2012 Fiat Panda

Fiat presents the new Panda at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. It is a consistent evolution of a successful city car that in its 31-year history has always been a synonym of functional design, manoeuvrability, space, reliability and comfort.

The Panda is all this and something more: a brand rich in strong rational and emotional value, which has won over more than 6.5 million drivers by supplying simple but smart solutions for the real necessities of everyday mobility.

Everything is a whole lot easier on board the Panda. It is easier to move, park, have the right amount of space and modulate it to your liking, feel at ease and relate with others. Important solutions that are expressed in a philosophy of life.

What's more, before being a car the Panda is an idea that has generated another way of experiencing a car in total freedom. That's because today as always, whoever chooses a Panda is free from the conventional mould, fashions and classifications. In a sense, you could say that it is an unconventional car, which from its very first generation was able to astonish with simple yet not obvious solutions. Indeed, it is precisely its vocation of structural and constructive simplicity that now allows it to further evolve without ever losing its true nature of revolutionary car. Suffice it to say that it was the first car of its segment to bear the prestigious title of 'Car of the Year 2004'. It was the first compact (less than 4 metres in length) to feature a diesel engine (1986) and it was the first to offer both four-wheel drive (1983) and a range of eco-friendly engines designed to limit fuel consumption (the Panda Elettra was introduced in 1990, one of the first electric cars). It was the first 4x4 city car to reach Everest's high-tech base camp at an altitude of 5,200 metres (2004).

With the third generation, the Panda has reached full maturity, making a further qualitative leap in terms of comfort, technology and safety equipment, and making its appearance with a new, modern and harmonious look. But without giving up that 'roguish' and ready-for-anything soul that has always distinguished it.

Starting from the concept that every one of us has different requirements, the new Panda makes maximum use of the interior space, minimising the obstructions. Although continuing to be a very compact car, the Panda has grown just a few centimetres to ensure the attainment of the highest standards of safety and improve the generous level of passenger room and capacity of the boot still further. With a length of 365 centimetres, a width of 164 and a height of 155, the new Panda can comfortably accommodate up to five people and is equipped with one of the roomiest luggage compartments in its segment. In addition, modularity is enhanced thanks to the numerous storage compartments and the different front and rear seat configurations.

Besides, every one of us has our own lifestyle, a personal relationship with our own objects, our own way of distributing them in space. And of finding them. So in this sense the new model is a place to fill in an entirely personal way, but at the same time it is a place that you are glad to share with others.

Once again, Fiat is raising the bar to prove that it is leading the evolution of the super-compact segment, where a large part of history carries its name: from the first 600 to the 500, from the 126 to the first Panda, from the Cinquecento to the Seicento, from the second generation Panda (2003) to the new 500 launched in 2007. There has always been a Fiat city car near the people, and now it is the Panda's turn once again. Its production will begin in the last quarter of 2011.

Renewed style in the spirit of functionality

The new Panda has been created drawing inspiration from the most up-to-date trends. It proposes an elegant restyling of the exteriors with smooth and rounded lines on a volume of regular form and of great spatial efficiency. Its front has a strong personality, where the slightly convex bonnet joins with the elegant horizontal grille and the new front headlamps with a rounded shape, underlined by a separate supplementary element with Daytime Running Lights function.

The side view has also been updated, where several distinctive features of the second-generation Fiat Panda have been reinterpreted starting with the third window, now with softened angles in harmony with the softer shape of the exteriors, which creates the effect of an uninterrupted glazed surface up to the vertical rear light clusters. Smooth and rounded shapes also distinguish the bumper strips on the bumpers and side panels that not only pay tribute to the first generation Fiat Panda, but also accentuate the 'all-terrain' look of the model also accompanied by the marked wheel arches. Finally, as on the current model, the lower section of the tailgate protrudes with respect to the rear window. Combined with the side line, this gives a distinct impression of a roof panel resting on the bodywork.

The interiors consistently continue the stylistic choices of the exteriors and provide a spacious, functional and comfortable passenger compartment, which can bear comparison with that of higher category cars. What's more, flexibility has always been one of the strong points of the Panda model, as proven by the rear seat, which can be split and sliding, and the front passenger seat backrest, which can be folded to form a table. This equipment, exclusive for the category, combined with the cargo box option for the boot, offers a nearly flat loading area so full use can be made of the entire length of the interior.

