Paris Preview: First photo of Fiat Panda Sport
Fiat is releasing a slightly pumped-up version of its cuddly Panda mini at the Paris auto show, and we're liking what we see. The Fiat Panda Sport gets a snazzy visual makover by Abarth that includes honeycomb grilles, a more muscular front bbmper, new rocker panels, painted seven-spoke wheels, and red brake calipers. Underhood, the car's 1.4L 4-cylinder makes 100 horsepower (up from 94). That's good for a 9.6-second 0-62 mph time, which is more than enough zip for the European urban environments the fuzzy little Fiat is likely to find itself in.
As for us, we dig this perky Panda even more than the limited-edition Panda Monster 4x4. If we lived in Europe, we'd take one of each. Why can't we have small cars this cool?
Update: Interior shot added after the jump.
[Source: FIAT]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
cars 2:41PM (9/11/2006)
Looks nice, but why it is called Panda Sport ?
Reply
jim 2:42PM (9/11/2006)
Somehow Detroit doesn't think we 'deserve' them. Guys like Lutz want us to stay stuck in the 60's: a place where they, Detroit, are comfortable.
j i m
Reply
epp_b 4:11PM (9/11/2006)
Oooh! 100 HP, I'm impressed! Not.
Once it develops 200+ HP with the four-wheel-drive system, has 16" rims and front and rear stablizer bars, then I'll be interested.
Reply
XB Owner 10:32AM (10/15/2006)
Such cars don't need 200 HP due to their relatively light body structure. My Scion XB handles itself just fine with it's 103 HP powerplant and 5 speed manual. A turbo that might add 30-40 HP couldn't hurt, but 200 HP is a bit unpractical.
Reply
MadeinDetroit 4:30PM (9/11/2006)
I wasnt aware that Detroit was some how in control Fiat. Thanks for the update jim. But now we all understand that you deserve this car, just please make sure you merge behind us when getting on the freeways.
Reply
Jude Vincent Brown 1:34AM (9/12/2006)
Lived in England for awhile. Tried to lease a Honda Jazz, got denied by Honda Finance so walked accross the street to the Fiat dealership. We leased a lime green air con. Best vehicle I've ever owned.
Reply
LOV3LAZ 11:17AM (9/12/2006)
Fiat Panda MADE IN POLAND!
Reply
Colin Smith 8:34PM (9/27/2006)
100bhp is plenty for a little gem like the Panda. It'll go like stink around town (hee-hee), and do 45mpg into the bargain. Nippy zippy fun, and they're good on the motorway too. I drive a Doblo. You yanks would be horrified if you saw one , but it's a fun vannycar type thing and never ceases to provide oodles of pleasure and a smile for a jaded motorist. Don't forget, we have traffic here which needs to be scooted around pronto, and for that a Fiat is de rigeur.
Reply
Jan Nygaard 4:23AM (10/24/2006)
I live in Copenhagen, Denmark and I have just bought one - can't wait to get it later this week. Lots of fun, relatively cheap (mind you we have a steep 180% luxury tax on cars (!)), and very easy to park.
Reply
David Fenner 4:57AM (12/09/2006)
Just ordered the Panda 100hp for delivery this month. Had two test drives in it just to make sure. This car will replace my 2004 Nissan Micra SX which I enjoyed for two years. As my city runaround the Panda will share its' stable with my other weekend toy - and ALFA Romeo GTV 3.0 litre V6 - so they should compliment each other well.
Reply