Alexandre
The Italian flea has exceeded 9 years. At a time when many of its competitors are retiring, the Fiat Panda 3rd of the name continues to perform, mainly in Italy, its number one marketThis is despite the fact that it is increasingly alone in an A segment that will end up being fallow, and that a more versatile Dacia Sandero seems determined to cut its teeth.
However Fiat continues to live on its achievements with this minimalist update of the Fiat Panda.
Let's have a look at the owner:
The finishes are renamed. First you will find in the entry-level range, the Life finish then, above, the City Lifewith, according to Fiat, of new shields front and back. but these are only those of the Panda 4×4 which are recycled here, for an adventurous look but in traction version only (the white Panda on the picture). Do you follow? Above again, it will be the Panda SportThe famous Panda Sport that everyone was talking about and which we will talk about below. Finally, the range will be headed by the City Cross and Cross4×2 and 4×4 versions with a more singular look.
For engines, please note that the new 1.0 Hybrid 70 hp is now available on all versions of the Panda. It is coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission. Don't forget that this is not a "real" Hybrid but a simple combustion engine associated with a 12V starter-alternator which simply "supports" the little 3-cylinder, without ever driving an electric 100%. A slightly usurped name, for an optimal marketing effect...
Now let's talk about the famous Panda Sport which has been much talked about in recent months on the autophile and italophile networks. Here it is below:
Don't you notice much? Actually, that's quite normal. Far from the small Panda Sport 100 HP that characterized the 2nd generation of Panda, we are dealing here with a light body kit. Gone are the roof bars, welcome to the "Sport" badge on the front fenders, to the specific two-tone 16" wheels, to the body-colored door handles with an exclusive matte gray livery possible on this model. And under the hood? Nothing, except for the 1.0 Hybrid....70 hp. Lightweight, for sports, right?
That's right, Fiat! The art and the way to do things at the minimum...
We note some interior improvements with eco-leather door panels, titanium grey dashboard, black roof lining, dark grey seats, some red stitching.
The CityCross and Cross versionsThe new model comes with a new design and is the top of the range of the Panda. Aesthetically, the new model is delivered with the nnew Ceramic Blue pastel livery (see below), in combination with the new two-tone (blue and black) techno-leather upholstery on the door panels and seats, the latter with silver stitching.
Inside, the only real novelty for this Panda MY21 is the appearance of a central touch screenIt seems to be rather poorly integrated. Nevertheless, it offers an updated connectivity. It is touch-sensitive, measures 7 " and is compatible with Apple Car Play and Android Auto.
So here's the Panda's update: new names for the finishes, a touchscreen, some stylistic appendages and a 70 hp 1.0 engine now extended to the whole range.
On the other hand, I ask you a question: what happens to the classic Panda 4×4 sold until now? Caught between a Panda City Life that imitates its look by being a simple front wheel drive and a Cross/City Cross duo, will it disappear for this new vintage? If you have the answer, I'm interested...