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Cute and capable: Fiat’s reinvention of the petite Panda is a smart move
Fiat has updated its Panda range and Lerato Matebese drove it in KwaZulu-Natal to see how it fares
The second generation of the Fiat Panda, launched in 2003, was one of the first vehicles I drove and reviewed when I started my career in motoring journalism in 2006. Thus, I have a soft spot for the vehicle and was keen to try the updated third generation. While the model still has a cute-as-a-button visage, it looks more modern and substantial compared to its predecessor and comes with more oomph courtesy of a turbocharged, two-cylinder 875cc engine. Yes, you read that right — but before you shoot it down as a car powered by a bike engine, it must be said that this is a brilliant little motor. Having won the prestigious International Engine of the Year award in its category a few years ago when it was first introduced in the 500 range, I can happily report this Fiat motor is, indeed, a peach in the Panda, too. More about that later, though, but let me introduce you to the range first. There are four derivatives — all powered by the award-winning engine — in the form of the Easy (d...
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