NEW FIAT PANDA IN UK

The new Fiat Panda, recently voted Car of the Year 2004, goes on sale here at the end of the week (Saturday 17 January), further reinforcing the company's 60 year pedigree in the manufacture of small cars.

In securing Car of the Year 2004, the all-new Fiat Panda took the automotive industry's most prestigious award by a handsome 40 point margin from its nearest rival, impressing the jury of 58 senior automotive journalists from 22 European countries with a combination of design flair, interior space, flexibility, practicality, refinement and driving dynamics unprecedented in the sub-£7000 city car class.

Fiat Auto has now won the coveted Car of the Year title no less than 11 times, a record unmatched by any other manufacturer. First winning the award in the year of its inception, 1964, with the 124, Fiat achieved further success with the 128 and 127 in the 1970s, the Uno and Tipo in the 1980s, and with the Punto and Bravo/Brava in the 1990s.

Attesting to the car buying public's unanimity with the 2004 Car of the Year jury, initial sales of the new Fiat Panda are buoyant and well above expectations. Orders had already exceeded 95,000 units by the end of November 2003.

Six versions of the new Panda, priced from £6295-£8095 on-the-road, go on sale in the UK at launch, embracing three trim levels - Active, Dynamic and Eleganza - and a choice of two refined and economical petrol engines, (1.1 litre 8-valve,
54 bhp, and 1.2 litre 8-valve, 60 bhp). Both these proven, reliable power plants are mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, whilst Fiat's innovative, Dualogic gearbox with sequential or fully automatic operation is also available with the 1.2 litre FIRE engine.

Fiat Auto's new, state-of-the-art, 1.3 litre 16-valve MultiJet turbodiesel will further augment the UK's new Panda range this summer, and a 4x4 version, set to become the UK's most affordable off-roader, will follow nearer the end of the year.

New Panda enters the UK car market with notably advantageous insurance group ratings - 1.1 Active:1; 1.2 Dynamic:2; and 1.2 Eleganza:3.

DESIGN

Within compact, urban-friendly exterior dimensions, the new Fiat Panda's unique design combines the road presence and elevated driving position of a small SUV with the space and flexible practicality of an MPV. However, thanks to MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension, the new Panda boasts driving dynamics far superior to those which so often relegate vehicles in this class to poor relation status.

The new Panda offers levels of equipment more usually associated with cars of a far higher segment. Electric front windows, central locking, Dualdrive electronic power steering, two front airbags and a Blaupunkt stereo radio cassette are fitted as standard in even the entry level, Active version. Moreover, the availability of up to six airbags, automatic climate control, parking sensors, a SkyDome electric sunroof, steering wheel audio controls and a stereo CD with MP3 player, imbue the new Fiat Panda with a level of on-board sophistication and refinement unparalleled in this class.

Within a bodyshell of exceptional torsional stiffness, the new Panda offers a fully comprehensive array of both active and passive safety features. It is the first car in its class to offer up to six airbags, whilst front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, three-point rear seatbelts, and anti-submarining seats are all fitted as standard.

Fiat Auto has further equipped the new Panda with the full range of braking, traction control, and stability systems available today: ABS anti-lock brakes complete with electronic brakeforce distribution, ASR to limit wheel slip during acceleration, MSR to modulate engine torque whilst changing down, and a sophisticated ESP to control stability whilst cornering - the only car in its class to offer this system. Vehicles fitted with ESP also benefit from hydraulic brake assistance and a unique Hill Holder function to facilitate smooth hill starts.

Building on Fiat's unrivalled reputation as the world's pre-eminent small car specialists, the newly crowned Car of the Year 2004 combines design flair, flexibility, practicality, refinement, technological innovation and outstanding value for money to set a new benchmark for cars in this class. With its combination of driving dynamics, refinement, technical innovation and equipment levels of higher segment vehicles, the new Panda reflects the increasing reluctance of car buyers to compromise at any level of the ownership experience, even in the lowest segments.

