From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Fiat Panda
Manufacturer	Fiat
Production	1980-present
Class	City car

The Fiat Panda is a city car from the Italian automotive manufacturer Fiat. The first Fiat Panda was made from 1980 to 2003 with only few changes, and is now sometimes referred to as the "old Panda". The second model, launched in 2003, is sometimes referred to "new Panda" or "Nuova Panda" (in Italian), and was the European Car of the Year in 2004.

Contents 1 First generation (1980–2003) 1.1 History 1.2 Final years 1.3 SEAT Panda / Marbella 2 Second generation (2003–present) 2.1 Official usage 2.2 2005 revisions 2.3 2007 revisions 2.4 Editions 2.5 Prototypes & Special Editions 2.6 Engines 2.7 Top speeds 3 Notes 4 External links

First generation
Production	1980-2003 1981-1992 (UK)
Body style(s)	3-door hatchback
Engine(s)	652 cc I2 903 cc I4 965 cc I4 999 cc I4
Length	3340 mm (131.5 in)
Designer	Giorgetto Giugiaro

Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Panda was intended as a modern day interpretation of the Citroën 2CV or Renault 4, being a basic, simple, no-frills utility vehicle that was easy to use and maintain. Introduced in 1980, the Panda was noted for its box-like styling, which would be developed two years later in the design of the supermini Uno. Mechanically, it borrowed heavily from the Fiat parts bin, using engines and transmissions from the Fiat 127 and in certain territories, the air-cooled 652 cc two-cylinder powerplant from the Fiat 126 was also used. The theme of simplicity was also evident in the rear suspension, which used a dead axle suspended on leaf springs.

There were many features which contributed to the Panda's "utility car" role, for example, the rear seat could be folded flat to make a bed, or folded up to act as a bottle carrier, or removed altogether to increase the load space. The front seats had removable covers so that they could be washed, the fabric covered dashboard could also be removed, and the Panda could be specified with a full-length roll back canvas roof.

In February 1980 FIAT presented a new "utility" car, designed by Giugiaro and named the Panda. Fitted with either a two cylinder air-cooled 652 cc engine (derived from that in the 126) — the Panda 30; or a four cylinder water cooled engine displacing 903 cc (from the 127) — the Panda 45, it was conceived and built to be economical to buy and to run, with practicality high on the list of priorities. It was originally designed to be produced in pre-economic reform China with minimal press tooling. Sized to fit between the 126 and 127 in terms of product, it featured several innovative items such as the 7-position adjustable rear seat, removable and washable seat covers, door trims and dashboard cover and the fact that all the glass surfaces were flat. The original design of the Panda had most body panels completely flat but FIAT found out this was quite difficult to achieve and subsequently some panels look flat but have a slight convex for strength. All glass in the Panda is completely flat.

The two original engines were added to in September 1982 when the Panda 34 was revealed, this using an 843 cc water-cooled unit derived from that in the 850.

At the Paris Motorshow later in 1982 the Panda 45 Super was revealed. This had numerous improvements, most significant being the availability of a five speed gearbox as well as trim and minor styling changes. The new black plastic "corporate" grille (actually the first production use of this grille with the five diagonal silver bars) distinguished it from the earlier models with the "metal with slots" grilles. A 30 Super was added to the range in February 1983.

The Austrian company, Steyr-Puch, developed a four wheel drive system for the next addition to the range, the Panda 4x4. Launched in June 1983, it was powered by a 965 cc engine with 48 bhp (36 kW) derived from that in the Autobianchi A112. Known simply as the Panda 4x4, this model was the first small, transverse-engined production car to have a 4WD system. The system itself was manually selectable, with an ultra-low first gear. Under normal conditions starting was from second, with the fifth having the same ratio as fourth in the normal Panda. Steyr-Puch supplied the entire drivetrain (clutch, gearbox, power take-off, three-piece propshaft, rear axle including differential and brakes) to the plant at Termini Imerese where it was fitted to the reinforced bodyshell. With a weight of 740 kg (1631 lb) it completed the standing km in 38.8 seconds and went on to a top speed of 84 mph (135 km/h).

Meeting with great success, the 1,000,000th Panda produced in July 1984, by the end of 1985 1,400,000 Panda (of all versions) had been built.

