New Diesel Fiat Panda
Published: 31st January 2005
Fiat Panda
The popular UK Fiat Panda range has just been boosted by the arrival of two new versions: a funky 1.2 litre petrol engined 4x4, and a state-of-the-art turbodiesel featuring Fiat Auto’s widely acclaimed, Euro 4-compatible, 1.3 litre 16-valve MultiJet engine - the smallest and most advanced common rail direct injection turbodiesel in the world.
In the latter’s case, the result is not only the most powerful and quickest Panda in the range, but also the one with the lowest fuel consumption (65.7 mpg combined official figure), lowest emissions and lowest running costs.
In fact, the new Panda diesel has running costs significantly lower than almost all other new cars on UK roads today - including an annual car tax bill of just £85.
Fiat Auto’s ground-breaking 1.3 16v MultiJet engine made waves in the automotive world when it was launched in the Punto in mid-2003, and now it is also available in the Panda.
With 70 bhp at its disposal, the 1.3 16v MultiJet is the most powerful Panda by a significant margin, and its high torque (145 Nm/107 lb.ft at just 1500 rpm) provides a driving experience considerably more relaxed, refined and exhilarating than would be expected in this segment of the market.
Alongside all the benefits of performance, acceleration and flexibility associated with such a powerplant, the Panda 1.3 16v MultiJet also manages to cover more than 75 mpg outside town, and even in the urban environment returns 52 mpg. Combine this with its ultra-low 114 g/km carbon dioxide emissions and Euro 4 compatibility, and the new Panda diesel has running costs significantly lower than almost all other new cars today.
Small cars with diesel engines are still a rare breed, but with the UK diesel market growing continuously for over four years, and reaching over 32% in 2004, it is certainly an area which is on the increase. The new Panda diesel will also appeal to people other than those who purposely choose a diesel engine, since it offers the best performance of the range. The refined high-tech MultiJet engine is also less diesel-like than most of its competitors, thus allowing the car to be sold simply as the quickest Panda, for those who have no preference for diesel.
Fiat Panda
Our Fiat Panda Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Panda range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £7,005 - £11,995
Body Style:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 10
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 21st Sep 2008
