Panda: Full Model Change After 8 Years

Fiat's biggest news is the full model change of the Panda, a renowned model that has sold a cumulative 6.5 million units. The first generation debuted in 1980, and the second generation, a representative Fiat model that won European Car of the Year upon its announcement, debuted in 2003. This marks the third generation, more than 30 years after the car name first appeared.

The exterior design can be described as a "keep concept," as evident even in photographs. With the shared platform of the 500 and Lancia Ypsilon having a relatively low vehicle height, an intention to differentiate is apparent.

The published dimensions are 3,650mm in length, 1,640mm in width, and 1,550mm in height. The length has increased by 115mm, the width by 50mm, and the height by 15mm. This represents a minimal size increase to balance safety and comfort.

Panda

The engine lineup includes turbocharged and naturally aspirated versions of the familiar 0.9-liter TwinAir engine from the 500, with the former producing 63kW (86ps) and the latter 48kW (66ps). Additionally, a 51kW (70ps) 1.2-liter FIRE engine and a 56kW (76ps) 1.3-liter Multijet II engine are available. There are also engines compatible with both gasoline and methane gas: the 0.9-liter TwinAir Turbo Natural Power with 60kW (81ps) and the 1.2-liter EasyPower with 51kW (70ps).

Initially, only front-wheel-drive models will be offered, with a four-wheel-drive version planned for later addition. The braking system includes a feature that automatically stops the vehicle when an obstacle is detected at speeds below 30 km/h. The Panda has always been a model that embodies Fiat's technological prowess, such as its fully automated FIRE engine production. The new Panda will be manufactured on a newly constructed production line at the Giambattista Vico plant in Pomigliano d'Arco, Naples. Fiat describes this as a "world-class" facility, achieving high production efficiency with zero accidents and zero failures.

TwinAir Engine Equipped, From Punto Evo to Punto

Another significant change is the Punto. This model follows the Grande Punto, which debuted in 2005 and is credited with spearheading Fiat's dramatic recovery from a near-fatal state at the time. The Punto Evo, which further refined the interior of the Grande Punto while largely retaining its body shape designed by Italdesign, has now evolved into this new Punto. While the design itself has remained largely unchanged for about six years, the interior has undergone dramatic transformation.

The highlight this time is the TwinAir engine, also featured in the 500 and the new Panda. This 0.9-liter, two-cylinder unit is turbocharged, producing a maximum output of 63kW (86ps) at 5,500rpm and a peak torque of 145Nm at 2,000rpm, with CO2 emissions kept to 98g/km. Furthermore, the 1.3-liter 16-valve MultiJet engine, also delivering a maximum output of 63kW (86ps), has achieved CO2 emissions as low as 90g/km through the introduction of two new technologies: Intelligent Alternator and Intelligent Flow.

500 by GUCCI Convertible Also Added!

Other notable additions include the 500C by GUCCI, the open-air version of the highly successful 500 by GUCCI. Like the 500 by GUCCI, this is a collaborative creation between Fiat's Centro Stile and Gucci's Creative Director, Frida Giannini. Additionally, an Abarth pack will be available for the 500 concurrently.

Also on display will be the SUV Freemont, which is unlikely to be introduced in Japan, and Fiat's signature Air Technology.

500C by GUCCI