Fiat Panda to get Frankfurt debut

Available to UK customers in spring 2012, the heavily revised Fiat Panda has an all-new body, encompassing improved levels of comfort, technology and safety equipment.

Fiat are keen to stress that the third generation Panda, although designed mainly for use in towns and cities, is also a capable long distance car. Now several centimeters larger the latest Panda is 3.65m in length, boosting passenger and luggage carrying ability.

The new Panda will be available with two new TwinAir twin-clyinder petrol engines: the 85bhp turbocharged 2011 International Engine of the Year, or a naturally aspirated 65bhp version. Both come with Stop/Start as standard.

Completing the engine line-up, the recently revised 69bhp 1.2-litre engine joins a brand-new 75bhp 1.3-litre MultiJet 2 turbo diesel engine, that also features Stop/Start as standard.

No emissions or mpg figures have been released but all new Pandas will come fitted with a gearshift indicator which helps owners to drive more efficiently and reduce fuel consumption.

Initially sold in front-wheel drive format only, a four-wheel drive version is planned for the future. Standard safety features include four airbags, ABS with brake assist, Isofix attachements for child seats, anti-whiplash front head restraints, rear headrests, and Daytime Running Lights.

Technological improvements include Blue&Me-TomTom LIVE capability- allowing portable devices access to control the entertainment and navigational systems.

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