Available initially with a choice of three frugal, ultra-low emissions, Euro 5-specification engines: 69bhp 1.2-litre petrol, 85bhp 0.9-litre TwinAir, and 75bhp 1.3-litre MultiJet 2 turbodiesel, the new Fiat Panda can be ordered in three different trim levels - Pop, Easy and Lounge.
Standard equipment in the entry level Pop includes electric windows, central locking, Dualdrive electric power steering, four airbags and body colour bumpers. The options list includes ESP, roof rails and black pastel paint.
Easy trim versions add remote central locking, air conditioning, roof rails and a higher grade audio system, while Lounge additionally receives heated electric mirrors, 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, body coloured mirrors and door handles, and side mouldings.
Safety features include up to six airbags, double seatbelt pretensioners, an active anti-whiplash head restraint system, and available ESP. In addition, a new Low Speed Collision Mitigation system will become available for the first time. This uses a laser sensor on the windscreen to scan a space a short distance in front of the vehicle to determine the risk of a collision. It is capable of automatically activating emergency braking at speeds less than 30km/h (18.6mph).
A long list of available options and a choice of 10 exterior colours and six interior/dashboard combinations will allow customers to personalise their car to suit their own needs and tastes.
"I'm delighted that we remain highly competitive against our key rivals in this small car sector," says Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK. "We are particularly good value when you take into consideration the levels of equipment offered in standard specification across the range."
With a starting price of just £8900 OTR, Fiat hopes the new 5-door Panda will represent value for money for customers when compared to the car's benchmark rivals. At the top end of the range, a highly specified version equipped with Fiat's 1.3 MultiJet 2 turbodiesel engine costs £12,250 - an OTR price that includes air conditioning, roof rails, Start&Stop and alloy wheels as standard.
The new Fiat Panda will go on sale in the UK at the end of February.
Posted on 08.02.2012
