General 100HP in Autocar group test

[TRS]

Apologies if mentioned elsewhere but today's Autocar features the 100HP in a group test alongside the Twingo RS and Suzuki Swift. Too tight to buy so skim read it in Smiths Panda seemed to come in third out of three, much moaning about the ride and a sore left knee from the centre console (not noticed that myself?). Twingo got a good write up (as it has everywhere). Must say though that they of course list the Panda price as £10.5K and we all know you don't pay anywhere near that, so taking £2k-£2.5K off that and taking account of the cheaper insurance and better fuel economy the Panda starts to look a bit of a better option. Must say I do like the Twingo though (with optional Cup upgrade).

 

[valencia100hp]

Apologies if mentioned elsewhere but today's Autocar features the 100HP in a group test alongside the Twingo RS and Suzuki Swift. Too tight to buy so skim read it in Smiths Panda seemed to come in third out of three, much moaning about the ride and a sore left knee from the centre console (not noticed that myself?). Twingo got a good write up (as it has everywhere). Must say though that they of course list the Panda price as £10.5K and we all know you don't pay anywhere near that, so taking £2k-£2.5K off that and taking account of the cheaper insurance and better fuel economy the Panda starts to look a bit of a better option. Must say I do like the Twingo though (with optional Cup upgrade).

I am just so bored of these group tests against most powerful and expensive cars. The direct Twingo rival is the GT not the RS, that is 500 ABARTH territory :bang:. They might as well have chosen a Panda Cross, at least then the prices would have been similar.

 

[Jai]

the general rule appears to be, test a panda variant on own...it's good/great/value/fun/etc

perform test against heavier weight opposition (bigger engine/pricer/etc)...and suddenly it's crap

the upshot is that most of the press have a serious downer on fiat, and particular the panda

 

[pandamonium24]

Yea different cars those three, the panda and swift were never really comparitive cars plus both are a few years old now, i quite like the rs but long geared 5 speed box and not so great looks would put me off.

 

[trackdayqueen]

I suppose in a way only Fiat have got themselves to blame for setting list prices that aren't realistic (heavily discounted). Car testers cannot take these nuances into account so when you look at it at a twingo RS (highly rated car) is only a grand dearer, ditto the swift.

I know that the swift is hard to get a discount on, not sure on the twingo, am guessing would be difficult at the moment as its only just come out but if you could get a couple of grand off one it would make a lot of sense. I'd go as far to say that it'd be worth spending the extra grand over a 100hp if you could.

 

[TRS]

I know that the swift is hard to get a discount on, not sure on the twingo, am guessing would be difficult at the moment as its only just come out but if you could get a couple of grand off one it would make a lot of sense. I'd go as far to say that it'd be worth spending the extra grand over a 100hp if you could.

All the reviews on the Twingo say you have to go for the Cup upgrade, which takes it up to £12.5K+. Not bad for what it is, but even with a £2K discount leaves it £2K dearer than a discounted 100HP.

 

[trackdayqueen]

All the reviews on the Twingo say you have to go for the Cup upgrade, which takes it up to £12.5K+. Not bad for what it is, but even with a £2K discount leaves it £2K dearer than a discounted 100HP.

Well the cup upgrade is £650 isn't it?

I don't think you have to go for the cup upgrade to get a decent car, its more a case (from what i've read) that for an extra £650 why wouldn't you?

Might make the stock model a bit more of a bargain in the future.

 

[TRS]

One or two that i've read imply the car is fairly ordinary in standard form, but a hoot to drive with the Cup upgrade. Plus you get those nice anthracite alloys. As you say for £650 it's a no brainer really.

 

[Schwenck]

perform test against heavier weight opposition (bigger engine/pricer/etc)...and suddenly it's crap

the upshot is that most of the press have a serious downer on fiat

With you there Jai, it's their unwritten rule (although to be fair, the 100HP was well initially received by most). They seem to have their favourites a similarly their whipping boys, and they must always remain in their respective roles. Autocar is amongst the lowest of the car magazines, just a shade above the dreadful WhatCar? (just my opinion, obviously and their forum is truly terrible, so please be prepared to bombard it with derogatory comments when the article goes online)

Agreed with TDQ, FIAT's list prices do them few favours; on actual purchase they woop the opposition for VFM.

Anyway, we here are the enlightened ones aren't we, we who see threw the guff...

 

[valencia100hp]

What about this for a group test?

Citroen C2 VTR 110hp, Twingo GT, Fiesta 1.6 S, Panda 100HP, Suzuki Swift 1.5, MINI One, Ibiza 1.6 .

That sounds like a more level playing field on price and performance.

 

[Jimrod]

Yeah, read it today - the main gripe seems to be the reviewer's continuous niggle about rubbing his knee and cramped cabin - well I've seen a few of their reviewers and I'm guessing this is one of the 6'3", 18 stoners if that's his biggest issue.

Why get a fat, Merc-driving journo to do a supermini test then complain about space for the whole review? Seems idiotic to me. My knee doesn't touch the dash - then I'm 5'7" and 13 stone (all muscle of course ) so I'm the sort of person who doesn't mind a small car - I'd suggest in future Autocar should select it's reviews with the needs of the particular reviewer in mind!

 

[Hellcat]

At least the Panda doesn't need to hide it's origins.. pass the sick bag someone?

 

[motsllih]

I'm guessing this is one of the 6'3", 18 stoners if that's his biggest issue.

You basically just described me, and I honestly don't have a problem with it! My knee does touch the left panel but it's not a major issue, and the seats are very comfortable.

 

[Jai]

Yeah, read it today - the main gripe seems to be the reviewer's continuous niggle about rubbing his knee and cramped cabin - well I've seen a few of their reviewers and I'm guessing this is one of the 6'3", 18 stoners if that's his biggest issue.

You basically just described me, and I honestly don't have a problem with it! My knee does touch the left panel but it's not a major issue, and the seats are very comfortable.

snap, same here, and guess what...it's never been an issue...sheesh, no pleasing some people, esp when they get given it for free

 

[udtrev]

At least the Panda doesn't need to hide it's origins.. pass the sick bag someone?

That's me in trouble then, I kind off liked the looks of the original Twingo, it was offbeat and cute it's the car Renault should have sold it here.

As for the new Twingo they can shove that fugly heap where the sun doesn't shine !


Trev

 

[Tom100hp]

Yeah, read it today - the main gripe seems to be the reviewer's continuous niggle about rubbing his knee and cramped cabin - well I've seen a few of their reviewers and I'm guessing this is one of the 6'3", 18 stoners if that's his biggest issue.

Why get a fat, Merc-driving journo to do a supermini test then complain about space for the whole review? Seems idiotic to me. My knee doesn't touch the dash - then I'm 5'7" and 13 stone (all muscle of course ) so I'm the sort of person who doesn't mind a small car - I'd suggest in future Autocar should select it's reviews with the needs of the particular reviewer in mind!

He must just be a moaner as im 6'2" and have no complaints about the cabin size :slayer:

 

[Tom100hp]

As for the new Twingo they can shove that fugly heap where the sun doesn't shine !


Trev

Couldn't of said it better my self Trev

 

[Visorfett]

I am 6'4" and have no problems! cant say i have noticed rubbing my knee against anything!

 

[Cian]

He must just be a moaner as im 6'2" and have no complaints about the cabin size :slayer:

6'4", no problems either.

I can barely fit in the loaner Micra's my local dealer has though!

 

[chauspain]

I'm 6'6" and do notice the knee rubbing thing.

But to be honest I don't really care, if it was a problem I wouldn't have bought the car, I actually love that it's a snug place to be.