As SUVs and MPVs (sport utility/multi-purpose vehicles) become more popular, so the choice available to the buyer increases. And instead of just big, ungainly SUVs to choose from, there is now a plethora of smaller vehicles more suited to urban travel available. I spent a week with the Fiat Panda and came away fairly impressed.
Launched in May, the Panda has two models — an entry-level Trekking model, and the more upmarket Climbing version, the latter of which is the subject of this evaluation.
Both models are powered by a 1,2-litre petrol engine, which is coupled with a five-speed gearbox. Power output from the small mill is rated at 44kW at 5 000rpm, while 102Nm of Torque is made at 2 500rpm.
Drive to all four wheels is permanent, while the amount of power apportioned to the front and rear axles is determined by a viscous coupling. There is no low range though, and as the Panda’s paws consist of 14-inch alloys shod with 185/65R14 tyres, heading off into deepest Africa is not an option.
The Panda is well appointed. All the mod cons that you need such as air conditioning, electric windows, headlight adjustment, heated rear screen with its own windscreen wiper, intermittent wipers, central locking and electric power steering with a height-adjustable column are standard. As are a foldable rear seat, three cup holders, courtesy lights and headlight-on warning.
There is also a radio/CD front loader, cigarette lighter, remote central locking, 50/50 split rear seats (with headrests) and audio controls on the steering wheel.
Driving the Panda around town is great, thanks to the console-mounted gearshift, and well-matched gear ratios to suit the small-capacity engine. It won’t win any races at the traffic lights, but then it wasn’t designed as a street racer.
The seats are comfortable, vision fore and aft is good, and what really impressed me was the Panda’s nimble nature in parking lots. With a turning circle of 9,6m, getting in and out of tight spots was a breeze.
If you’re not feeling energetic, a quick stab at the “City” button on the central console supplies more power to the electric steering, and the steering wheel becomes feather light.
Not content with city driving only, I took to the highways and a few dirt roads to see if Panda’s cutish looks could tolerate the wild.
On the highways, the Panda loped along comfortably at 110kph, and will go faster, but the small mill tends to scream as you exceed those levels.
Consumption on the open road was a sensible 6,3 litres per 100km, but it tends to get a little thirsty around the city.
At one stage the Panda was burning close to 8,5 litres of unleaded per 100km, but if you consider that the engine has to contend with driving all four wheels, it makes sense. My average eventually reflected a moderate 7,4 litres per 100km.
Dust roads with large imperfections are gobbled up with ease. The ground clearance is a generous 160mm, but the suspension, although comfortable, is quite soft, and will bottom out easily if slightly larger bumps are negotiated at anything much faster than 30kph. If it does, there’s a protective belly pan that prevents damage to the engine.
The Panda front suspension consists of independent McPherson struts using crosswise rocker arms, while the rear is also separate for each of the two wheels, with longitudinally stretched arms blocked to a specific frame with a stabiliser bar.
The approach angle is 24° and departure angle 42°, more than adequate for a vehicle of this nature.
Safety levels are quite high. ABS with EBD is standard across the range, as are driver and front-passenger airbags. There is a high-level brake light, three-point seatbelts for all four passengers and side impact protection bars, while the Climbing model receives side airbags for added protection. In all, the Panda will make an ideal commuter for lugging the kids around.
The Fiat Panda 4×4 comes with a three-year/100 000km dealer warranty and roadside assistance for 12 months for R139 000. In its class, the Panda comes up against the Daihatsu Terios, which is priced at R149 995.