Styling

The front of the new Panda blends powerful, rectilinear headlamps with an understated grille and deep front air dam incorporating foglights and urban-essential rubbing strips, making it instantly recognisable as the latest addition to the Fiat family, and also rewarding the car with one of the best Cd figures in its class - 0.33.

In profile, the new Fiat Panda is characterised by large, bow shaped windows linked via blacked out door pillars to the rear quarterlights. This affords maximum glazing to the cabin space, whilst creating a graphic motif unique to the new car and hinting at the raised driving position and MPV practicality within.

This practicality is further reinforced by a full height, top hinged tailgate, flanked by high visibility rear lamp units designed to offer full width access to the loadspace through the low-silled aperture.

Life on board

The ultra-compact exterior dimensions of the new Fiat Panda - 1.58 m wide, 1.54 m high and 3.54 m long, with a wheelbase of just 2.30 m - belie an exceptionally spacious, flexible interior.

The new car boasts an overall passenger room coefficient of more than 68%, one of the best in its class. And, thanks to an optional innovative, split/folding, sliding rear seat, the copious, 206 litre luggage compartment may be quickly and easily increased to 236 litres.

The combination of a raised driving position, height adjustable seat, rake adjustable steering wheel and generous glazing offer the driver a comfortable, highly adaptable driving position allied to excellent all-round visibility. Unrivalled driver ergonomics have been achieved through painstaking detailing and the careful placement of even minor switchgear.

Complementing a clear, functional driver's instrument binnacle, the prominent, high quality centre console raises the gear lever to within the closest practical proximity of the steering wheel, allowing for quick, accurate changes with minimal physical effort.

Careful consideration has gone into the placement of all other console based functions, with the stereo radio placed at the highest level to offer ease of access with minimal driver distraction.

Extensive cabin storage includes two enclosed dashboard compartments, generous door pockets, centre console cup holders and a removable rear parcel shelf.

The seats, produced in accordance with principles developed by Professor Dal Monte, head of the Biometrics Department at the CONI Sport Medicine Institute, are exceptionally comfortable, devoting particular attention to passenger posture and lateral containment.

The new Fiat Panda offers a choice of four rear seating solutions: one piece with two or three places, 50:50 split with two places, and 50:50 split/sliding with two places. Both the latter also have ISOFIX child seat attachments. All options come with a one piece cushion with anti-submarining function and a fully folding backrest for greatly enlarged load carrying capacity.

The one piece backrest can include a third inertia reel seatbelt, whilst the two place, 50:50 split option offers even greater loadspace flexibility. The sliding seat, 50:50 split option boasts the added advantage of rake adjustable backrests and the ability to boost loadspace by 30 litres without the need to fold down either seat back. In all cases, the seat folding mechanism may be operated from inside either the passenger or luggage compartments.

A comprehensive range of accessories includes rubber or carpet matting, assorted loadspace nets including a dog containment screen, a demountable load compartment tray, transverse roof bars and a wide selection of child seats, including a bespoke Kiddy Isofix seat for children weighing up to 40 lb.

Available in a choice of 10 body colours complemented by six stylish, durable, cabin upholstery finishes, the new Fiat Panda is the only car in this class to have 99% of its interior surface lined, setting new class standards for quality and comfort.

SAFETY

Benefiting from 15,000 hours of computer aided design, 80 crash tests, 70 HyGe slide simulations and 140 tests on components and subsystems, the new Fiat Panda is one of the safest cars in its class.

PASSIVE SAFETY

State-of-the-art passive safety is provided by an all-new chassis/platform designed to provide maximum torsional stiffness yet absorb impact with optimum efficiency. Moreover, the new Fiat Panda is the first car in its class to offer up to six airbags, whilst front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, three-point rear seat belts, anti-submarining seats, ISOFIX child seat attachments to the split rear seats and an FPS Fire Prevention System are all fitted as standard.