Minor revisions in November 1984 saw the range renamed "L", "CL" and "S" together with some detail modifications including the adoption of the new corporate grille, with the five diagonal bars, by all the versions.

Major changes to the Panda arrived in January 1986. The 652 cc air-cooled 2-cyl engine was replaced by a 769 cc (34 bhp) water-cooled 4-cyl unit, and the 903 cc by a 999 cc (45 bhp or 50 bhp (37 kW) in the 4x4) item. Both the new engines were from the new FIRE family of 4 cylinder water-cooled powerplants with a single overhead camshaft. Out with the old was the message for the rear suspension too, with the rear leaf springs being replaced by an independent system using a rigid rear axle (known as the 'Omega' axle) with a central mounting and coil springs (the 4x4 continued to use two longitudinal leaf springs). Improvements were also made to the interior and the structure, which was strengthened. The full range became 750L, 750CL, 750S, 1000S and 4x4. These new models were visually identifiable by the lack of front "quarterlight" windows, this version was known as the Mark II, although this designation did not feature on the badging.

April of that same year saw the introduction of a 1301 cc diesel engine with 37 bhp (a detuned 127/Uno unit). Fitted as standard with a five speed gearbox it was only available in the basic "L" trim. The van version of the Panda was also introduced in the same month, with both petrol and diesel engines. This had the rear windows blanked off and a small (always black) plastic extension attached to the rear.

The following year, 1987, saw the arrival of the Panda Young with a 769 cc ohv engine which used the old 903 cc block and produced the same 34 bhp (25 kW) as the FIRE unit. The 999 cc FIRE also got single-point fuel injection and a catalytic converter in that year, and the Panda 4x4 Sisley limited edition was released. This model was based on standard 4x4 with metallic paint, inclinometer, sunroof, white painted wheels, roof rack, headlamp washers, bonnet scoop, "Sisley" badging and trim.

In August 1988 the 2,000,000th Panda came off the production line and in the following year the push-rod 903 cc engine was re-introduced for export and some limited editions. The Sisley model became a permanent model due to its popularity.

The two-seat Panda Elettra, introduced in 1990, was an early player in the environmentally-friendly electric car stakes. The batteries occupied all the space behind the front seats plus some under the bonnet where the 18 bhp (13 kW) DC motor was also fitted, driving through the normal clutch and gearbox. The weight increased significantly, to 1150 kg (2535 lb), necessitating stiffer suspension and uprated brakes. In 1992 the power went up to 23.8 bhp and the weight dropped slightly.

In April 1990 a special edition "Italia 90" model was released to coincide with the 1990 World Cup in Italy. This model was based on the 750L and came with an all white exterior, football hubcaps and unique interior trim.

The next major facelift came in 1991 with a redesign (most visibly a new front grille) and revision of the range. New arrivals included the ‘Selecta’, which had an electronic CVT (electromagnetic clutch plus CVT transmission). This advanced transmission was available either with the normal 999 cc FIRE engine, but also an all new 1108 cc FIRE unit, fitted with electronic fuel injection and a three-way catalytic converter and producing 51 bhp (38 kW). The new CLX trim also featured a five-speed gearbox as standard. The range now comprised the 750 Young (769 cc ohv), 750 and 750 CLX (both 769 cc FIRE sohc), 900 Dance (903 cc ohv), 1000 Shopping, CLX, CL Selecta and S (all with 999 cc sohc, available with or without SPI and catalytic converter), 1100 CL Selecta (1108 cc sohc with SPI and cat) and the 4x4 Trekking (999 cc available both with and without a cat). The Elettra finished off the offer.

In the next year, the 1108 cc engine, complete with SPI and catalyst, replaced the 999 cc unit in the 4x4 (with 50 bhp) and also in 1992 an 899 cc (with injection and catalyst) became available, in the 'Cafe' special edition. This was a reduced capacity 903 cc unit, designed to meet tax requirements in some markets.

The car's popularity remained strong throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, despite build quality that was seen as poor quality by many buyers. Early cars also suffered from severe bodywork corrosion and rust, as with many contemporary Fiat vehicles of the era.

