(August 30, 2011) Fiat will be unveiling its new Panda city car at the Frankfurt Motor Show in mid-September.

The new arrival, which will go on sale in UK next spring, is a consistent evolution of a highly successful city car that has always been a by-word for functional design, maneuverability, space, reliability and comfort.



While still remaining true to its compact design brief, new Panda has ‘grown’ by just a few centimeters to ensure the attainment of the highest safety standards, and improve the generous level of passenger and luggage space still further. With an overall length of 365cm (143 inches) and width of 164cm (64 inches), the new Panda can comfortably accommodate up to five people and is equipped with one of the largest luggage compartments in its segment.

Panda was the first car in its market segment to win the prestigious Car of the Year award (in 2004). It was the first compact (less than four meters in length) to feature a diesel engine (1986), and it was the first to offer both four-wheel drive (1983) and a range of eco-friendly engines designed to limit fuel consumption. (Panda Elettra, introduced in 1990, was one of the first electric cars).

Now in its third generation, new Panda has taken another major step forward in terms of comfort, technology and safety equipment, making its first public appearance with a modern and harmonious new style, but without relinquishing the essential family feeling that has so characterized the marque over the years.

Customers will be able to choose from two TwinAir twin cylinder engines: the International Engine of the Year 2011 85 horsepower TwinAir Turbo, or the new 65 horsepower naturally aspirated TwinAir, both equipped with Start and Stop as standard.

The recently revised four cylinder  69 horsepower 1.2 liter completes the gas engine range at launch, but a state-of-the-art turbodiesel 75 horsepower 1.3 liter MultiJet 2  engine, also with Start and Stop as standard, will also be offered.

At launch, the new Panda will be front-wheel drive only, but a four-wheel drive version is planned.