A NEW breed of Panda will be emerging from Fiat in December - and it's going to be a sporty number.
Named to mark its performance prowess, the Panda 100HP has a 1.4-litre petrol engine tuned for maximum output.
As the name suggests the latest additon to the Panda line-up has 100bhp with maximum power coming at 6,000rpm. It's front wheel drive and comes with a six-speed manual gearbox.
To handle the extra power, Fiat has equipped the new Panda with disc brakes all round plus modifications to the suspension.
According to Fiat, the car has sprightly acceleration to 60mph in nine and a half seconds, a top speed of 115mph and average economy of about 40mpg with a CO2 rating of 154g/km.
There are new front and rear bumpers, a chrome tailpipe, flared wheel arches, front fog lights and a tailgate spoiler. The Pnada also comes with 15-inch alloy wheels shod with fatter low-profile tyres.
Internally, the dashboard is a darker grey, there is a leather-covered steering wheel and gear knob, split folding rear seats, a height adjustable driver’s seat, Bluetooth connectivity and automatic climate control.
There is also a Sport button that enables the driver to select the sensitivity of both the steering and throttle from normal or sport modes. In Sport mode there is less power assistance for the steering and the throttle pedal becomes more sensitive.
Priced from £9,995, the newcomer becomes the flagship of the Panda range.