From 1996 onwards, the Panda began to be phased out across Europe, due to tightening safety legislation. The car remained in production in Italy until May 2003. About a year later, the new Panda was launched, with total production standing at over 4.5 million units over a 20 year period.

Main article: SEAT Marbella

Spanish car maker SEAT also produced a version of the Panda.

Up to 1983, SEAT lacked their own designs and only made rebadged versions of Fiat cars through a licence agreement between the two firms. Thus, there existed a Spanish version of the Panda called the SEAT Panda, produced from 1981 to 1986.

After Fiat sold their share in SEAT in 1983 and the licence agreement ended, the whole Fiat-based line-up of SEAT cars were quickly given the least possible changes so that Fiat could not take legal action against SEAT on the basis of patent infringement. The SEAT Panda had its front and rear fascias redesigned and was marketed as the SEAT Marbella from 1987 to 1998.

It did not receive the major mechanical upgrades of the 1986 Fiat Panda Mark II, instead continuing with the old pushrod Fiat-based engines from the Fiat Panda Mark I.

Second generation
Production	2003-present
Engine(s)	1.1 L FIRE I4 1.2 L FIRE I4 1.3 L JTD diesel I4 1.4 L FIRE I4
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 6-speed manual 5-speed automatic
Length	3538 mm (139.3 in)
Width	1578 mm (62.1 in)
Height	1578 mm (62.1 in)
Curb weight	840 kg (1852 lb) (1.1 L) 860 kg (1896 lb) (1.2 L) 935 kg (2061 lb) (1.3 L) 975 kg (2150 lb) (1.4 L)
Related	Fiat Nuova 500

The new Panda, codenamed Model 169 in its development phase, was originally intended to be called "Gingo". However, this name was considered to be too similar to the Renault Twingo, so Fiat decided to continue with the Panda name. Successor to the Seicento, the new model also effectively replaced the old Panda after 23 years of production, although the Seicento itself proved still popular and remained in production. Like the Fiat Seicento, the Panda is manufactured only in Tychy, Poland by Fiat Auto Poland. A smaller, 3-door Fiat will be added to the range in 2007, the new 500.

The high-bodied Panda takes clear styling cues from mini MPVs and mini SUVs, with its tail lights in particular reminiscent of much larger cars from the likes of Volvo. The Panda won the European Car of the Year award in 2004.

The Panda includes an option for split rear seats, which makes the Panda a four-seater. Since September 2005, all Pandas are equipped with stability control, ABS, EBD and at least two front airbags. The gear-lever is located high on the central dashboard, which is designed to make changing gears more comfortable than with a conventional floor-mounted gearstick.

The financially troubled Fiat needed the new Panda to be a success, and indeed it was, selling half a million units by October 2005. It sells particularly well in Italy (over half of the cars produced are sold in Italy), being seen as closer to a spiritual successor to the Fiat 500 than a replacement for either the Seicento or the old Panda. The 1,000,000th new Panda was built on September 5, 2007, a red Panda 4x4 Climbing with 1.2-litre petrol engine.^[1]

In addition to the retail success, the Top Gear Motoring Survey in 2006 ranked it 8th out of 152 cars surveyed for reliability, craftsmanship, ownership costs, driving experience and service received. Traditionally, Fiat have ranked at the lower end of this table, showing that the Nuova Panda is reversing the trend and suggesting a return to form for Fiat.^[2]

The Panda is produced for police departments (the Polish police have bought some blue and white Panda Actual models), military agencies (the Italian Army uses several dark green Panda Climbing models), and forest services (the Italian forest service has dark green Panda Climbing models).

In September 2005 several changes were made to the Panda, including standard fitment of ABS and a front passenger's airbag.

The Panda range received minor updates in 2007, including a new, darker dashboard. The Active model also received new darker seat fabrics of better quality and the addition of a CD player.

• The Natural Power is a dual-fuel version (gasoline-methane gas). Methane guarantees unbeatable low emissions and economy. Travel autonomy is about 200 km on a 8 euros filled up methane gas tank. The chassis is the same of the 4x4, the space of the rear wheels differential is occupied by the methane tank. Can be fully accessorized incl. A/C, ABS etc.

• The basic Actual has black bumpers, lacks electric windows and a full-size spare wheel. The Actual was introduced in January 2004.

