Fiat at 2006 Paris International Motor Show

Press Release

The Panda family has grown

The Panda model is not merely a segment A supermini but an authentic platform on which Fiat is building an entire car family with the sort of engineering and attention to detail you would expect from a higher category car. Now the brand presents a world preview of three highly intriguing new products: the Panda MY 2007, the Panda Panda and the Panda 100 HP.

All these products naturally share the model’s winning qualities: innovative design, cutting-edge technology accessible to all and clever solutions to make life simpler and better. These are the winning features of the Panda model. Since it was first introduced on the market, the model has rapidly risen up the league table in segment A to reach first place in the Italian and European top ten. And more. Although destined mainly for European markets, the various Panda versions are also sold in countries such as Malaysia, Taiwan or the island of Martinique. Its commercial success is confirmed by the 18 awards it has received from the international trade press, including the prestigious ‘Car of the year 2004’.

This public and critical success rewards, above all, the extraordinary ability of the Panda template to extend itself and generate new versions: the tiny ‘ready for anything’ 4x4, the funky Alessi version, the entertaining Panda Active and the well-appointed Panda Emotion – not to mention the competitive Panda Rally and the new Panda Cross and Panda Monster and any number of concept cars created on the same base.

Panda Model Year 2007

The new car, due to go on sale in October, introduces four new body-colours: Lagoon Blue, Batik Orange, Magnetic Blue and Quartz Grey. As far as the Panda is concerned, colour is not merely a matter of superficial looks but an integral part of a product philosophy based on personality, flair and style.

No changes have been made to the model’s original, dynamic shape – almost amounting to a small SUV – so appreciated by customers throughout the world. The Panda Model Year 2007 complements these lines with a stylish dark grey facia and new interiors featuring brand new colours and fabrics: all this authenticates the impression of great quality that the model conveys at first glance. An appealing car that may be customised with the wide array of accessories on offer.

The Panda Model Year 2007 is a personality-packed car, substantial and good looking with attributes and values that are encoded in Fiat's DNA. The credit goes to a design that has generated a car of compact external dimensions gifted with the level of comfort we now expect from larger cars. Designed to be thrifty with fuel but no less lively for this. Ideal in city traffic but at the same time eager to tackle longer journeys, with the guarantee of a relaxing drive for passengers at all times. All these features make the Panda Model Year 2007 a fun pint-sized car that also represents fantastic value for money with its winning package of features, running costs and resale value.

Panda 100 HP

The Panda model continues to amaze by introducing a truly sporty version. Its very name, ‘Panda 100 HP’, tells you this is not just an exterior face-lift. The new car is fitted with a brand new 1.4 16v power unit that develops a power output of 100 bhp at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 131 Nm at 4250 rpm. When equipped with this engine, the Panda 100 HP reaches a top speed of 185 km/h, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 9.5 seconds and consumes 6.5 l/100 km over a combined cycle.

This performance, attractive by any standards, will satisfy young customers who continually seek performance but wish to stand out from the crowd. On the outside, the Panda 100 HP therefore reveals itself to be a car with a true sporty vocation with chrome spoiler and exhaust pipes, special bumpers with a sporty grille and new 15” alloys. The same aggressive stamp is also evident in the passenger compartment, where customers will appreciate a leather steering wheel, new sporty interiors and a black facia with chrome detailing.

The new Panda 100 HP complements the long list of equipment on the Emotion version, from which it is derived, with a foglight, rear disc brakes, special suspension, 195/45-15” tyres, leather steering wheel, 6-speed manual gearbox, split seats and special exterior add-on kit. Customers can use a Sport key on the facia to select the steering setting and accelerator response to enjoy the sporty drive to the full.

The Panda 100 HP colour range is also made up of five colours: red, black, white, blue and grey (the last two are new).

A special ‘Pandemonio’ pack available at the launch will also accentuate the sportiness of the new version with chrome side stickers (red if the body is white), red brake callipers, door mirrors and 15” alloys with silver treatment, sporty pedals and special interior mats.