Fiat Panda spied

Our spies snare third-generation Fiat baby on test ahead of its September debut

Auto Express Car Reviews

Text: Sam Hardy / Photos: Automedia

28th July 2011

Out of captivity and released into the wild... These are the first spy shots of the new Fiat Panda, which will debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show before going on sale next spring.

What’s different about this third-generation car? Well, as you can see from our pictures, the MPV-style silhouette is the same, but designers have made it slightly less boxy. The curvier body panels are inspired by the 500 city car, and extended wheelarches are meant to copy larger SUVs.

Sources tell us that the Panda will be more practical than ever, as well as more stylish. It sits on a modified platform that shares components with the 500 and all-new Chrysler Ypsilon, and is around 10cm longer. It’s wider, too, which will increase passenger and luggage space.

Under the bonnet, the new model will come with a choice of three ultra-efficient engines. A 900cc two-cylinder TwinAir petrol unit from the 500 will be offered in 65bhp and 85bhp tune, while there will also be a normally aspirated 1.2-litre four-cylinder with around 70bhp. The sole diesel choice will be a 95bhp 1.3-litre Multijet unit. Most models will come with a conventional manual gearbox, but a Dualogic robotised automatic set-up is expected, too. All engine variants will get stop-start to boost economy and reduce emissions.

While the standard Panda will hit dealers in April, a 4x4 version isn’t due until the end of next year.

For an alternative review of the latest Fiat Panda visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

What Next

For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift!

< Previous Next >

1 Comment

New But Will It Be Better?

The Panda has remained virtually the same over its entire life-span. Over 2 million produced, so Fiat must be getting it right. I owned a 1.3JTD model which I thoroughly enjoyed and will certainly look at this new model when it arrives. The present Panda, with its recent Euro V engine up-grades, still looks fresh and may be a hard act to follow. Let's hope that Fiat don't just make it bigger for the sake of it thereby spoiling what is still a car worth owning.

By n50pap on 29 July, 2011, 8:54am

You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join.