Fiat Panda 2014 News

Want proof the Australian new-car market is getting tough? Several models have disappeared from showrooms because they can't handle the competition.

Toyota-owned badge Daihatsu retired from our market in 2005, but a void in Toyota’s line-up could see some of the Daihatsu product return in the form of the small Terios SUV rebadged as a Toyota Rush.Toyota is keen to capitalise on a growing sub $25,000 compact SUV market segment. Sales are thriving, with a new Nissan Juke, Suzuki SX4, Holden Trax, Ford EcoSport and Fiat Panda all joining the Mitsubishi ASX in the search for a slice of the market. Toyota doesn’t currently have a competitor in this segment, with the bigger RAV4 starting at $28,490.But Toyota has an advantage in this rivalry: It owns Daihatsu – Japan’s oldest car manufacturer and small car specialist. The first generation Daihatsu Terios sold in Australia between 1997 and 2005, creating the same compact 5-door SUV segment that is now thriving. But the current model never made it to our shores due to Daihatsu’s local retirement.Toyota has successfully sold the Rush in overseas markets for over a decade, and the current model since its introduction in 2006. It is powered by an 80kW, 141Nm 1.5-litre VVT-I engine, featuring a five speed manual and four speed automatic. But unlike other cars in this segment, it has permanent four-wheel drive and a central differential lock, which combined with short overhangs, gives the Rush more offroad credibility than most of its competitors.However, a two wheel drive version is also on offer, for buyers who prefer the extra height and space but not the extra capability of a small SUV. With a kerb weight of just 1180kg for the four wheel drive model, the Rush is a relative lightweight, which should help keep running costs low.If Toyota Australia decides to tackle the compact SUV market with the Rush, it will be the first time a car manufactured by Daihatsu is sold in Australia since 2005. However, a new Rush is expected sometime next year, featuring improvements to power, safety and refinement. This means it’s likely Toyota Australia will wait until then to introduce the Rush into Australian showrooms. 

Based on the all-wheel drive vehicle sold overseas (we get only front-drive versions here), the Cross is essentially a Panda on stilts with added ruggedness and off road capability. And  this means it is one of the few mini SUVs that claim to offer true off road ability and 'attitude'.Along with the extra body cladding and front and rear skid plates, the Cross introduces a new Terrain Control selector, similar in concept to the Terrain Response system fitted to the latest Range Rovers. Fiat’s Terrain Control system features three different settings which include ‘Automatic’ – which alters torque distribution between the front and rear axles automatically depending on the conditions – ‘Lock’ – for off road use at speeds of up to 48km/h – and ‘Hill Descent’ – which offers optimised handling for steep descents. The Cross also rides on 15-inch wheels wrapped in ‘oversized’ all-season tyres to improve offroad traction and on road stability. An independent MacPherson type suspension layout is used at the front of the car, while a torsion beam has been developed for the rear to accommodate the added differential. This is said to improve ride comfort over the previous generation Panda Cross. Ground clearance is listed as 15cm for the petrol model and 16cm for the diesel.The new car is powered by a range of engines with power boosted over the standard 4X4 Panda. The 0.9-litre three-cylinder option now produces 67kW – up 4kW – and 145Nm of torque while capable of sipping just 4.1-litres per 100km. The 1.3-litre turbo diesel option produces 60kW and 190Nm of torque, and offers a thirst of just 3.9-litres per 100km.Inside the Cross features seats upholstered in a combination of fabric and ‘eco leather’ – which we suspect means it has no animal content – while the dash panel features unique copper trim. With Australia not currently getting the all-paw Pandas, Fiat has confirmed there’s little chance we are in line for the new Panda Cross. “There are no plans to bring Fiat Panda Cross to Australia,” Fiat Australia spokesman Nick Raman told Carsguide. 

