My 2005 Panda MJ (113k miles) has started to run a bit noisily (which may or may not be my imagination, since it's not exactly a quiet car at the best of times). One thing I have noticed, though, is that when stationary, a gentle press of the accelerator will bring the revs smartly up to just short of 2000 rpm, but the revs stick there, unless the pedal is pressed harder, when the engine spins up to greater speeds.

I'm thinking that this is probably a normal thing, but any comments would be helpful.

My 2007 MJ has been a little noisier on start up when we've had a very cold night, but this is only noticeable before I drive off.
I record my fuel consumption because I'm a tight wad, but it does help to show the engine is doing fine.
Have you noticed any difference in consumption ?
Hope it's nothing
Richard

Timing chain?

Fuel consumption is OK, varying between 55-70mpg depending on whether it's being thrashed or driven normally. Timing chain was replaced about 10k miles ago. I will get my mechanic to interrogate the ECU some time to see if there are any fault codes.

I think the rev thing you mention is normal. I have just tried mine. Your right about the initial jump up to 2k revs!... mine needed just a light throttle opening. It needed more of a pronounced press to get the revs higher (up to 4k).

I have driven some petrol cars (Seat Ibiza, Skoda Fabia) and noticed they only rev up to 3k or so even if you floor the throttle when stationary/in neutral.

Hope my findings help.

After a bit of wrestling with an ELM327 interface bought off eBay, I finally managed to connect to my Panda's ECU, to find out why the car is not running smoothly. The ECU is reporting codes P0106 and P1102, which seem to point to something wrong with inlet manifold pressure and maybe the MAF too. At this point I hand it to my trusted mechanic, but I'm glad that I'm not imagining the problem. Here's hoping that it's a straightforward and reasonably inexpensive fix!

I can bring this matter up to date. The lumpy throttle response was due to the Manifold Air Pressure sensor being u/s (as indicated by the OBD fault code), but also the turbo's linkage (presumably wastegate) was seized and needed to be freed up (apparently very common on these engines fitted to Fiat, Vauxhall etc). Once these were addressed, the car is running well, but the ECU is reporting an EGR fault, so that may have to be replaced, but I shall wait and see if that cures itself. It's a relatively inexpensive part, but not with particularly easy access!