A mid-life revision was long overdue for Fiat's European A-segment best-seller.
In addition to receiving a few aesthetic changes , the 2010 Fiat Panda features the option of a newly developed semi-automatic gearbox.
The 1.1 Active and 4x4Climbing derivatives have been removed from the range. Thankfully, the pocket-rocket 100HP version remains.
Exterior revisions include new design side mirrors, a colour-coded grille, new front headlight lenses and a brushed stainless steel roof rail is available as an option. Four new colours have also been added to the palate: Tropicalia Yellow, Magenta, Goldmetal Blue and Cha Cha Azure-a light, metallic hue of blue. All the standard mid-life refreshment tactics have been used, it appears.
The optional MTA (Manual Transmission Automated) gearbox will certainly make comandeering the compact Fiat easier than it already is. It's a system incorporating a servo automated clutch and gear lever with 5-speeds. One can choose between fully automatic or sequential manual shift modes-the latter involving a simple forward movement of the gearlever to change upwards.
It really is fool-proof: inadvertent gear changes are averted by the systems' automatic engagement of neutral when the engine is left idling while the door is ajar. Incorrect gear changes with engine-destroying potential are prevented by a combination of aural and visual alerts. The MTA gearbox promises to provide automatic convenience without compromising on driver involvement. But such is rarely true with semi-auto 'boxes of these kind. If you truly wish for that immersive, connected driving experience, simply opt for the manual transmission.
Pricing:
The 1.2 Dynamic manual is priced at R125 900, while the MTA-gearbox version costs significantly more, at R141 000. My choice from the Panda range would be the 1.4 16v 100HP version, coming in at a reasonable R154 200.
Features: ( 1.2 Dynamic Manual and MTA)
• Colour-coded bumpers
• 1.2-litre 8v 44kW engine (102Nm @ 2500rpm)
• 0-100km/h = 14 seconds (the same for both manual and MTA)
• 5,6 L /100km in the combined cycle (the same for both manual and MTA)
• Dash-mounted gear lever / MTA selector
• ABS with EBD
• Dual front airbags
• Electric Power steering with City function
• Remote central locking with rolling code immobiliser
• Air conditioning
• Dash-integrated sound system with CD front loader (built-in equalizer)
• Rear headrests
• Front electric windows
• On-board computer
Available options:
Metallic paint: R1 500
CD changer: R4 260
14" alloys: R3 340
Front fogs R2010
Sunroof: R8 020
(Prices inclusive of VAT)
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