Rare species returns

Everyone loves Pandas--and I don't just mean those cuddly black and white creatures that wildlife groups are always talking about being endangered. No, I'm talking cars; and I'm talking the Fiat Panda. And, like its wildlife namesake, it has certainly been a rare sight around the UK recently ... but not anymore.

Fiat stopped selling the Panda here in 1995 although it was still available throughout most of Europe. Now there is a new, sportier-looking Panda which is creating a bit of a stir in the car jungle by being crowned king--it took the prestigious European Car of the Year 2004 award. Not surprisingly Fiat is pleased, especially as it has received over 95,000 orders already. Not bad when you consider that UK sales of the old model totalled 150,000 units.

Two engines are currently available: a 1.1-litre 8V 54bhp or a 1.2-litre 8V 60bhp petrol, both mated to a five-speed manual box. The 1.2 is also available with Fiat's Dualogic gearbox with sequential or fully automatic operation. A 1.3 litre 16V Multi jet diesel will also be available in the summer and a 4x4 version will follow nearer the end of the year.

Three trim levels--Active, Dynamic and Eleganza--offer users a high level of extras with the basic model featuring electric front windows, Blaupunkt stereo radio cassette and two front airbags. Move up the trim scale and you can get a CD and MP3 player, automatic climate control, up to six airbags and parking sensors.

The Panda has a boxy look to it but with a dash of sexiness that I quite liked. If I sound surprised that's because I am. Not being a big fan of the original, I wasn't expecting to like this car as much as I did. It's sort of cute, if you know what I mean.

From the outside there seems to be more glass than your average church but does make for good all-round visibility. The door mirrors seemed very small though. Sitting high up in the driver seat gave an SUV feel to the car without overkilling it. The bonnet seemed to slope away rapidly and was almost invisible to the front passengers. Although the press pack says that the driver's seat is height adjustable, I couldn't find the lever (Note to self: get an appointment with the optician!). The steering wheel adjusted for height but not reach.

The plastic dash and centre console, where the gear lever was mounted, looked sturdy and practical. All controls and buttons were well placed too. In the back there was enough room for two small to medium-sized adults and the boot, while not huge, would tuck away 206 litres of luggage--236 if you fold down the back seats.

The 1.2-litre sounded confident when I tested it and was quite nippy around the small lanes. Although there was plenty of understeer to play with I was surprised by the lack of body roll, especially considering the high driving position. On the motorway there was some noise intrusion but nothing too excessive.

Steering was light but offered plenty of feedback The gearbox did feel a little notchy though.

Although the Panda will not appeal or be suitable for everyone's needs I kind of hope that it will be a success. I have a sort of soft spot for it really. Ahhh!

DRIVER'S LOG

OTR PRICE: Petrol: 6295 [pounds sterling] to 8095 [pounds sterling] Diesel: TBA

ENGINES: Petrol: 1.1, 1.2-litre 8V Diesel; 1.3-litre 16V Multijet

TRANSMISSIONS: Five-speed manual. 1.2: optional Dualogic sequential/fully auto

POWER: 1.1: 54bhp. 1.2: 60bhp

TORQUE: 1.1: 88Nm. 1.2: 102Nm

C[O.sub.2] RATINGS: 1.1: 135g/km 1.2 man: 133g/km

OFFICIAL COMBINED: 1.1: 49.6mpg 1.2 man: 50.4mpg

INSURANCE GROUPS: 1E-3E

ON SALE: Now

COPYRIGHT 2004 DMG World Media Ltd.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group