So... there are many manufacturers doing mild hybrids whilst driving them through manual gearboxes to tick some boxes and give a low cost option(£300)compared to full hybrid(£4k).
We've had
2005 1.2 petrol panda 60hp
2013 1.2 petrol panda 69hp vvc
2021 1.0 mild hybrid sport red
My mother has 0.9 4x4panda 85hp 2014.
My brother has 1.4 100hp 2007.
So I feel I'm quite versed on the differences.
Your main choices are 1.2 69hp upto 2021, 0.9twin upto 2021. 1.0 hybrid from 2021.
Below is based upon mixed driving
The 1.2 69hp will give fair to good economy 43 to 45mpg however driven all day long and with an oil change every year and belt when appropriate and likely to have aircon. Its going to have drum rear brakes for simplicity. Motoring Joy and if you find one before 2017march its super cheap roadtax.
The 0.9 85hp will be quite fun with the turbo output, they often are higher spec in the trimming and options fitments probably have phone connectivity blue and me. With the 4x4 I get 40 to 42mpg but its likely to have those noisy rear disc brakes.
The 1.0 hybrid Is just a bigger alternator and a battery pack under the passenger seat and a 30kmh and below start stop system. They can be absolutely driven like a regular manual car and will give about 5% more economy 46 to 48mpg(than the 1.2 engine it replaced). However if you feel you wish to engage with the system (Takes about 2 weeks driving to workout how to get the best out of it)You can get more E braking recharge/regen, you can care for more pedestrians as you drive in busy areas by using the start stop system even while moving upto 30kmh. The 3 cylinder hybrid sport we have seems to have a sports exhaust so when being revved over 4k seems to sound like a V6. Basically you can drive it like a 1.2 or if you wish you can push it and have some fun but not doing silly speeds. The engine loosens up at about 8k miles but before this 6th gear seems long ( you may need to go into 5th on long motorway hills).
I would rate the hybrid as the one you will likely hold onto longer if you go for a hybrid sport after July 2021 when android auto/apple carplay became standard fitment but invest in a set of 16 inch Abarth 500 painted wheels with winter tyres on the protect the diamond cut alloys from winter salt. The 3 cylinder engine is very quiet at motorway speeds.
We specced ours up with red paint, heated screen and seats. thermostatic heater and aircan. Parking sensors and even a spare wheel. But sadly ours is pre standard fit of the carplay/android system.
In conclusion search out a black/white/metalic silver hybrid sport after July 2021 and see if you can do a long test drive but protect those alloy wheels.
Have Fun.
Tim Milnes
That is an excellent insightful post to my options!!! (Although every reply so far has also helped, even contrasting views)
Each of the choices seem to have enough fans. And enough benefits to make up for any kind of lack. I had the old and new 1.2 as well and I'd be happy with either.
It sounds like I can't go wrong, and that makes me happy enough to know. So that other things like condition, price, options can be a deciding factor then. Seems there is no 'one to avoid'.
I priced up (using Shop4Parts) the genuine filters / oils for all three. Barely much difference, very affordable.
1.2: £90
TwinAir: £100
Hybrid: £100
The Sport trim looks stunning. Sad it was short lived. The alloys and (matt?) paint though would be hard to maintain - as stunning as they look.
The CarPlay / Android Auto screen is a bonus, and I think most of these come with the climate control. I'd love both. However.. an A/C and phone dock integrated into dash is just as good to me as I found my iPhone with the larger screen always a pleasant fairly suitable sat-nav and music machine - nearly as good as CarPlay.
And THEN, last night, I realised even models without that would be fine - as I could fit a Sony / Pioneer single DIN CarPlay unit - even on a car without steering wheel controls (previously a must have) as it would be so high / close at hand for the occasional bit of input.
The longer I look into it, the longer I'm finding that most models would be able to do the job. Though some with a bit more DIY work, but I'm no stranger to that at this point and if anything, expect a fresher Panda to be much more straightforward than the other cars to work with.
I was even seeking out models with heated seats - but that really narrows down choice. Some on here said they're not the best / speed or heat. But now I'm happy to fit them myself.
This one for sale now is quite fresh - I was looking at it in person on Friday but at the time, dismissed it with no steering controls nor Lounge spec.
https://www.donnellygroup.co.uk/used-cars/16547205-fiat-panda-1.2-easy-5dr/
I think even that I could fit with a CarPlay unit, tinted windows, heated seats and rubber mats, and then it'd be comfortable enough and with all the most modern tech I'd ever ask for. Sounds like a lot... but it's not too much really.
The sticking point right now.. Avensis sale. But that does give me weeks if not more, to make sure this is a choice I'll not regret.
My uncle (who I usually consult on all things car) did say that at this point, just get the Panda and even if it turns out to not be the right choice, can always trade it in - in other words, no decision is life binding or irreversible - so I can't go too far wrong.
I think it says a lot that I've experience quite different cars and the Panda still is on my mind! haha
But I opted for the "known quantity" 1242cc Fire in my 2018 used purchase.. It's not great... But is simple
