The Fiat Panda is not just a baby car, apart from its meager overall length of only 3,650 mm. It has been one of the best city cars for ages, and even the previous 2004 Fiat Panda won the prestigious Car of the Year award. This takes us quickly to get to know the new model of the third generation of the 2022 Fiat Panda, which still maintains advanced positions in the lists of the best city cars in the world .
Fiat started manufacturing small cars in 1938 and the beginning was the Fiat 500, known as the “Topolino”. Designed by legendary engineer Dante Giacosa, in the early 1950s Giacosa designed the rear-engined 600 and then, in 1957, launched the classic Nova 500, the small car that captured the hearts of car enthusiasts the world over.
Many people use the Fiat Panda as their only car. This car is essential to Fiat in terms of sales. This city car has been selling an average of 200,000 vehicles annually for more than 30 years. Fiat Panda production has exceeded 6.5 million vehicles, and this new model for 2022 is the third generation. So can the 2022 Fiat Panda regain its magic spell as the best city car for 2022? Follow the following lines to learn more.
The quality of the Fiat Panda 2022
The 2022 Fiat Panda is very good, as these small cars are known as the city car. The Fiat Panda is an example of Fiat’s excellence in this sector. It’s a very desirable economy car, and it can be had with some attractive options, but more importantly, it has the same underpinnings as the Fiat 500 and Ford Ka.
The 2022 Fiat Panda has a special appeal, featuring a more comfortable and stylish overall package. Yes, it may not have quite the city chic style of the Volkswagen Up or Hyundai i10, or even the fun character of the Fiat 500, but it’s more versatile and refined, and it’s a really useful and attractive car.
The exterior design of the Fiat Panda 2022
Structure, dimensions and technical details of the 2022 Fiat Panda
The panda has made a qualitative leap in comfort, technology and safety equipment, and it has a modern and harmonious appearance. It will undergo a comprehensive redesign for the 2023 model, and Fiat may include it in its plan for electric cars, according to what was revealed from an initial design under the same name for an electric car. The 2023 Panda will take on the look of a new and different SUV.
The exterior appearance of the Fiat Panda 2022 is good in all respects, and Fiat has reduced the drag factor from 0.40 to 0.33. It has also improved body rigidity, and Fiat also says it has significantly reduced engine, wind and road noise and vibration. The Panda weighs 930 kg, 60 kg more than the previous model. The body provides modern crash performance in addition to its improved aerodynamic qualities.
The Panda lineup is not limited to just a cute Mini, there is a 4×4 SUV version of the Panda and there is another version, the Panda Cross, for off-roading. The 4×4 version truly deserves its name, standing on all-weather tires, off-road bumpers and an aluminum skid plate, while the rugged Cross is hill-ready, sporting distinctive front and rear bumpers and more prominent side moldings. .
The interior cabin design of the 2022 Fiat Panda
Dashboard, infotainment system, satellite navigation, and passenger space in the 2022 Fiat Panda
Fiat focused on elegant practicality. And redesigned Panda’s dashboard to improve design and usability, Panda’s interface design is very attractive and functional. And the designers did a great job of providing 14 different storage spaces for small and large appliances. Visibility is also amazing, while retaining the same easy-to-operate buttons/dial controls. The handbrake area has been increased to fit in the palm of your hand.
The dashboard of the 2022 Fiat Panda
I loved the gently rounded edges of the square dials. It’s a simple design touch that elevates the look, and I like the very interesting interior colors, with its comfortable ambience, the wide instrument panel surround and some neatly built instruments help – and I like the faux piano black of the master control package on higher versions.
The center console carries a high-mounted gear lever, stealing part of the interior space for the knee in the cockpit, and the design of the steering wheel is square and shapeless, but does not affect its performance.
Driving mode in the Fiat Panda 2022
The high driving position at least provides a good view of the road ahead for the driver, and rear visibility is also adequate thanks to the large rear window. Rear parking sensors are optional on all models, but there’s no rearview camera option or LED headlights for brighter visibility at night.
The spaciousness and spaciousness of the 2022 Fiat Panda
In terms of size and external dimensions, the Fiat Panda is 3653 mm long and 1643 mm wide, which is longer than its competitors. The straight structure and high roof mean that there is adequate room for passengers despite its small size. It provides plenty of space for its passengers, but the legroom is tighter in the back seat, and the front seat backs may press on the knees of tall people.
While the large rear windows let in plenty of light. The rear doors open nice and wide, and slim front seats make entry easy, but child seat installation is a challenge, because the ISOFIX anchors are hidden deep between the seatbacks.
