Fiat Panda 2015 News

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

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.