Fiat Panda 100HP
Discussion
I decided recently to replace the Focus I previously had. Requirements were something more fun, reasonably quick, more economical (this wasn't difficult) and something a little less common. After trying a few PD130 engined cars (Ibiza FR, Fabia vRS) and having a look at Mini Coopers, I went back to considering a car one of my friends purchased not too long ago. I was always a fan, and after the test drive, I was sold.
So, I bought a Panda 100HP:
First impressions are that it's really, really good fun. Makes a great noise even at low revs, and then sings once past 4k RPM. Very chuckable, and makes even low-speed driving interesting and fun. It will spin up the inside wheel even with good tyres (original-spec Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3s), which is a laugh. Pretty well equipped, with climate control, an mp3 CD player (with, I believe, AUX-in capability), and Bluetooth. It's actually quite comfortable, although as well-documented, it can pogo along a bit on certain roads, and speedbumps are not friendly. However, I think this somehow adds to the experience. No doubt it may get a bit tiresome on long journeys, but I can forgive it of that. Road noise is not actually that bad. Brakes and clutch can be a bit 'grabby', but then again I haven't turned sport mode off yet, but why would I? My 205 GTI driving Mum thinks it's quite nice too, so I guess that's a good thing.
Excuse the photos, I was playing a bit, and CBA doing a proper job of blanking numberplates.
I seem to be getting 42mpg around town, dropping a bit on a hoon, and nearly 50mpg on long A-road runs. Haven't taken it on a motorway yet. I can conclude that so far it's a great steer, and ticks all the boxes. Some people round here seem to give it a few looks, as they are actually quite rare on the road, plus the fact that it's black and has tints makes me look a little like a drug dealer. But equally it's a funky little car so gives mixed signals I guess.
Definitely a fan!
So, I bought a Panda 100HP:
First impressions are that it's really, really good fun. Makes a great noise even at low revs, and then sings once past 4k RPM. Very chuckable, and makes even low-speed driving interesting and fun. It will spin up the inside wheel even with good tyres (original-spec Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3s), which is a laugh. Pretty well equipped, with climate control, an mp3 CD player (with, I believe, AUX-in capability), and Bluetooth. It's actually quite comfortable, although as well-documented, it can pogo along a bit on certain roads, and speedbumps are not friendly. However, I think this somehow adds to the experience. No doubt it may get a bit tiresome on long journeys, but I can forgive it of that. Road noise is not actually that bad. Brakes and clutch can be a bit 'grabby', but then again I haven't turned sport mode off yet, but why would I? My 205 GTI driving Mum thinks it's quite nice too, so I guess that's a good thing.
Excuse the photos, I was playing a bit, and CBA doing a proper job of blanking numberplates.
I seem to be getting 42mpg around town, dropping a bit on a hoon, and nearly 50mpg on long A-road runs. Haven't taken it on a motorway yet. I can conclude that so far it's a great steer, and ticks all the boxes. Some people round here seem to give it a few looks, as they are actually quite rare on the road, plus the fact that it's black and has tints makes me look a little like a drug dealer. But equally it's a funky little car so gives mixed signals I guess.
Definitely a fan!
CanadianScot said:
Love these little cars, extremely tempted as I'm on the hunt for my next car.
One thing I'm not sure of though, how much room is there in the back and in the boot? Do the seats fold flat?
The boot apparently is bigger than the Mini and Suzuki Swift. I'm 6 foot 2 and I can fit in the back of my friend's Panda, although ideally not for a long time. There is a fair bit of space behind the front passenger if they move their seat forward. The back seats are split-fold, but as far as I can tell, the seat bases don't fold. Still gives you a fair bit of room though.One thing I'm not sure of though, how much room is there in the back and in the boot? Do the seats fold flat?
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