Fiat-Chrysler opens with a 500 for around $16,000 next month before opening more boxes with other 500 derivatives and then, in December, the four-door Panda and then the Punto. Panda, a stable-mate Fiat city car in Europe, makes its first appearance in Australia despite being available in selected markets - including the UK - for about 30 years. Now in its third generation, the Panda will compete with similar baby SUVs - including Ford's Fiesta-based EcoSport reviewed last week - and is expected to sell for less than $20,000. Fiat Alfa Romeo spokesperson Karla Leach won't confirm pricing but says ‘it will be competitive’. There's also no confirmation on engine choices though Ms Leach says “there will be a wide range” of powerplants and five-speed manual and the automatic Dualogic robotised transmission. It will arrive as a front-wheel drive though an all-wheel drive version is being considered for launch later. Available powerplants are the 63kW/145Nm 0.9-litre two-cylinder TwinAir engine borrowed from the 500, the 51kW/102Nm 1.2-litre petrol four and a diesel, likely the small 55kW/190Nm 1.3-litre unit. The Panda is 3650mm long and sits on a 2300mm wheelbase, smaller than the EcoSport's 3999mm length and 2521mm wheelbase. But cabin room seats five at a pinch and cargo space is a relatively generous 260-litres to 870-litres with seats that fold flat to take objects up to 2m long. Ms Leach also confirmed the Punto will be added to the Australian inventory. The Punto four-door hatchback goes up against Japanese favourites the Mazda2 and Toyota Yaris and would cost about $18,000. Fiat has previously said that the 132kW/272Nm hot Punto, the three-door Abarth Punto Evo Supersport, may be considered as a halo model. Meanwhile the 500's entry level model, the Pop, gets here early next month with a price that competes with the Volkswagen Up ($14,990) and 20 other equally as voracious light-car manufacturers. The Pop will undercut the price of the existing Fiat 500 TwinAir Plus that sells for $18,800.  

Europe's most popular car, the Panda high-riding hatch is expected down under as early as September this year

With the Panda 4x4, Fiat has stolen the running on other manufacturers producing the only A segment four-wheel drive model currently available. The wraps come off at Paris Motor Show this month (September). Panda has been around for almost 30 years and this third-generation, four-wheel drive variant unites off-road capabilities with a refined design and compact, efficient architecture. Fiat says Panda 4x4 is “the superlative expression of the model's great versatility, a “Super Panda”,  ready to tackle mountain mule tracks and the urban jungle.” Sounds serious. The car's functional design is characterised by geometric lines on the front and rear bumpers with aluminium colour cosmetic inserts to underline the presence of metallic protection under the body. Panda 4x4 is equipped with a “Torque on demand” transmission system with two differentials and electronically controlled coupling. This is a permanent four-wheel drive system managed by an electronic control unit which, by analysing vehicle signals, distributes traction on the front and rear axle. The Panda 4x4 features the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) system with ELD (Electronic Locking Differential) function as standard. This system provides additional assistance while driving and setting off uphill on slippery terrain (snow, ice, mud etc.) Two engines are available both with Start&Stop. They are a 900cc TwinAir Turbo two cylinder and a 1.3 MultiJet II diesel four cylinder.  

It’s expected to pick up most of its mechanical package from the cute Fiat 500 but there are strong hints of a hybrid Panda for inner-city electric running.

Italian carmaker Fiat has a month to appeal a court decision against Chinese carmaker Great Wall Motors over the copycat claim. The Shijiazhuang Intermediate People's Court last week dismissed a patent infringement complaint against Great Wall Motors by Fiat. Fiat claims the Hong Kong-listed Chinese carmaker's Peri models infringe Fiat's patent. Fiat says the GWM Peri is a Fiat Panda look-alike. The issue between Great Wall and Fiat is a sensitive one for Australian Fiat importer Ateco Automotive, as it plans to start importing Great Wall vehicles late this year. However, Ateco has no plans to bring in the Fiat Panda, according to spokesman Edward Rowe. GWM spokeswoman Ann Wild says Great Wall Motors is still finalising the vehicles it will launch here. She also says the Fiat-GWM legal stoush had been discussed locally but is not considered an issue. Wild's public relations company is handling the launch of the Great Wall vehicles, which will kick off with the SA230 utility. She says her company has been hired because GWM will be a distinct launch for a new manufacturer. “The stable at Ateco is quite different,” she says. Stuck side-by-side, the 1.3-litre Peri looks surprisingly like the Panda. Great Wall also builds an all-electric Peri. However, Great Wall says the court concluded, after examining pictures of Fiat's patented exterior design, that there were significant differences between it and the Peri. The Italian company was ordered to pay court costs of about $1500. Fiat communications spokesman Gualberto Ranieri is guarded about any likely response from the Italian giant. “We acknowledge the Chinese court decision notwithstanding we point out that it goes on the opposite avenue vis-a-vis a resolution taken on July 15 by a court in Europe on the same issue,” Ranieri says. “Fiat is currently evaluating a number of options on how to proceed.” Ranieri would not comment on whether Fiat had issues with Ateco's move to import GW vehicles. Last month a Turin court banned Great Wall from selling its compact Peri in the European Union, saying the car too closely resembles the Panda. Great Wall is preparing documents for an appeal against the ruling and doesn't anticipate the Italian court order will have a substantial impact on its operations. Copycat cars have been a problem for other carmakers as well. In the past Daimler Benz, Honda and General Motors have been involved in disputes with Chinese carmakers.