2022 Fiat Panda seats
Panda can carry four adults well. The back seat seats two people nicely, but adding a third person in the back would cause constraints.
The rear seats are much improved compared to the old Fiat Panda. Although the wheelbase is identical, there’s more leg and knee room, and headroom is still as good as ever, thanks to the high roof.
Storage space in the Fiat Panda 2022
There is a decent amount of stowage in the cabin, with an open drawer deep in the dash, really useful for storing loose items. Yes there are door pockets, but the door pockets and cup holders are quite shallow.
The luggage compartment of the 2022 Fiat Panda
Panda’s luggage compartment is not impressive. It has an official capacity of 225 liters (about 25 liters less than the i10) but you can slide the seats forward to expand them to about 260 liters and it will eat up some rear legroom. There is no adjustable floor in the luggage compartment.
Although the opening of the box is nice and wide, the loading lip is large. And you can flip the rear seat down, an option that adds additional costs to get rear seats that split 40:60 to increase the luggage compartment.
The infotainment system in the 2022 Fiat Panda
Cheaper versions of the Panda dispense with a touchscreen infotainment system like those on most competitors. It comes with a 5.0-inch screen, AM/F radio, DAB type, and includes Bluetooth. This setting feels flimsy, like a thing of the past, and it’s not very easy to use either. And the higher-pricer versions have a pretty decent 7.0-inch touchscreen by standard for similarly priced alternatives.
The screen operating system is fairly easy to use and we come with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for smartphone mirroring as standard. And since so many city cars now offer bright, colorful touchscreens, decent software for phone or wireless charging, and the upgrade for a decent sound system, the 2022 Fiat Panda feels like a throwback to the ’90s.
2022 Fiat Panda engine
Fiat offers two different engines in the Panda. The base engine is a 1.2-liter FIRE with 69 horsepower. There is also a twin-cylinder turbocharged TwinAir in-line engine with 85 hp, which uses an evolution of Fiat’s unique flexible valve timing system, dubbed MultiAir II. It is low emissions. It is mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
But the TwinAir turbo engine just got a lot more fun. And capable of propelling it efficiently at impressively low revs, this premium engine is actually an even more attractive proposition for trips outside the city limits. Or around town, and in the case of the transmission the gear oscillates between too many revs or too few revs, causing you to switch gears frequently.
Fiat introduced a 1.0-liter mild-hybrid version of the Panda in 2020. Now it uses a new three-cylinder petrol engine paired with a large battery to boost performance and improve fuel economy, but it’s currently only available in off-road versions: City Cross and Cross 4×4. It is the only engine that comes with Fiat’s robotic manual gearbox.
Driving impressions of the 2022 Fiat Panda
The overall improvements to the small Fiat are just as impressive as the rest of the range. It rolls over gravel with an unexpected softness, and the road noise seems pleasantly distant, too. So the possibility of long trips remains available with the promise of an enjoyable trip.
Although very discreet, it is also very smooth. It’s nice to drive a panda around the city, but you really struggle to keep up with the ebb and flow of traffic once you’re on the highway. Overtaking maneuvers require careful planning. The gearbox has a light and easy motion – just like the rest of the controls – that makes Panda easy to drive.
Suspension and ride comfort in the 2022 Fiat Panda
Fiat has made several major revisions to the Panda’s suspension (McPherson struts are still up front, with a coilover beam behind) and the suspension reduces understeer by 20 percent, reduces body roll by 35 percent, and makes the electric power steering more sensitive. And this squishy setup has its drawbacks. If it hits a sudden apex, the suspension reacts after a few seconds, spoiling its composure. You don’t feel safe and connected to the road.
Fiat backs its front-wheel drive models with the Panda 4×4 which has ultra-strong suspension mounts and unique spring/damper/anti-roll bar rates that result in increased wheel travel.
2022 Fiat Panda ride quality
The Fiat Panda is smooth and versatile around town, has enough travel, and the suspension and ground clearance can shrug off potholes and speed bumps, absorbing low-speed bumps without disturbing passengers. They avoid overly bouncy motions, which is a big plus to their credit and make them stylish, comfortable, and fun.
On 4WD models, power is sent to the rear wheels via a hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch in front of the rear differential. My favorite is the Panda especially the all-wheel drive version, which rides high on the big tires, makes it behave like a small Land Rover Discovery.
