- CO2 consumption and emissions down compared to full ICE versions of Panda Urban
- From the FireFly family, the new 70hp 3-cylinder engine with mild hybrid technology is paired with the 3.6kW Belt-integrated Starter Generator (BSG) electric system and an 11Ah lithium battery
- The Panda Easy mild hybrid is now available to order in the UK priced at £11,840 on-the-road (OTR)
- Panda celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2020
Following the Panda City Cross, the new Panda Easy mild hybrid is now available to order in the UK priced at £11,840 OTR. The most popular city car in Europe now receives all the benefits of an efficient, compact, lightweight and accessible hybrid powertrain. The new features continue the electrification journey that Fiat began in February with the launch of the Panda Hybrid Launch Edition, the exclusive special series introduced at the same time as the Fiat 500 Hybrid.
The Panda will be available with a new petrol mild hybrid engine that combines the latest 3-cylinder FireFly 1.0-litre engine family with a 12-volt BSG electric motor and a lithium battery that delivers 70hp (51kW).
Compared to the outgoing 1.2-litre 69hp petrol engine, the mild hybrid version improves fuel efficiency, reducing CO2 emissions on the road by approximately 10 per cent without impeding performance. It also ensures a very high standard of driving comfort thanks to the BSG system, allowing for a quiet, vibration-free restart of the internal combustion engine in Stop&Start mode.
The new 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine has a peak power output of 70hp (51kW) at 6,000rpm and peak torque of 92Nm at 3,500rpm. The cylinder head has two valves per cylinder and a single camshaft with continuous variable valve timing (the timing is chain-driven). The structure includes a compact combustion chamber, high-tumble intake ducts and external Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), providing a remarkably high compression ratio (12:1), which translates into better thermal efficiency. The crankcase, developed in collaboration with Teksid, is made of high-pressure die-cast aluminium alloy with cast-iron cylinder liners, to reduce start-up times and contain the weight of the engine to just 77kg. Additionally, friction is reduced using a crank mechanism with a bore/stroke ratio of 1.24 and a connecting rod/crank device with a 10mm offset to maximise efficiency.
The BSG system is mounted directly on the engine and is operated by the belt that also drives the auxiliaries. The system recovers energy during braking and deceleration, stores it in a lithium battery with a capacity of 11Ah, and uses it, at a maximum power of 3,600W, to restart the engine in Stop&Start mode and to assist it during acceleration.
This technology allows the internal combustion engine to switch off by shifting into neutral, even at speeds below 18mph. The dashboard, which displays information on the hybrid system, prompts the driver when to shift.
The mild hybrid unit receives a 6-gear manual transmission (transverse gearbox, front-wheel drive), aimed at improving fuel economy in out-of-town driving, thanks to new low-friction bearings and gaskets and the use of a specific high-efficiency lubricant. The new system also involves lowering the entire power unit 45mm so the car behaves better on the road thanks to the lower centre of gravity.
The mild hybrid powertrain makes the Panda Easy mild hybrid even more suitable for driving in the city. While compact on the outside, the Panda’s interior boasts generous comfort and spatial modularity thanks to the numerous storage compartments and various configurations available for the front and rear seats.
Panda Easy mild hybrid receives air conditioning, DAB radio, Bluetooth functionality, audio controls via the steering wheel, USB socket, 15-inch dark metal alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers, adjustable door mirrors, fully-adjustable driver’s seat, four airbags, and electronic stability control with hill hold assist.
A model of success for ‘the Panda and its people’
The Panda, together with the 500, leads the city car segment in Europe and it has been the best-selling car in Italy for eight years running. This year, the Panda also celebrates its 40th anniversary. The secrets of its popularity include its compact exterior dimensions, the large interior space that can be configured to specific transportation requirements, and its wide range of engines. In fact, the Panda is the only car available in the small car segment with a full line-up of powertrains, from 4x2 and 4x4 petrol to hybrid, CNG and LPG. In total, more than 7.8 million customers have been won over by the simplicity and charm of the model, a true stalwart of the Fiat brand.