Airbags

The new Panda may be fitted with up to six airbags: driver and passenger front and side airbags, as well as two side curtain airbags providing head protection in the case of side impacts. Their operation is controlled by an electronic control unit that evaluates crash severity via a number of sensors located throughout the car.

The front passenger airbag may be deactivated manually via an ignition key switch on the fascia; a dashboard warning light indicates this condition. Though the seatbelt pretensioner remains active, a rear facing baby seat can therefore be safely fitted.

Automatic door locks

Available on selected models, automatic door locks activate on all doors as soon as the new Panda reaches 12 mph - an important safety and security feature.

ISOFIX attachments

Certain versions of the new Panda are fitted with Isofix mountings to ensure the easy and safe installation of child seats. The attachments take the form of two pairs of brackets located at the base of the rear seat squab. The bracket sizes and settings are in accordance with European standards so that the seat can be re-used on any other vehicle.

Fire Prevention System

The FPS includes a cut-off valve and an inertia switch which immediately locks the electric petrol pump. This prevents fuel loss in the case of impact, roll-over or damage to the fuel lines. The fuel tank, located in a protected position in front of the rear axle, is formed in a plastic resistant to mechanical stress and fire. The new Panda's interior trim is also flame resistant.

ACTIVE SAFETY

Via 240 mm front discs and 180 mm x 30 mm drum brakes at the rear, the new Fiat Panda offers the full range of braking, traction control and stability systems on the market today: ABS anti-lock brakes, complete with electronic brakeforce distribution, ASR to limit wheelspin during acceleration, MSR to modulate brake torque while changing down, and a sophisticated ESP system (optional), to control stability through bends. Vehicles fitted with ESP also benefit from hydraulic brake assistance and a unique Hill Holder function to facilitate smooth hill starts.

ABS

An advanced Bosch 8 ABS system, featuring four active sensors, four channels, an electronic control unit and eight solenoids, is offered across the entire new Panda range and is fitted as standard to all versions except the 1.1 Active.

The system is complemented by an Electronic Brakeforce Distributor (EBD) that governs the braking action on the rear axle to prevent the wheels locking and ensure full control of the car in all situations. The system also adapts its operation to wheel grip conditions and brake pad efficiency to reduce pad overheating.

ASR and MSR

The new Panda can also be equipped, as an option, with a sophisticated Anti Slip Regulation system (ASR) to restrict wheelspin in cases of reduced grip. ASR traction control works at any speed, and prevents the driven wheels from slipping by adjusting torque according to available levels of grip.

The MSR (Motor Schleppmoment Regelung) cuts in when a gear is shifted down abruptly under conditions of low grip. The system restores torque to the engine to prevent skidding as a result of wheel lock-up.

Both ASR and MSR are available when ESP is ordered as an option, along with Hydraulic Brake Assist.

HBA

On new Pandas without ESP, emergency brake assistance takes the form of Emergency Valve Assistance (EVA); a mechanical system located inside the brake servo. On vehicles fitted with ESP, the function is carried out electronically by the ABS control unit and is known as Hydraulic Brake Assistance (HBA). Both systems carry out an identical function with equal efficiency.

ESP

The new Fiat Panda also offers a permanently engaged Electronic Stability Program (ESP) which activates to help control the car when stability is at risk.

Via sensors monitoring car body rotation, lateral acceleration and steering wheel input, the system assesses vehicle stability and the proximity of either an understeer or oversteer slide. The system restores stability by applying smoothly modulated braking to the appropriate wheel individually, and simultaneously reducing engine power. Engine power reduction is also carefully modulated to ensure a minimum of performance loss and, hence, continued driver satisfaction.