• The Active, introduced in May 2003, features black self coloured bumpers but boasts front electric windows, central door locking, Radio / Cassette player, driver's airbag, power steering. Manual climate control is available as an option. Since September 2005, ABS and the front passenger's airbag have been made standard. This model has the 1100 cc "FIRE" engine and a five speed gearbox.

• The Active Plus edition is slightly better equipped than the Active, with a cassette / CD player as standard. Production of the Active Plus stopped in December 2003.

• The Dynamic edition features ABS, dual airbags, roof bars, power steering and a cassette player as standard. A CD & MP3 player, CD changer, alloy wheels, manual or automated climate control, glass sunroof and a semi-automatic transmission are available as options. Since September 2005, four airbags have been standard in some countries, with an option for two additional side curtain airbags.

• The Emotion (Eleganza) edition is the best-equipped trim level. This particular trim level features significant enhancements over the Dynamic, with a standard CD player, alloy wheels with low profile tires and automated climate control. In some countries such as the UK, the Emotion is sold as the "Eleganza".

The 100hp edition is a new sporting addition to the Panda family, it uses the 1.4-litre 16-valve FIRE engine from the Fiat Punto tuned to develop 100 bhp through a six-speed manual transmission. It differs from other Panda by using all disc brakes, now fully ventilated at the front. The Panda 100hp features totally a new suspension with modified springs, dampers, bushes and compliance. The Panda 100 hp is significantly faster than other models, with 0-100 km/h acceleration in 9.5 s, and a maximum speed of 115 mph (185 km/h), while still offering economical fuel consumption at 43.4 mpg in the EU combined cycle and 154 g/km of CO2 emissions.

• The 4x4 Climbing edition, introduced in December 2004, has a higher ride height and larger wheels and tires than other editions. The four-wheel drive system also makes this edition slower than others. Features are similar to those found in the Dynamic. The Climbing, however, lacks a differential lock and transmission with reductor. The Climbing edition can be distinguished by a slightly higher suspension, additional black plastic overlays on the bumpers and a "Climbing" badge just below the "Panda" badge on the left side of the rear licence plate.

• The 4x4 Cross edition, similar to the Climbing, features differently shaped front and rear lights and additional side cladding. Unlike the Climbing, the Cross does have a differential lock. The Cross edition became available in January 2006 in Italy, and will be available in September 2006 in Poland, over 9 months after its introduction in December 2005.

The Actual and Active are also bases for the Actual Van and Active Van, which can be used as small vans (they also have an additional safety net behind the front seats and removable rear seats). These versions can be identified by small "Van" label on the back door.

During the time, many limited editions of Panda (Active and Dynamic editions only) were produced. Each of them had additional interior fittings, differentiating them from the base model.

• Fiat Panda Alessi

Italian Design house Alessi created a special edition featuring a two-tone paint scheme and unique trim inside and out. Fiat gave away some of the Alessi’s products (coffee machine and tin-can openers) for the special model's debut at the Ideal Home Show in the UK.

• Fiat Panda Jolly

The Fiat Panda Jolly is a unique vehicle created by Fiat Styling Center and Stola and inspired by boat design. It served as a special shuttle bus in Capri during the summer of 2006. The interior features innovative materials and exclusive trims.

Defined by Fiat as "a car with a fresh, light and Mediterranean look both in the colors and materials", the Panda Jolly is inspired by the interior design and yacht design worlds, and features styling elements that remind of the spirit and way of life of the 1960s.

The concept mainly came from the 600 Multipla Jolly, a car created by Carrozzeria Ghia in 1956, which could be found on the streets of Capri 50 years ago.

The interiors are created by Paola Lenti, an Italian leading company in the Interior Design sector, specialized in the research and development of innovative fabrics and materials.

All the seats are upholstered in the exclusive sailing-inspired Rope fabric.

This special material is nonallergic, nontoxic, antibacterial and resistant to UV rays.

Many structural elements like the floor, sills and various trims are made with pickled natural ash finish with white ash inlays.

• Fiat Panda Terramare 4

Panda Terramare’s creator is Milan born Maurizio Zanisi, an independent former Iso Rivolta engineer, and his self-built amphibian is based on a Panda 4x4 chassis, but with an inflatable flotation belt, and waterjet propulsion driven off the rear axle.

