Shop4Parts - UK's largest online superstore for FIAT and Alfa Romeo parts

General Autocar long term test

Currently reading:
General Autocar long term test

S

Shrub

New member
Joined
Jul 27, 2013
Messages
52
Points
11
Any folks out there considering a new Panda, particularly the TwinAir (as I am), would do well to read the final instalment of Autocar magazine's long term Panda TwinAir test. It is in this week's issue.

The car covered 16000 miles in one year with no faults (other than a cracked screen). It averaged 46.9mpg over the year with a best tankful of 55.5. The journalist who ran the car reckons that 60mpg is perfectly possible driven with economy in mind and says that it is one of the three or four long term test cars that he has enjoyed the most in twenty years. :)
 
When I tested the TA I had a smile on my face from beginning to end. A great little car, and comfortable too.

I reckon anything over 45mpg is good if you are enjoying yourself, and there is always the potential for more if you just can't be bothered.

The Panda is so much more complete than the UP, which is too low built and has an uncomfortable drivers seat.
 
I have only driven the TA in a 500 but that was great. Made me smile.

I have to stand 'up' a little bit for the VW UP! because we have two in the family and they have been cracking little cars. I don't want one though because, for all their virtues, they are a little bit, well, sterile and I would get bored within a few months. I also cannot get comfortable in them. The steering wheel is always at the wrong angle for me and when I think I've got it about right I can't see the instruments properly. I also prefer a raised seating position. Best car I ever had was a Skoda Yeti and I like to think that the Trekking / 4x4 Panda is a bit like a Yeti that has shrunk in the wash :D
 
Shrub said:
I have only driven the TA in a 500 but that was great. Made me smile.

I have to stand 'up' a little bit for the VW UP! because we have two in the family and they have been cracking little cars. I don't want one though because, for all their virtues, they are a little bit, well, sterile and I would get bored within a few months. I also cannot get comfortable in them. The steering wheel is always at the wrong angle for me and when I think I've got it about right I can't see the instruments properly. I also prefer a raised seating position. Best car I ever had was a Skoda Yeti and I like to think that the Trekking / 4x4 Panda is a bit like a Yeti that has shrunk in the wash :D
Click to expand...

Agree with your thoughts :)

I'm now getting mid-fifties MPG from my Panda Trekking TA, but despite
my best efforts am struggling to get 60MPG except on odd short trips!

But it's still young at 2800 miles, so barely run-in :rolleyes:

It's got all the practicality I need, and is fun to drive :D



Chris
 
Moultoneer said:
Agree with your thoughts :)

I'm now getting mid-fifties MPG from my Panda Trekking TA, but despite
my best efforts am struggling to get 60MPG except on odd short trips!

But it's still young at 2800 miles, so barely run-in :rolleyes:

It's got all the practicality I need, and is fun to drive :D



Chris
Click to expand...
I think that he mentioned that it was only on short trips that 60+ mpg was seen. Also have to bear in mind that they were driving a regular Panda, not the Trekking.

Have you added your figures to the real mpg section of the Honest John website? It could do with an update from a TA driver to boost the averages a bit.:)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Bl4mm
Technical Panda 4x4 90ps Twinair Question
Replies
10
Views
683
lunchbeers
lunchbeers
P
Technical P1121 again 2013 panda trekking twinair
Replies
2
Views
228
Herts Hillhopper
Herts Hillhopper
S
Technical Panda twinAir oil pressure switch?
2
Replies
39
Views
1K
JimMan
JimMan
Eltezz
General Advice on buying a Panda TwinAir Cross
2 3
Replies
54
Views
2K
The Panda Nut
The Panda Nut
B
Technical Twinair module filter
Replies
1
Views
137
Twotone2
T
Back
Top