The new dashboard was designed as a practical multifunctional shell, inside of which a large storage 'pocket' was made, just like the first version of the model. The shell is wrapped up in a colourful frame, without interruptions, which serves as a single perimeter to the steering wheel, radio and main controls, and that houses the vents and passenger airbag. Also in this case there is a return to the first generation Panda, where the elements were tightened to the fabric 'pouch', which constituted the main part of the dashboard.

In short, it is a car destined to continuously surprise us owing to its ability to transform itself according to the situation and adapt to the needs of whoever uses it, driver or passenger as the case may be. What's more, offering original style, advanced technology accessible to everyone, and smart solutions that simplify and improve life on board is in Fiat's DNA.

Quality and reliability at the highest levels

A project that from the very beginning had a single goal: to improve - in the 'evolutionary' sense - a successful model and prove that Fiat is the undisputed leader of the city-car class. For this reason Fiat set its sights on top quality through the entire product development process and its engineering.

To welcome the new Panda, a new production line in the 'Giambattista Vico' plant in Pomigliano D'Arco (Naples) was built. It is an advanced industrial showcase that fully applies World Class Manufacturing principles and methods. This is a series of processes implemented in Fiat Group plants and those of its suppliers that are aimed at reducing inefficiencies and at achieving 'zero accidents, zero faults, zero stock, zero break-downs' goals.

The operational innovations introduced in the various departments ensure modularity and flexibility that, when combined with the improved ergonomics and assembly operation sequence, have the purpose of optimising construction quality and the model's reliability.

In detail, the Sheet metalwork department contains a production backbone with automatic and flexible lines created for the direct supply of the sub-groups ('zero forklifts' logistics), the Open Gate for forming the body, made up of 14 robots that simultaneously execute 84 welding points and automatic plating ('hanging line'), that is application of the mobile parts (doors, tailgate and bonnet) to the bodies by using 603 state-of-the-art robots.

The innovations continue at Assembly, where we find the 'trim line' with variable height skillet, the 'flex decking' for automatic vehicle body fitting and the revolving hooks in various stations of the production backbone.

Finally, in the metrology room a series of gauges and measuring machines check that the parts comply with the design by measuring, for the body for example, about 2000 points for the existing pieces and up to 3000 points for the pressed pieces. Then with the 'Meisterbock' and Installability Master equipment it is possible simulate the assembly of all the body and bodywork elements by perfectly analysing all the coupling zones.

In addition to its quality of construction, the new Panda is also distinctive in the care devoted to selecting materials, the matching and choice of colours, and the interior trims. The result is a quality passenger compartment where everything seen and touched is always pleasant to the eye and touch.

Roominess and comfort at the top of the segment

Offered with five doors only and with roominess worthy of a higher segment, the new Panda proves that it is a real super-compact. Its smaller exterior dimensions in relation to its interior volume are an invaluable feature for a car principally intended to be used in urban areas.

But the new Panda is able to do more. In fact it has all the properties of dynamism and comfort that allow it to easily tackle longer and tougher extra urban routes: driving ease, functional and ergonomic layout of controls and furnishings, a large number of storage compartments, and use of seats with 'thin' backrests that improve accessibility and comfort for the rear passengers. Finally, the position of the gear lever in the centre of the dashboard, the raised seat base and the large windows guarantee driver and passengers excellent visibility and mastery of the road.

The diving dynamics are supported by a tried and tested suspension configuration: MacPherson independent wheel up front and interconnected wheels (semi-independent) with a torsion beam in the rear.

Cutting-edge engines and eco-friendly systems

Functional and reliable, the Fiat Panda is a car rich in substance that boasts cutting-edge engines in terms of both performance and fuel consumption and emissions.

Standing out in the range are the brand new two-cylinder engines: the 85 HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo, named 'International Engine of the Year 2011', and the 65 HP 0.9 Aspirated TwinAir, both equipped with the Start&Stop system as standard, which temporarily cuts out the engine and restarts it in order to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The renewed 69 HP 1.2 Fire completes the range of petrol engines available at the launch.