Maneuvering in the 2022 Fiat Panda
Having those cushioned springs means the Panda flexes when it turns into turns and corners, but it does so gradually, in a way that isn’t alarming. And if you’re smooth with the steering, it’s easy for you to keep the Panda straight and stable.
Steering in the 2022 Fiat Panda
The Panda’s steering is light, which is great for stopping or entering three-point turns, and when you press the “City” button on the dash, the control system effectively removes any resistance so you can maneuver and squeeze into extremely tight parallel spaces. And that lightness can feel a little fuzzy in the steering.
The Fiat Panda feels tall when you first get behind the wheel, but you’re roomier than the outgoing model. Even at lower speeds, improvements in noise, vibration and harshness levels are immediately apparent. In particular, the Panda is much quieter than its predecessor on rough surfaces and on flat rides.
Stability in the Fiat Panda 2022
Surprisingly, the ESP isn’t standard, but it handles tactfully enough. Roll is adequately counteracted despite its relative height, and the steering responds with reasonable precision if a bit of a feel. All of this makes it more entertaining than convenient.
The Fiat Panda comes to a stop quickly and with reassuring stability from higher speeds, and oddly enough, the ride is sometimes less good at medium speeds than it is over urban tarmac. Body roll remains noticeable, although it is never a problem.
Noise and vibration in the 2022 Fiat Panda
The Fiat Panda is moderately refined, but it also won’t isolate you from wind, road and tire noise like the best models in this class; Especially the new Volkswagen and Hyundai i10. Nor is the 1.2-liter petrol engine a model of refinement, but it is the quietest of the three engines previously offered. This smoother engine makes better noise than other three-cylinder engines around town.
The engine remains muffled at low speeds, and revs freely when you need to work a little harder. By contrast, you’ll find the old TwinAir’s 1.0-liter engine to be lumpy and gruff at low revs, and vibrate when pushed. Then life becomes less calm if you find yourself on a highway or a dual carriageway. And there keeps a lot of wind noise around the door mirrors.
2022 Fiat Panda Operating Costs and Fuel Economy
The Fiat Panda is no longer the cheap city car it used to be. The Panda’s customer base is likely to be attracted by the significant improvements in interior design, quality and space, as well as the potential savings in operating costs offered by the new engine.
In terms of fuel economy, the TwinAir is the most fuel-efficient, and Fiat says it gets 67 mpg. It is the same engine as the Fiat 500, which means that these numbers are not accurate and difficult to achieve on the road.
Features and options in the 2022 Fiat Panda
The Pop-spec model got power windows, central locking, body-colored bumpers, and four airbags. Electronic stability program, roof rails and pastel black paint round out the list of optional extras. Some models add remote central locking, air conditioning, roof rails and an upgraded stereo system. Top models get electric heated mirrors, front fog lamps, 15-inch alloy wheels, body-color mirrors and door handles as standard.
Fiat Panda 2022 reliability
The Panda’s safety record is appalling and a bold testament to how rigorous its crash tests are. When tested by European agency Euro NCAP in 2012, it received a very respectable four-star rating, but during a re-test in 2018, it earned zero stars.
Safety and security features in the 2022 Fiat Panda
Passive safety equipment is average, including four airbags, electronic stability control, and tire pressure monitors. And you can add side airbags for £200, and a space-saving manual spare wheel for £60.
Fiat also offers a safety kit with rear parking sensors, and City Brake Control, an active safety feature that engages automatic low-speed emergency braking if the car senses you’re about to crash. This kind of technology is now standard in most new cars, and Fiat is offering it for £450.
Used Fiat Panda cars
The Fiat Panda’s relative age means that, in fact, it’s better to buy a used one than to buy a new one. If you’re going to do this, it’s hard to recommend one. The vast majority of used models are equipped with a 1.2-liter petrol engine, so expect to spend some time searching, and many of the cars with these engines are SUVs.
Used Fiat Pandas are cheap, and you can pick up the standard car for under £2,500. 2012 model with above average mileage and partial service history. You can buy a used one for around £5,000 for a 1.3-litre diesel, and an even better 2016 model can buy for £6,000 with a 1.2-litre engine with less than 20,000 miles and a full franchise dealer service history.
Features of the Fiat Panda 2022
- Unconventional, likable design and a comfortable ride
- Spacious rear compartment
- Powerful engines and tidy handling
- Economical and fuel efficient engines
Disadvantages of Fiat Panda 2022
- Not as polished as the best city cars
- Poor safety rating in crash tests
- The standard car only had an option for one engine
- Knee room in front
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