Hill Holder

Fiat's Hill Holder system helps drivers pull smoothly away from an upwards-facing hill start. Operating via the ESP longitudinal acceleration sensor when first gear is engaged and both clutch and brake pedals are pressed, the control unit maintains front calliper pressure for about 1.5 seconds after the brake pedal is released to eliminate the risk of rolling backwards and ensure a smooth pull away. Hill Holder does not operate when setting off downhill in first gear, but does so when reverse is engaged and the driver wishes to back uphill.

MODEL RANGE AND EQUIPMENT

The Fiat Panda will become available from launch, as follows:

EQUIPMENT

There are three trim levels and six versions available - Active, Dynamic, Dynamic Aircon, Dynamic SkyDome, Dynamic Sound and Eleganza - offering unprecedented levels of equipment in this segment. The three equipment upgrades to the Dynamic version of the new Panda offer additional features, the value of which far exceeds the individual Pack costs.

The six specification levels include the following:

Active

1. Twin front airbags
2. 3-point inertia reel seatbelts on all seats
3. Central locking
4. Dualdrive electric power steering
5. Adjustable steering column
6. 'Follow Me Home' headlights
7. Fiat Code II Engine immobiliser
8. RDS radio cassette with four speakers
9. 'Intelligent' windscreen wipers
10. Heated rear window with 'intelligent' wash/wipe
11. Electric front windows with driver's 'One Touch' facility

Dynamic

In addition to the Active specification, Dynamic adds, together with the larger 1.2 engine:

1. Rev counter
2. Trip computer
3. Body coloured bumpers
4. Multifunction display
5. ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD
6. Brake assist

Dynamic AirCon

The Dynamic AirCon pack includes the following upgrade:

1. Manual air conditioning
2. Black aluminium roof bars
3. Remote central locking
4. Side rubbing strips

Dynamic SkyDome

The Dynamic SkyDome pack includes the following upgrade:

1. SkyDome electric sunroof
2. Black aluminium roof bars
3. Remote central locking
4. Foglights
5. Side rubbing strips

Dynamic Sound

The Dynamic Sound pack includes the following upgrade:

1. Stereo radio CD player
2. Six speakers
3. 100 watt sub-woofer
4. Steering wheel audio controls
5. Black aluminium roof bars
6. Remote central locking
7. Electric, heated door mirrors
8. Foglights
9. Side rubbing strips

Eleganza

In addition to the Dynamic specification, Eleganza adds:

1. 14" alloy wheels
2. Electric, heated door mirrors
3. Black aluminium roof bars
4. Stereo radio/CD player
5. Reconfigurable multifunction display
6. Automatic climate control
7. 50:50 split/folding rear seat with ISOFIX attachments
8. Remote central locking

Dualdrive electric power steering

All new Panda versions are equipped with this innovative, speed-sensitive power steering system, which comes with two operating modes and uses an electric motor, rather than a hydraulic pump driven by the engine, which results in a considerable reduction in both fuel consumption and noise.

The system offers a choice of two settings: The first ensures maximum feedback and driver involvement, the second lightens the steering to minimise effort, and is therefore ideal for urban driving and low speed manoeuvring.

Pressing the 'City' button on the fascia activates the latter mode. But, to ensure maximum safety under all driving conditions, both settings offer identical power assistance over 44 mph, thus ensuring a steering wheel response suited to high speed driving.

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT

The new Fiat Panda's comprehensive standard equipment package is further enhanced by a range of innovative, safety and comfort enhancing options more usually reserved for vehicles in a higher segment, such as a SkyDome glass sunroof, parking sensors, side and window airbags, ESP (including ASR, MSR and Hill Holder), smart windscreen wipers, Follow Me Home headlights and a CD sound system that can play MP3 music files.

SkyDome sunroof

The SkyDome, a large, crystal-glass sunroof, occupies nearly 70% of the new Panda roof. It consists of two glazed panels - one fixed and one mobile - and two sunblinds that may be independently retracted towards the rear of the car.

