(continued from above)
While still remaining true to its compact design brief, new Panda has 'grown'
by just a few inches to ensure the attainment of the highest safety
standards, and improve the generous level of passenger and luggage space still
further. With an overall length of 143.7 in (3650 mm), width of 64.6 in (1640
mm) and height of 61 in (1550 mm), new Panda can comfortably accommodate up to
five people and is equipped with one of the largest luggage compartments in its
segment.
Panda was the first car in its market segment (A), to win the
prestigious Car of the Year award (in 2004). It was the first compact to feature a diesel engine (1986), and it was the first
to offer both four-wheel drive (1983) and a range of eco-friendly engines
designed to limit fuel consumption. (Panda Elettra, introduced in 1990, was one
of the first electric cars).
Now in its third generation, new Panda has
taken another major step forward in terms of comfort, technology and safety
equipment, making its first public appearance with a modern and harmonious new
style, but without relinquishing the essential family feeling that has so
characterized the marque over the years.
An all-new flexible interior and
an elegant new exterior featuring softer, rounded shapes bring new Panda sharply
into focus as an engineering project which from the outset was dedicated to
improve an already successful model. Construction quality and vehicle
reliability have been optimized, and while its exterior dimensions are an
invaluable feature for a car principally intended for urban use, it is easily
capable of tackling longer and tougher journeys.
The new engine range
emphasizes new Panda's cutting edge technology. Customers will be able to choose
from two TwinAir twin cylinder engines: the International Engine of the Year
2011 85 hp TwinAir Turbo, or the brand new 65 hp naturally aspirated TwinAir,
both equipped with Start and Stop as standard. The recently revised four
cylinder 69 hp 1.2 liter Fire engine completes the petrol engine range at
launch, but a state-of-the-art turbodiesel 75 hp 1.3 liter MultiJet 2 engine,
also with Start and Stop as standard, will also be offered. In harmony with its
eco-friendly spirit, new Panda also offers a Gearshift Indicator, which helps
drivers use the engine more efficiently, and thus reduce fuel consumption.
At launch, the new Panda will be front-wheel drive only, but a four-wheel
drive version is planned. Safety has been a priority in the new design, and new
Panda has four airbags, ABS anti-lock braking with a brake assist system, front
seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, Isofix attachments for child
seats, anti-whiplash front head restraints, rear headrests, and Daytime Running
Lights - all as standard.
In addition, new Panda has been engineered to
accept Blue&Me-TomTom LIVE, a device that combines the advantages of an
infotainment system which is integrated and connected with those of a portable
navigator, opening the doors to connectivity. The system allows new Panda
customers to use mobile phones and media players in complete safety, without
ever removing their hands from the steering wheel, while providing a unique and
distinctive navigational experience, built into the dashboard, and offering the
most accurate traffic information updated in real time.
