What do you get if you put a big engine into a little car? Lots of fun! The Tiny Panda town car is an entertaining car but the latest version that comes with a 100bhp engine is now an absolute hoot.
The exterior styling has been beefed up to reflect the newfound urge on tap.
The hot Panda (I never thought I hear myself saying that!) is easy enough to spot as it features new bumpers, tasty 15 inch alloys that sit in beefed up wheel arches, tinted windows, side skirts, disc brakes all round (vented at the front), chrome sports exhaust, red brake callipers and a subtle rear spoiler – yes a spoiler!
The tall hatchback has seating for four and a narrow profile that makes town-driving stress free. Inside there are the usual sporty extras like leather steering wheel and gear knob, height adjustable drivers seat.
Also in the centre of the dash where you would traditionally find the 'City' power steering button (that makes the already light steering lighter!) you’ll find a ‘Sport’ button. It's just a button… only kidding, it reduces the assistance to the steering to enhance feel and the accelerator becomes more sensitive to driver input.
The change is noticeable – just, but to say there is much feedback through the steering is a bit of an overstatement. The reworked suspension is now much stiffer compared to the standard Panda and it's lowered too with a thick anti roll bar fitted. You'll notice the firmer ride particularly when cornering.
The tall Italian car corners quite flat, but if you want to know how a rodeo rider feels when be bucked just try going over any speed hump about our towns and cities. Enthusiastic drivers should consider wearing a helmet or if you can't lay your hands on one try sticking a bath sponge to the roof just above your head.
The four-cylinder petrol engine comes from the 'FIRE' range and can do the 0-100km/h dash in less than ten seconds using a good few of the six forward gears available. It may not sound all that impressive, but because the little Fiat is so small it has enough poke to shame many a larger car.
The figures say the Panda isn't a fast car but it offers fast car fun within the speed limits. I had a grin on my face most of the time bar traversing speed humps of course.
As a practical car, the 100HP Panda isn't the best. The fuel tank is tiny and the engines economy suffers when you have a heavy foot. The fact there is only seating for four and a boot the size of a handbag (206 litres) means this is a car for singles or oldies that want a bit of a laugh.
Price-wise it ain't all that cheap at €16,715 but it's a lot less when compared to asking price of the likes of MINI or even the brilliant Swift Sport, but the cute Panda is well worth it, just mind those humps!
Michael Sheridan