Via a button adjacent to the central courtesy light, the retractable glass panel becomes a raised spoiler in the first position, thereafter sliding on aluminium guides to the fully opened position. Releasing the control button stops the movement at any required position. Both glass front panel and sunblind may be fully opened in just seven seconds.

Parking sensors

The parking sensor, which is activated whenever the ignition is switched on and reverse gear engaged, consists of four ultrasonic sensors fitted in the rear bumper and linked to an electronic control unit and a buzzer.

The four detectors cover the rear corners of the new Panda from a distance of less than 60 cm, and the area immediately behind the car from a distance of less than 150 cm. Proximity information is transmitted to the driver in the form of bleeps at intervals. The bleeps are emitted with increasing frequency, becoming a continuous signal when the car reaches a distance of 30 cm from any obstacle.

Follow Me Home headlights

A practical, safety conscious innovation designed to light the interior of a garage or a path to the front door after the car has been locked. Follow Me Home activates the dipped beams and sidelights of the new Panda. The driver simply operates the light flasher stalk within two minutes of switching off the engine. Each time the stalk is operated, light activation is extended by 30 seconds up to a maximum of three-and-a-half minutes.

Intelligent windscreen wipers

All versions of the new Panda feature two continual and four intermittent wiper speeds. A 'smart' washing system simultaneously operates wipers and washerjets with one stalk movement. The same system applies to the rear window wiper.

ENGINES AND TRANSMISSIONS

The new Fiat Panda goes on sale in the UK with a choice of two refined and economical petrol engines; (1.1 litre 8-valve, 54 bhp, and 1.2 litre 8-valve, 60 bhp). Both these reliable, proven FIRE engines will be augmented by Fiat Auto's new, state-of-the-art 1.3 litre 16-valve 70 bhp MultiJet turbodiesel this summer.

Both petrol engines are mated to 5-speed manual gearboxes. Dualogic - a clutchless, 5-speed sequential manual shift with a selectable fully automatic mode - is offered as an option on all 1.2 litre 8-valve models.

1.2 8v FIRE

• 1242 cc
• 4-cylinders, 8 valves
• Power: 60 bhp @ 5000 rpm
• Torque: 75 lb.ft @ 2500 rpm
• Top speed: 96 mph
• Acceleration 0-62 mph: 14.0 seconds
• Fuel consumption: in town: 39.8 mpg

out of town: 58.9 mpg

combined: 50.4 mpg

• CO₂: 133 g/km

This tried and tested unit is installed in the new Panda with a number of refinements to further improve fuel economy without affecting its lively performance.

The engine is now equipped with a sophisticated, Marelli I.A.W. phased sequential multipoint injection. New, convergent / divergent intake manifolds and new camshaft profiles optimise power and efficiency, and a new active knock sensor manages ignition advance effectively under all conditions.

Lighter componentry has also improved fuel consumption. In particular, a new glassfibre-reinforced polymer intake manifold has been developed with U-shaped branches and a built-in plenum chamber. A new auxiliary drive circuit featuring built-in mountings in aluminium squeeze castings and an automatic low torque tensioner has also been developed for improved reliability. The mating clearance between crankshaft and crankcase has also been optimised through computerised selection of main bearings.

Quality of life on board has been improved through a new engine installation system which minimises the transfer of engine vibration to the body - a barycentric power unit mounting system consisting of two blocks plus a reaction rod that acts as a link. The new mounts are aligned along an axis that passes through the engine's centre of gravity to obtain reaction forces with zero offset.

Additionally, the catalytic converter is welded to the side of the exhaust manifold within the engine bay, allowing it to reach the necessary high operating temperatures more rapidly, thus reducing emissions before the engine itself is at optimum running temperature.

1.1 8v FIRE

• 1108 cc
• 4-cylinders, 8 valves
• Power: 54 bhp @ 5000 rpm
• Torque: 65 lb.ft @ 2750 rpm
• Top speed: 93 mph
• Acceleration 0-62 mph: 15.0 seconds
• Fuel consumption: in town: 39.2 mpg

out of town: 58.9 mpg

combined: 49.6 mpg

• CO₂: 135 g/km

The torque delivery curve of this notably reliable engine offers maximum output at just 2750 rpm, ensuring a sprightly urban performance whilst maintaining low emissions and the most frugal levels of fuel consumption.

