Well after spending the last few months considering replacing the GP with a 100HP but not actually testdriving one, I finally found a dealer with one in stock.
I paid them a visit this morning and took their 57plate white 100HP out for a very enjoyable drive
The test route comprised a touch of dual carrageway, breaking off into some tight town roads with some stop/start traffic lights/crossings and then going on to 15/20minutes of country lanes before making our way back to the dealers.
It gave me a superb chance to test the 100HP in it's ideal habitat, the country lane. I found pickup through the gears was excelent cinsidering the power/torque figures for the car and the 6 speed box was very slick and precise. Steering weight felt good in normal mode and perfect in Sports mode (didnt think I would notice the difference but I did).
The car felt planted and very willing when putting it through some tight corners and a bit of left>right>left action. Change of direction came almost instantly and the steering feedback was very positive.
Around town it had pickup and go no matter what gear you're in (within reason of revs) and it happily made good progress through the traffic. It's size was a big advantage when negotiating tight town roads with cars parked on both sides of the roads.
As for the well reported negative notes about the Panda, I did notice some pogoing on the country lanes and it did crash a bit on some of the less tidy roadworks but this really didnt feel intrusive or take away from the driving enjoyment. I also noticed what people were saying about the throttle being a little over-responsive during stop/starting in Sport mode, but it got better towards the end of the testdrive so I will put it down to something that you learn to drive around. The brakes however felt pretty responsive without being instrusive so I'm getting it's got the updated servo-assistance (if this actually exists)
As for the layout of the car, I found the seat position to be better than I expected, despite it's high stance it makes you feel well supported and in control. Rear leg space seemed respectable given the car's size, I wouldnt want to be a rear seat passenger for a long journey but short trips would be a pleasure.
Afterwards we did discuss prices but they were offering £2k less for mine than I think it's worth privately and this was up against the £8k that they wanted for a used 57plate 100HP with no options.
I showed the salesman Fiat Supasaver's price and he still wouldnt budge so I left. As I was getting into my car he came out and said that if I sell the GP privately then he will match Supasaver's price on a new 100HP. I said that I will be in touch.
........ So the GP needs a few bits here and there but then it will be going up for sale so that I can get a 100HP.
I've always loved the way it looks, the tech spec is superb and now I can confirm that I love the way that it drives.
Keep your eyes peeled because there will be a new 100HP owner in the ranks very soon
I paid them a visit this morning and took their 57plate white 100HP out for a very enjoyable drive
The test route comprised a touch of dual carrageway, breaking off into some tight town roads with some stop/start traffic lights/crossings and then going on to 15/20minutes of country lanes before making our way back to the dealers.
It gave me a superb chance to test the 100HP in it's ideal habitat, the country lane. I found pickup through the gears was excelent cinsidering the power/torque figures for the car and the 6 speed box was very slick and precise. Steering weight felt good in normal mode and perfect in Sports mode (didnt think I would notice the difference but I did).
The car felt planted and very willing when putting it through some tight corners and a bit of left>right>left action. Change of direction came almost instantly and the steering feedback was very positive.
Around town it had pickup and go no matter what gear you're in (within reason of revs) and it happily made good progress through the traffic. It's size was a big advantage when negotiating tight town roads with cars parked on both sides of the roads.
As for the well reported negative notes about the Panda, I did notice some pogoing on the country lanes and it did crash a bit on some of the less tidy roadworks but this really didnt feel intrusive or take away from the driving enjoyment. I also noticed what people were saying about the throttle being a little over-responsive during stop/starting in Sport mode, but it got better towards the end of the testdrive so I will put it down to something that you learn to drive around. The brakes however felt pretty responsive without being instrusive so I'm getting it's got the updated servo-assistance (if this actually exists)
As for the layout of the car, I found the seat position to be better than I expected, despite it's high stance it makes you feel well supported and in control. Rear leg space seemed respectable given the car's size, I wouldnt want to be a rear seat passenger for a long journey but short trips would be a pleasure.
Afterwards we did discuss prices but they were offering £2k less for mine than I think it's worth privately and this was up against the £8k that they wanted for a used 57plate 100HP with no options.
I showed the salesman Fiat Supasaver's price and he still wouldnt budge so I left. As I was getting into my car he came out and said that if I sell the GP privately then he will match Supasaver's price on a new 100HP. I said that I will be in touch.
........ So the GP needs a few bits here and there but then it will be going up for sale so that I can get a 100HP.
I've always loved the way it looks, the tech spec is superb and now I can confirm that I love the way that it drives.
Keep your eyes peeled because there will be a new 100HP owner in the ranks very soon
Last edited:
