Paris 2012: Fiat Panda 4x4
Perhaps not an obvious PH hero the return of the 4x4 Panda is nonetheless something we cheer!
The new Panda 4x4’s torque-on-demand, permanent four-wheel drive transmission has two diffs and an electronically-controlled coupling. Traction is automatically distributed between the front and rear axle according to grip conditions.
Fiat says it’s as happy to tackle mountain mule tracks as it is the urban jungle. Not many mule tracks round our way, but the standard ESC stability control system and ELD (Electronic Locking Differential) function should be useful for scrabbling up more challenging sleeping policemen when council grit supplies run out two days into winter. The ELD function is switchable and operates below 30mph.
Two engine versions are available, both with Start&Stop: the new 85hp 0.9 TwinAir Turbo and the 75 HP 1.3 MultiJet II diesel. That TwinAir should be good in this application as it has 40 per cent more torque than the willing but basically gutless 1.2 Fire of the previous generation.
The rear suspension is lighter and both the ride and cabin noise are improved, says Fiat. It’s well equipped too with climate control, CD/MP3 radio, and what they call burnished 15-inch alloy rims.
Fiat will be showing another ‘regular’ Panda at Paris, the Natural Power. We only mention it because its TwinAir Turbo motor is dual-fuel, running on either petrol or methane. Insert your own jokes here, but it’s an interesting contribution to the debate and shows there’s life in the old IC engine yet.
Dimension | Old Panda | Current Panda |
---|---|---|
Length | 3538 | 3653 |
Width | 1578 | 1882 |
Height | 1540 | 1551 |
Weight | 860 | 1015 |
This car is really everything the modern woman who just wants transport for her and her children really need. It's safe, can carry a couple of kids and all their gear, good on fuel, can handle tricky weather and cheap to run and buy. My Uncles Girlfriend would be a prime candidate except it will be impossible to get her out of her Grande Cherokee.
Nick
where are your pics of the F70 Tub, Mclaren P1 etc...
for those that are interested:
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/26/mclaren-p1-supe...
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=...
Sadly and like many Fiats of its era it began to succumb to the dreaded tin worm and despite my brave efforts I eventually had to admit defeat and scrap it. I even tried to buy a new body shell from Fiat but they refused to sell me one. A terrible waste as it had only done 120,000 miles!
Sadly and like many Fiats of its era it began to succumb to the dreaded tin worm and despite my brave efforts I eventually had to admit defeat and scrap it. I even tried to buy a new body shell from Fiat but they refused to sell me one. A terrible waste as it had only done 120,000 miles!
Its good that we see Fiat winning the drivers car rep back with the Panda, Punto and 500.....
Its good that we see Fiat winning the drivers car rep back with the Panda, Punto and 500.....
None of them rotted like old brit-boxes or the much maligned Lancia beta
Its a good engine. Torquey, willing and suits the 500 well.
It does have its problems though. Its a bit noisy, some think its a bit unrefined (but I like that in the 500), as it only has 2 cylinders your brain seems to think its not revving as high as it is so I have often hit the rev limiter in it (and never done that before in countless other cars) and finally it can't get anywhere near its claimed mpg. 50mpg on a run is the best I've achieved.
However, I'd have another in a heartbeat. Its character outweighs the bad points and I like its 'green-ness'.
Come to think of it, isn't there a Lancia based on the Panda floorplan? They could do it with that and even call it an Integrale. Then enter it in the IRC.
Just remembered this from 5th Gear a few years back. Everyone loves an underdog:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjPJNSZOPm8
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