On Friday 21st July 2006 the Terramare crossed the 25 miles (40 km) croosed the English Channel from Folkestone in Kent to Cap Griz Nez in just over 6 hours.

• Fiat Panda Luxury

At the ‘Luxury & Yachts’ show in February 2006, Fiat exhibited a one-off car based on the 4x4 called the ‘Luxury’. The outside of the car features dipped silver paintwork, precious metal trim and gleaming jewel-like mouldings with back-lit inset crystals.

The interior features dipped silver appointments, precious metal details, Jewel Alcantara upholstery and leather with mother of pearl finish. The Fiat logo is also worked on the seats with stylish studs and crystals.

• Fiat Panda Hydrogen

Main Article: Fiat Panda Hydrogen

The Panda Hydrogen, a car prototype driven by a hydrogen Fuel Cell, was a joint venture between Fiat Auto, the Fiat Research Centre and Fiat Powertrain Research & Technology with the support of the Research and Environment Ministries.

On the Panda Hydrogen, the Fuel Cell System is housed beneath the floorpan. The fuel cells are made up of several cells connected in series. Inside, the hydrogen and oxygen molecules are forced to react with the aid of a catalyst to produce water and heat. Electrical energy is generated with very high efficiency and zero emissions from the vehicle itself.

At full power, the Fuel Cell engine on the Panda Hydrogen delivers 60 kW that allows the car to reach a top speed of more than 130 km/h, with acceleration from 0 to 50 km/h in 5 seconds. The car can also easily climb a gradient of 23% at take-off.

2006 will see the beginning of the demonstration stage of small Panda Hydrogen fleets, as a forerunner to wide-ranging demonstration programmes promoted and supported by the European Union and by the Italian Ministries and Regions. The ultimate aim is for such vehicles to be marketed within 15 – 20 years.

• Fiat Panda Tanker

Unveiled at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy, the Panda Tanker features only three doors. And although the overall shape has remained unchanged, the two rear doors have been replaced by solid panels to free up some extra load space in the practical cabin. Rugged extras and underbody protection also help to set the Tanker apart from the standard Panda 4x4 model. Designed in conjunction with Italian extreme sport clothing manufacturer Dainese, the show star is equipped with sports seats incorporating a rigid titanium fibre shell.

Reflecting the matt paint finish of the exterior, the cabin has a back-to-basics feel. With no rear seats, the load floor offers flexible attachments for fixing sports kit, while an aluminium structure is designed to carry mountain bikes.

• Fiat Panda MultiEco

The Panda MultiEco show-car made its world debut in Geneva 2006. Fiat sees this unit as the future of cars with a low environmental impact: the concept car represents the most advanced frontier achievable in terms of emissions and consumption, combining technologies that already exist or are ready for production..

The show-car combines an innovative ‘powertrain' architecture – an engine with dual petrol/methane fuel supply, MTA transmission and BAS device – with the use of eco-compatible materials (recycled, recyclable or of natural origin) for the exterior and interior. The result is made even more interesting by the painstaking optimisation of the aerodynamics and a significant weight reduction.

Panda MultiEco is equipped with a dual-fuel (methane and petrol) FIRE engine – future developments will also make it possible to use a methane/hydrogen mix – combined with a BAS (Belt-driven Alternator-Starter) device and a Dualogic robotised gearbox.

• Fiat Panda Cross Dakar Rally

Two factory-built Fiat Panda 4x4s were prepared to contest the gruelling Dakar 2007 rally raid, which started in Lisbon.

Entered in the T2 category, the class which most closely represents production vehicles, the two Panda 4x4s, driven by Miki Biasion and former Dakar winner, Bruno Saby, respectively, are powered by Fiat Auto’s 1.3 litre MultiJet turbodiesel combined with a six-speed manual gearbox. The engines deliver 105 bhp (78 kW) at 4500 rpm and a peak torque of 123 lb (55.8 kg).ft at 2500 rpm. Apart from their small dimensions, the two cars are particularly noteworthy for their automatic all-wheel drive system with viscous coupling and locking differential, a system that provides more grip and traction on rough and soft terrain thanks to the optimal split of drive to the wheels.