As with the 1.2 litre version, two valves per cylinder are driven by a single overhead camshaft with a toothed belt. The tappets are driven directly, while the crankcase is in cast iron with an aluminium cylinder head, and the lubrication system is forced circulation type with coaxial gear pump and full flow filter.

TRANSMISSIONS

The 5-speed manual gearbox available in the new Panda range can transmit torque of up to 14.8 kgm (107 lb.ft), and features a dual cable external control that filters engine vibrations transmitted to the dashboard mounted gear lever, offering outstanding selection manoeuvrability.

The gear casings, developed using finite element structural computing methods, are light yet display high noise absorption efficiency. Fifth speed and final drive gear sets are machined to a superfinish after heat treatment, to further reduce noise levels. The clutch is hydraulic to promote ease of use, efficiency and low running noise. The new Panda 5-speed manual gearbox is also equipped with a syringe mechanism to prevent involuntary reverse engagement.

Dualogic

Dualogic clutchless transmission is available with the 1.2 litre 8-valve engine. This innovative transmission system features a servo automated clutch and gear lever, while retaining all the attributes of a dry clutch and manual gearbox; low weight, strength, reliability and fuel economy.

Two operating modes are selectable; semi-automatic and automatic. In the absence of a clutch pedal, fast, accurate gear changing in semi-automatic mode simply requires the movement of the lever forward to change up, and back to change down.

Once the new Panda has been started, brake pedal pressure allows the selection of either first or reverse gear (second gear may be selected to aid traction in slippery conditions). To ensure safety and prevent unsolicited gear changes, the system automatically engages neutral when the engine is still running and the door is opened. Dualogic also prevents gear changing errors that risk damage to engine or transmission, reinforced with both visual and aural alarms.

In fully automatic mode, Dualogic offers two options: Normal and Economy. The Normal option offers outstanding driving comfort through the smoothest gearchanges under all conditions. Pressing the Economy button on the gear control panel offers reduced fuel consumption through lower RPM gearchange points, while maintaining first class driving comfort.

The Dualogic system offers an ideal compromise for those who prefer an automatic gearbox for day-to-day use, but do not wish to relinquish the driver involvement and satisfaction of a manual change.

SUSPENSION

Allied to an all-new platform and a bodyshell of exceptional torsional stiffness - 70,500 da Nm/rad - the new Fiat Panda employs an independent MacPherson strut front suspension configuration, and a lightweight torsion beam axle at the rear, to offer a level of driving precision, roadholding and ride comfort more usually associated with cars of a much higher segment.

The front suspension features a torsion bar connected by rods to the dampers (a first in this category), new design coil springs that increase the absorption of minor surface roughness, and wishbones with both front bushes and new vertical rear bushes of combined rubber and metal.

The new bushes contain an increased percentage of rubber, offering an excellent compromise between vibration suppression and road adhesion.

The rear suspension configuration combines a folded sheet steel torsion beam with double acting telescopic hydraulic dampers located beneath the floor to improve comfort without compromising load space.

Single rubber and metal bush attachments of the rear axle to the body further lower noise and vibration intrusion into the passenger compartment, while promoting greater driving stability under all conditions by generating a wheel toe-in effect during cornering.

ends.

For further information please contact:

PETER NEWTON Public Relations Director

or

Puneet Joshi Press Officer

Fiat Auto (UK) Limited

Tel: 01753 511431

Fax: 01753 516871

E-mail addresses: peter.newton@fiat.com/puneet.joshi@fiat.com

This press release and photographs are also available on www.newspress.co.uk

Further information can also be obtained on www.fiatautopress.com

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