The Autosprint magazine - equivalent of our Autosport - has just published a brief test.
Translation below:
We've driven the Multijet 1.3 litre version. More comfortable than the previous series, it's reliable and sprightly. The gearbox though is still the old style. Prices from 10,200 euros.
Strictly five doors and longer by 114 millimetres. This, in a brief summing up, is the business card of the new Panda which, after a good eight years, replaces the previous generation's model. With its 3650 mm overall, the Panda continues to be a city car.
The basic style has not changed, even if the lines have actually changed, beginning with the profiled bonnet and the faired-in headlights that contribute to a Cx reduced to 0.32. The floorpan is the same as that used by the American 500 and the Lancia Ypsilon, keeping a wheelbase of 2300 mm, even though this model is longer by 34 mm in front and 80 mm behind.
The internals have been designed with care for ergonomics and functionality. New front seats make their debut with reduced thickness, that allow more adjustment and add to the space of those seated behind. The plastics of the interior are pleasing to the eye, but are actually slightly more rigid to the touch. There are many optional accessories, including stability control and a Cargo Box system to give a horizontal load platform one the rear seat squabs have been folded.
Over 25 km with one litre of fuel (about 70mpg b_u)
On the road we were able to try first the 1.3 Multijet version equipped with the four cylinder 75 horsepower turbodiesel that allowed us to reach 168 kph (105 mph b_u) and to accelerate from 0-100 kph in 12.8 seconds. The engine is flexible enough and also mean in consumption, we saw 25.6 km with one litre (72 mpg b_u) in average conditions, but it was a little noisy under acceleration.
The new Panda's behaviour on the road is trustworthy, with a progressive and controllable understeer on the limit. In particular we were pleased by the precision of the steering while the gearbox, unfortunately, has old-style gear engagement and rather long lever movements.
The range of engines comprises the twin cylinder 0.9 litre petrol TwinAir Turbo of 85 horsepower, the four cylinder 1.2 petrol FIRE with 69 hp and the 1.3 Multijet turbo diese with 75 hp. There are three equipment levels - Pop, Easy and Lounge - with 10 body colours and 9 internal styles.
The prices of the new Panda start at 10,200 euros. There is the forecast of an original payment scheme to suit the crisis, that is 100 payments each of 100 euros, which includes unemployment insurance.