The engineering excellence of the new Panda continues with the 75 HP 1.3 Multijet II with Start&Stop supplied as standard. Belonging to the second generation of the MultiJet family, the engine is equipped with faster injectors capable of multiple injections in rapid sequence. Specifically, the system can now perform a main modulated injection of fuel in several distinct phases and anticipate the ones that follow. The servo valve with balanced plunger of the MultiJet II system enables it to manage up to 8 injections per cycle, offering greater speed, flexibility and precision in the various phases of operation.

Then the bifuel 80 HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo Natural Power (petrol/methane) and 69 HP 1.2 EasyPower (petrol/LPG) will follow. They are proof of the constant attention Fiat Automobiles focuses on environmental issues through research and development of easily accessible solutions.

In perfect harmony with the 'eco-friendly' spirit, the new Panda also offers the Gear Shift Indicator (GSI), a genuine 'co-pilot' that discreetly prompts drivers to change gear, leading to more efficient use of the engine and to reduce fuel consumption.

A Panda for everybody

At its launch, the new model will be available with front-wheel drive - and later the Panda 4x4 will make its debut - and will offer a range made up of: 4 engines, 3 trim levels, 10 body colours, 4 interiors, 2 hub caps and 2 14' and 15' alloy wheels for a total of over 600 combinations.

To ensure the safety of the driver and passengers, the new model has 4 airbags (front and window), ABS complete with BAS (Brake Assist System), front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiter, Isofix attachments for child seats, anti-whiplash front headrests, rear headrests and headlamps with Daytime Running Lights, all supplied as standard.

In addition, the new model offers devices which are exclusive in its category: from the brand new 'Blue&Me-TomTom LIVE' and the large transparent electric 'Skydome' sun roof to the Hi-Fi system with CD/MP3 player and Dualdrive electric power steering with 'City' function as standard.

In particular, to drive in city traffic with total peace of mind the new Panda offers the 'Blue&Me TomTom LIVE' device that combines the advantages of an infotainment system which is integrated and connected with those of a portable navigator, opening the doors to connectivity.

'Blue&Me TomTom LIVE' will allow Panda customers to use mobile phones and media players in total safety without ever removing their hands from the steering wheel, and provides an absolutely unique and distinctive navigation experience, built into the dashboard and offering the most accurate traffic information updated in real time.

The automatic Dualogic robotised transmission, in combination with the TwinAir engine, will become available after the launch. In addition, during the first year of sales, an innovative braking system will also become available which, at speeds below 30km/h, is able to detect obstacles at close range and stop automatically.

Lots of versions rich in content will then make it possible for every customer to choose their own made-to-measure Panda, and to then add an additional distinctive and personal touch by choosing packs and Lineaccessori articles from a long list of optional extras.

These features make the new Panda a 'big' car that, moreover, has a very high product value thanks to the combination of high contents and reduced running costs.

by Fiat

A city car, the Panda was introduced by the Italian automotive manufacturer Fiat in 1989. The first generation ran until 2003 with only minor changes and was received with great success all throughout Europe, and polled 2nd in the European Car of the Year award in just its first full year of production. The second generation was introduced in 2003 and had the distinct honor of being named the European Car of the Year for 2004. The original Fiat Panda came in three body style; 3-door hatchback, cabriolet and van and it featured an overall length of 131.5 inches. The Panda was styled and designed by Giorgetta Giugiaro as a modern day 'peasant car'. Easy to use and maintain, the Panda was an inexpensive, no-frills utility vehicle.

The Panda featured box-like styling; which eventually became the standard style for Fiats through the 1980s. The originally Pandas borrowed quite heavily from the Fiat parts bins, the engines and transmissions were taken from the Fiat 127 and the air-cooled 652 cc two-cylinder power-plant from the Fiat 126. The rear suspension drive used a dead axle that was suspended on leaf springs. Panda versions of later years added various mechanical improvements, though the spirit of ‘robust simplicity' has always remained in the design of the Panda.

The utility side of the Panda was evidenced in the 7-position adjustable rear seat that could be folded flat to transform into a bed, or folded into a V shape to make room for awkward loads, or it could quickly and easily be removed completely to increase the overall load space. The seat covers were removable and washable as well as the door trims and dashboard cover. All of the glass panels were flat which made making replacements easy and very cheap to produce. The Panda could be purchased with a full-length roll back canvas roof, much like earlier French counterparts.

