Test Drive Fiat Panda since 2003 Hatchback

All photos Fiat Panda since 2003

How do you live, champion?

In those moments, when the winner of the next CAR OF THE YEAR was determined in Europe, the ultramarine winner of a similar competition of three years ago was left to the streets of St. Petersburg.

Despite the fact that the triumph happened relatively long ago, the participants in the road did not show the neglect of the car, and some even stood up. It is possible that the dimensions of the passing car caused egoistic Petersburg drivers from usually, lunizing and a persistent desire to help.

Any Fiat is now debutant in our market, even if this debut is caused by a guardian change. But at the same time, Panda is natural, it is perhaps the only one represented in 2006 the Italian brand car, which had a chance of success in Russia in the still overweight period. If only because the rest went to the market when the Fiat brand has already been interested in.

Probably, with appropriate attention, Panda could be with our own: not a best-selling sales, but, in any case, the most successful super-compact. Now, it seems that even unofficial smarts on our streets are more. So, Panda missed his chance? Or can she count on something today?

We look again: yes, outwardly, Panda is peculiar, an amateur: a sharp rise of the windshield, a high roof, chopped feed machine is compact, but a pleasant eye of the ladies' elements, so characteristic of most miniature cars, no. The narrow slits of side mirrors do not distort anything, but also report not about much. But the visibility is good: thanks low line of windows. Nights are small, and it is also nice. Compact machine, but the impression of such a microvain is mostly due to a high roof. The same height adds the share of comfort inside: let the knees closely, if it climbed back, but for the head of the place the car. Moreover, the landing is definitely vertical.

Prices:
To date, the most affordable PANDA is offered for 340,000 rubles. This is a 1.2 Dynamic version with a manual transmission. For the machine will have to pay 65,000 rubles, however, rails will be added to the machine. The machine has a version with a full-wheel drive, which, for sure, will like the girls and their boyfriends, appreciating cars not only comfort, but also safety. This option is called 1.2 4x4 climbing, and asks for it 515,000 rubles.

The upholstery as in Grande Punto (although it is more appropriate to talk about Panda). In general, corporate identity! The backs of the front chairs, unlike pillows, have clear side support, but the rear sofa lack relief. Does he need? Needless! Especially convinced of this during active avalanche on our streets. In Panda, nothing to stay is: there are no handles absolutely on the doors.

The steering wheel is not remarkable externally, but it is easy to handle. In addition, both parallels with Punto are relevant, the DualDrive electric power supply has two modes of operation.

And the Italians managed to fit all the necessary driver and the passenger on the central console: there is a gearbox lever, power windows, electric power control buttons, air conditioning, mirrors, etc.

Well, about the features of the placement of baggage speak nothing: official dimensions will quite definitely say for me. Unexpected is only the size of the glove box, it is narrow and long: when you try to reach a long wall, it seems that you will pull the engine to the salon.

By the way, about the engine: 1.2-liter motor does not slowly cope with the duties to carry a 865-kilogram car, even if it is lucky of four passengers adding another third tons. Acceleration is somewhat jerky, but the dips when switching can be softened by manipulations with a gas pedal: you just just adapt to a little weaker to press gas before moving on increased gear. If this is not done, you will nod

If suddenly want to compete with someone in speed and feel the drive, the gas pedal will have to keep all the time in the floor and work is active, because it is frankly, and small twitching will not give reverse reaction.

Pendant on Panda is very comfortable. Longitudinal and transverse swinging are very noticeable, but in general the car rides softly, guaranteeing the smoothness of the stroke. It is worth getting a wheel in a hole in the asphalt at a higher speed hit will be loud, but not strong. But due to the softness of the suspension, we get rolls and delay when snake.

It remains to mention even evil brakes (even a small blow to them will cause the driver's attitudes of the driver and passenger) and noted that the modest dimensions of Panda can really be relevant not only the conditions of tiny Western European cities, but also in such a megalopolis like Petersburg. And not even when parking, namely on the road: when turning at the crossroads, when everyone went to him at the same time, Panda quickly slipped forward.

The advantages of Panda are obvious, but they are compact in every sense. And for most of our car enthusiasts, the size matters. Panda prospects depend on non-automotive factors, and on the worldview of the average car enthusiast. So, to predict commercial success, the Europeans means nothing to understand in the mysterious Russian soul.

The car is granted to the test by Elva Motors

Text: Philip Berezin
Photo: Roman Stunnin