The two Pandas competing in Dakar 2007 have been equipped specifically for this rally: so room has been found inside for accessories like aluminium platforms to help extricate the vehicles from soft sand, shovels, spare wheels, water reserves for the crew, and other specialised equipment useful for the occasion. The Fiat expedition to Dakar will include a Fiat Sedici as service back-up, and three Iveco trucks to transport spares and technicians.

• Fiat Panda Simba

The Simba was unveiled at the Bologna Motor Show in 2002 purely as a concept car to give an idea how the following years production Panda would look.

Some of the rugged styling cues made it on the production ‘Cross’ model

• Fiat Panda Aria

Fiat presented Aria concept in Frankfurt Motor Show 2007. The Aria is equipped with new environment-friendly technology and outputs only 69 g/km CO2. With 900 cc turbocharged straight-2 engine it produces 80 bhp (60 kW), its also capable of using both petrol and CNG. This new engine is equipped with Fiat's Multiair techonology, which uses electrohydraulic valve activation system. In monofuel (petrol) version the engine is capable of producing 105 bhp (78 kW). The car is also equipped with Stop&Start function, which helps to reduce consumption by 10% in urban driving.^[3]

The smallest engine, the 1.1 L petrol SOHC FIRE engine, which is rated at 54 bhp (40 kW) and found in the Fiat Seicento, has been criticised for being underpowered for the Panda, which weighs over 850 kg (1874 lb), and the acceleration in particular was considered to be very slow. However, the engine reportedly gains flexibility and power with use.

The 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel engine is rated at 75 bhp (56 kW) and 100 ft·lbf (140 N·m) of torque; it is the most economical of all available engines. However, this engine is detuned from the Punto (where it develops 120 ft·lbf (163 N·m) of torque) due to the Panda's weaker transmission. Pandas with diesel engines can be easily distinguished by a "MultiJet" badge on the right side of the rear licence plate.

Introduced into the range in 2006 was the 1368 cc FIRE engine which had previously seen service in the Mk2a Punto Sporting (contrary to some press reports, it is not an adapted version of the 1.4 16v Starjet engine used in the Grande Punto). This FIRE engine has four cylinders in-line with sixteen valves actuated by belt driven double overhead camshafts. The engine is undersquare with bore and stroke of 72 mm and 84 mm respectively, running at a compression ratio of 10.8:1. Ignition is by Fiat's Jet Thrust Stochiometric system with sequential multi-point fuel injection.

• 150 km/h (93 mph) with 1.1 L petrol engine
• 155 km/h (96 mph) with 1.2 L petrol engine
• 160 km/h (99 mph) with 1.3 L diesel engine (lower-tuned 70PS model)
• 165 km/h (103 mph) with 1.3 L diesel engine (standard/higher-tuned 75PS model)
• 184 km/h (115 mph) with 1.4 L petrol engine

• Official Nuova Panda website (for selected western European countries)
• Official New Panda website (for United Kingdom)
  • sub-page on Fiat Panda 4x4
  • sub-page on Fiat Panda Sporting
  • sub-page on Fiat Panda Alessi
• Detailed information about the new Panda
• Dutch Fiat Panda Club (in Dutch)
• Club Fiat Panda France (in French)
• German Fiat Panda fan club and forum (in German)
• German Fiat Panda forum (in German)
• Details of the Panda 100HP (in English with links for other European languages)
• fiat forum
• Clube Panda4x4net (in Portuguese)

v • d • e <- Previous                      Fiat car timeline, European market, 1980s-present
Type	1980s										1990s										2000s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
City car	126											Cinquecento							Seicento
																												500
	Panda																							Panda II
Supermini	127			Uno										Punto I						Punto II						Grande Punto
Small family car	Ritmo								Tipo							Bravo / Brava						Stilo						Bravo II
	131					Regata					Tempra					Marea												Linea
Large family car		Argenta				Croma I																				Croma II
Coupé															Coupé
Roadster	124 Spider															Barchetta									Barchetta
Sports car	X1/9
Panel van	Fiorino I				Fiorino II																	Doblò
Mini SUV																											Sedici
Mini MPV																									Idea
Compact MPV																			Multipla
Large MPV																Ulysse I							Ulysse II
Van																	Scudo I											Scudo II
		Ducato I												Ducato II													Ducato III