The original Panda, the Mark 1 was first introduced with either a two cylinder air-cooled 652 cc engine; the Panda 30, or a four-cylinder water cooled engine that displaced 903 cc; the Panda 45. A practical and very affordable vehicle, the Fiat Panda was ‘sized to fit' between the 126 and 127 in the production line-up with its robust little self. More engines were added to the lineup by Fiat in September of 1982 and the Panda 34 used an 843 cc water-cooled unit that had been derived from the one in the 850.

In 1982 the Panda 45 Super was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show and models of the older specification remained as the 'Comfort' trim. A variety of improvements were offered in the Super, the main one being the availability of a five-speed gearbox and newly improved trim. The Super underwent minor styling that included adding Fiat's new black plastic 'corporate' grille with five diagonal silver bars. The Comfort models retained the earlier grill design of metal with slots on the left for ventilation until the next major revision of the line-up. In February of '83, a 30 Super was added to the lineup with a smaller engine, but featuring the Super trim.

In June of '83, the Panda 4x4 was introduced and was powered by a 965 cc engine with 48 bhp that was derived from the one in the Autobianchi A112. Simply dubbed the Panda 4x4, this was the first ever compact, transverse-engined production vehicle that came with a 4WD system.

In November of 1984, the range received minor revisions that including renaming the 'L', 'CL' and the 'S'. The entire range also received new detailing and specifications that included adopting the Fiat corporate grille on all models. The vehicles remained basically the same mechanically.

The Mark II Original Panda was introduced in January of 1986 and a host of significant mechanical updates were unveiled in this new model. A 796 cc water-cooled 4-cyl unit replaced the 652 cc engine and a 999 cc replaced the 903 cc unit. With a single overhead camshaft, both new engines came from Fiat's new FIRE family of 4 cylinder water-cooled powerplants. Another upgrade to the Panda was the rear suspension as the leaf springs were replaced with a much more modern independent suspension system that used a rigid rear axle with coil springs and a central mounting.

The inside of the Panda and the structure itself also received improvements. The earlier Panda's had an aptitude to rust, so the body was strengthened and fully galvanized on later models. The outside rear panel was updated to now included flared arches that mimicked the ones on the front weeks and completely replaced the un-sculpted style that was found on earlier models. The doors also received an update that included deleting the quarter light windows and replacing them with a full width roll-down window. Unfortunately the bottom seam of the MK II's door still had the original tendency to rust. This range ran in an ascending order of cost and specification; 750L, 750CL, 750S, 1000CL, 1000S and 4x4.

A 1301 cc diesel engine was introduced in April of 1986 and it came with 37 bhp. This engine was only available in the basic 'L' trim and was fitted as standard with a five speed gearbox. The Panda also introduced a van variant tat came with both diesel and petrol engines. The Panda Van was basically a standard Panda without rear seats and the rear windows were replaced with plastic blanking panels and a small black plastic extension with side hinged doors rather than the usual hatchback tailgate. In the right hand markets either the van or the diesel was available.

A new entry level model was introduced in 187, the 'Panda Young' which was basically an L spec vehicle with a 76 cc OHV engine that was based on the old 903 cc push-rod engine. It produced the same 34 bhp with the more sophisticated 769 cc FIRE unit. Also introduced this year was the Panda 4X4 Sisley limited edition that was based on the standard 4X4 but it came with metallic paint, sunroof, inclinometer, roof rack, white painted wheels, bonnet scoop, headlamp washers and 'Sisley' badging and trim. When it was first created, the Sisley model was originally limited to only 500 units, but it became a permanent model due to its extreme popularity.

Introduced in 1990, the two-seat Panda Elettra joined the lineup and added an all-electric powertrain. Replacing the rear seat was batteries, and it also occupied some of the engine bay were the 19 bhp DC motor was also placed, driving through the normal clutch and gearbox. The car's weight was up to 2535 lbs, and required stiffer suspension and up-rated brakes. Two years later the Ellettra received a power increase to 23.8 bhp and a reduction in weight, though the Elettra continued to remain the heaviest model in the Panda line.

The MK II underwent a significant facelift in 1991 and the changes included a new front grille and a smaller five-bar corporate badge, while the whole lineup received trim revisions and specifications. New for this year was the 'Selecta' which came with an electromagnetic clutch and a continuously variable transmission. This more elite transmission was available either with the normal 999 cc FIRE engine and could be revised with a single-point fuel injection and a catalytic converter. Other options included an all new 1108 cc FIRE unit that was fitted with electronic fuel injection and a three-way catalytic converter and could produce 51 bhp.

The all new CLX trim came with a five-speed gearbox as standard. The Panda line now included the 750 Young, 750 and 750 CLX, 900 Dance, 1000 Shopping, CLX, CL Selecta and S, 1100 CL Selecta and the 4X4 Trekking and Elettra. The 999 cc unit with SPI and catalytic converter was replaced with the 1108 cc engine in 1992. In 1992 an 899 cc was introduced and was available in the 'Café' special edition. This edition came with a reduced capacity 903 cc unit that was designed to meet tax requirements in various markets.

The Fiat Panda was slowly phased out across Europe from 1996 on because of tightening emissions and safety legislation. Until May 2003 the Panda remained in production in Italy. The Panda has become one of Europe's longest lived small vehicles during its 23 years of production. Unfortunately most of the Mark I models have rusted, but the Mark II variant continues to remain a common sight on the roadways of continental Europe. The original Panda wasn't as popular as the VW Beetle or the 2CV, but it was a strong vehicle in its own right. The 4X4 Panda was quite a popular model due to its inexpensive price, and sturdy quality in rural areas. A 4X4 Panda Climbing version was introduced, but it didn't have the same popularity as the original model.

The newest Panda generation was introduced in 2003, and was dubbed the Model 169 during its development phase. Originally the vehicle was to be named 'Gingo', but the nomenclature was too similar to the Renault Twingo, so the Panda name continued. This new model replaced the old Panda following 23 years of production, and was the successor to the Fiat Seicento. The Seicento was still popular and continued to remain in production. The Panda, like the Seicento, was manufactured exclusively in Tychy, Poland by Fiat Auto Poland. In 2007, a smaller, 3-door Fiat was added to the lineup, the new 500.

Much of the Panda's styling cues were taken from mini SUVs and mini MPVs, especially in the tail lights which were very similar to the larger Volvo cars. In 2004 the Fiat Panda received the European Car of the Year award.

Now a four-seater, the Panda now included an option for split rear seats. From September 2005 onwards, all Fiat Pandas are equipped with ABS, EBD, stability control and a minimum of two front airbags. To make changing gears more comfortable, the gear-lever is located up high on the central dashboard, rather than the conventional floor mounted gearstick.

Fiat was under a lot of trouble financially, and the newest Panda had to be a success. Thankfully it was and more than half a million units were sold by October of 2005. It was especially popular in Italy, mostly because over half of the vehicles produced were sold in Italy. On September 5, 2007, the 1,000,000th new Panda was built; a red Panda 4X4 Climbing with the 1.2-liter petrol engine.

In 2006, the Top Gear Motoring Survey ranked the Panda 8th out of 152 vehicles that were surveyed for craftsmanship, reliability, driving experience, ownership costs and service received. For 2007 the Panda underwent minor revisions that included a new, darker dashboard and the Active model received new darker seat fabrics of better quality and a CD player.

In 2006 Fiat Panda introduced a Hydrogen Concept car that came with Nuvera's new Andromeda II fuel cell stack. With a cold start capability, the hydrogen fuel cell allowed the car to have high power density and durability. Nuvera Fuel Cells Inc., was a high-tech developer from Massachusetts and Italy who developed the Andromeda II. Fiat was excited to feature the first vehicle with this advancement.

The Hydrogen Panda came with three main fuel cell components that included an advanced turbo-blower, a humidifying and a cooling system that could correctly manage the reagent gases and the auxiliary component sets. This advanced system allowed the Panda to function at a higher capacity and featured smooth handling. The transmission and alternating current three-phase asynchronous electric engine was located underneath the hood. Utilizing a full power system, the 2006 Fiat Panda Hydrogen lacked a drive battery for the accumulation of electrical energy. The Concept receives enough energy directly from the hydrogen tank to fuel cell to deliver the necessary electricity to its high-torque electrical motors.

The '06 Panda Concept could achieve 0 to 30 mph in just five seconds and had a top speed of 78 MPH. The Fiat Panda Hydrogen Car can make it up a 23-degree slope on takeoff, unlike other low-powered hydrogen vehicles. The Concept featured a refueling time of less than five minutes and boasted a travel distance of more than 120 miles.

by Jessican Donaldson