Capable of being driven for economy or performance, it almost represents two cars in one. One approach will deliver 67mpg, while the devil inside you will be able to cover the 0-62mph sprint in 11.2secs. It also returns just 99g/km CO2.
Since it was originally launched 30 years ago, Fiat has sold an average of 200,000 Pandas a year and production recently passed 6.5 million. The new generation will only add to the Panda's success.
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/scotcars
Jim McGill