Panda 2012+ My final decision before placing Order

[madam yap]

Good Morning Panda Lovers,

Once again " thank you " to those who have taken the trouble, and been so kind to respond to my earlier Threads.

Before purchasing my very First Fiat, a Panda, I needed to decide between the 4 x 4 and the Trekking.
I do like both variants very much, but I have decided, based largely on your advice, on the 4 x 4 which, by a whisker ( or a nose ) came across with a " Real Deal " feel, between the words of advice.

My final decision now, which is most important, is the choice of engine.
My natural inclination leans towards the Diesel Multijet 1.3 motor.

So far I have heard from a Twin Air 4 x 4 owner, and a few who have Panda's with the 1.2 Petrol engine. Both of these motors have strong attributes, ranging from great fun to use, to the economically sensible option.
I have also heard from a gentleman who had a small experience driving a 4 X 4 with a 1.3 Multijet, while his own Panda was being given mechanical attention. He liked it, but had no opportunity to try it on the open road.

I would very much like to hear from those who have a Panda with the 1.3 Diesel Multijet motor, to get first hand factual information on its performance in town, on the motorway, A roads, and even in tougher conditions like snow, for example.

If I still remain undecided, I will not deserve to have a Panda !
Thank's in anticipation - Madam Yap.

 

[deeyup]

Why don't you just drive both versions?

 

[madam yap]

Thank you Deeyup, I do intend to do that, if the Dealership has available.
However, you will understand that a view from someone who has ' lived ' with the motor for some time, in various situations is probably more revealing than a short Test Drive.
But you are quite right, I will of course also try them out, if I can. Cheers - Madam Yap.

 

[scout]

I will of course also try them out, if I can. Cheers - Madam Yap.

If you try out the twinair you'll buy it, that engine is SOOOOOOO much fun. I have a 500 with the twinair and I could not dream of driving any of the other engines.

 

[philboo]

Hi there. Not sure this is going to help as I think you'll need to drive them before you are happy with your decision but....

I've had a diesel 500 (same engine as the panda), abarth 500 (1.4 turbo), 1.2 petrol panda and now the twinair 4x4. My girlfriend also had a corsa (current shape) with the Diesel engine.

The 500 diesel I had was very good and I had no complaints. My friend bought it off me and his wife loved it and did 80k miles in it before swapping for a diesel Mini Cooper D (500 did 60+ mpg mini does 48 at best). Only sold it because of the mileage and a 80 mile daily commute.

The corsa we had with the same engine needed a new turbo while we had it and also a sensor within 60k miles. It did mainly mixed road/motorway runs, was owner by us from new and serviced correctly so reliability I isn't guaranteed.

I sold the original diesel 500 I owned as I drove a 1.2 petrol 500 (my brothers girlfriends) and I couldn't believe how well it drove (and it's cheaper). I'd bought the diesel at launch without a test drive (you couldn't have one) and i wanted the diesel as I like diesels.

The 1.2 panda I had was great and did 48-50 mpg.

For completion the A500 was great 42 mpg and loads of fun I'd have another anyday

When I drove the 4x4 twin a couple were doing the same but they had a 4x4 panda cross (diesel). I chatted to them at the dealers and they said they couldn't believe how much better the twin air is compared to the diesel they owned.

Now driving the 4x4 twin is much better than the old 1.2 petrol. It will pull, I feel it can overtake and it is fun if you don't mind the mpg figure going through the floor ;-)

It's never going to be the same be as a diesel as it hasn't the low low rev torque and it takes a bit of getting used to compared to the standard petrol or a diesel. The mpg figure will also not really come close to the diesel unless you are careful.

The twin has a sound that you'll either love or hate too.

I think a diesel would be a safe bet and would feel more familiar. It'd also probably be better in real low speed off roading (I don't need that). It's all down to how much you want to spend, the extras you want, how many miles you do and the types of journeys.

Short runs and low mileage mean problems for diesels these days from all the reports I read.

I'm sure what ever you choose it'll be a nice change.

Phil

 

[danijel]

How many miles do you travel? Do you have a lot short trips or city driving? If yes, then twinair. If not, mjt could be verry ok. its excellent engine, but its diesel and its not good for short trips.

 

[javnas]

twinair = lots of stone chips

 

[deeyup]

twinair = lots of stone chips

Uh??

 

[javnas]

too much speed with twinair = lots of stone chips.

 

[triumph7]

Don't follow.... Doesn't the same apply to the mtj?

 

[JTD_Liam]

I think javnas means the TwinAir encourages you to zoom everywhere (because of the engine note) so you're more likely to get the car covered in stone chips than in the more laid back diesel version

 

[smilo]

1.3 Multijet Easy 1 month 1,800 miles

My first post so sorry if its wrong. I got Panda Easy with thediesel engine to save money commuting it’s a 76 mile round trip and getting between65 & 75 MPG on the commute with 64MPG overall. Not bad for a new engine.

As for driving I find the diesel great good acceleration andreally good torque. I have done a couple of blasts down the motorway cruisingat 70+ and I think it surprised a few people seeing a Panda in the fast lane.

You are not going to get fantastic handling but its not supposedto be chucked into corners, I have aBravo 150MJ to compare against .

So if you do the miles go for the diesel.