Over the years the name Panda has become a veritable brand name, full of emotional overtones, and one that motorists in Italy and the rest of Europe are still extremely fond of. Statistics say that in Italy almost 90% of the public recall the name, compared to less than 40% in the case of other well known cars on the market.

The new supermini now takes up this baton, reviving not only the name Panda (which market research has shown to be particularly attractive to the public), but also the spirit of the car, with a modern interpretation of its values in terms of product and personality that have made the name Panda a real icon in the public imagination.

In addition, Fiat Auto's decision to call its new car the Panda completely eliminates the concerns expressed by a competitor regarding a similarity between the name of one of its cars already on the market and 'Gingo', the name by which the new car was known during its previews.

And so Fiat will take its rightful place as leader of this growing segment where so much history bears its name: from the first 600 to the 500, from the 126 to the first Panda and from the Cinquecento to the Seicento. The first people to discover the car as an irreplaceable means of individual mobility drove Fiat city cars. And they learned how to appreciate cars that could be good-looking, reliable and fun to drive at low cost despite their lack of space, weight and cylinder capacity. Now the baton passes to the New Panda.

Our aim: to focus on the perennial winning attributes of Fiat city cars. When it built its new supermini, Fiat was able to call on the great engineering and design heritage that it has built up over the years and the unique know-how of a company that has always led the European market in this segment. This unbroken success reveals how Fiat has always succeeded in the mini segment in terms of sheer numbers but also and above all by winning the trust of its customers: trust in the Fiat brand and in the experience of its designers.

The new model's ambitions do not stop here. With the New Panda, Fiat is determined to take quality levels into a different league as far as comfort, safety, engineering and equipment are concerned. Its aim is to interpret its age-old supermini know-how in the light of changes undergone by the customers of this market band and the rosy prospects for future growth.

Renewed interest in this type of car mirrors changes in the market. The mini segment is now a fast-changing universe that attracts customers who traditionally buy such cars but also motorists from other market bands.

In this sector we must also consider a very diverse demand determined by different car applications (mainly around town but also over medium-long distances), different annual mileages and different personal requirements. All these customers share the fact that they choose a supermini as a response to certain needs. These are not restricted to a need for saving but also a need for a relationship with the car that must be entertaining and practical, relaxed and environmentally friendly, fun and economical.

The latest addition to the Fiat family represents the state of the art in this particular category. It is the most advanced current response to people who want a car with compact exterior dimensions that is equipped with all the comforts that bigger cars have led us to expect; designed for low fuel consumption but no less of a lively performer; ideal in town traffic but still perfect over longer trips, always able to assure its occupants a relaxed drive.

Its very ability to meet different needs, however conflicting, allows the New Panda to stand as a benchmark for those who experience the car in complete freedom and appreciate its everyday usefulness. Down-to-earth, smart customers who do not fall into the trap of following the latest fashion but instead prefer to achieve the right balance between new styling and true practicality.

As far as such customers are concerned, the new model is a veritable mix of different car types. On the one hand, it offers all the roominess, flexibility and modularity of an MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle). On the other, the driver's seating level in relation to the ground is high and it has the all-terrain look of a small SUV. The New Panda also borrows from conventional saloons all the driving satisfaction and on-board wellbeing that can be assured by a host of devices and systems, some absolutely unique to the supermini spectrum.

All in all, the New Panda sets new standards of comfort and practicality in this category. Yet it still offers appealing, original styling and an impish air that will raise an answering grin from anyone who is forced to tackle the heavy traffic, lack of space and frenetic pace of life typical of town centres. The New Panda is bound to arouse continual surprise for its ability to adapt to different situations and the needs of its driver. A model that offers four different motoring experiences that make the car unique in the motoring world:

• flexibility and practicality

• style and character

• technology and innovation

• substance and quality.

Firstly, the new model is a flexible and practical car. Its attributes of roominess and ergonomics, for example, set it at the top of its category while the extensive range offers everyone the version that best meets their needs. The New Panda is just the first member of a family that is destined to grow in time: the 4x4 version and the outgoing off-roader, will be the next to follow it over the next few years.

Style and character. Evident from an original, dynamic shape that makes it look for all the world like a small SUV. Plus new design interiors that confirm the impression of great quality that the model conveys at first glance. An appealing car that may be customised with the wide array of accessories on offer.

Technology and innovation are the key words that define the New Panda experience. Hence the new car comes with engines that are lively performers but decidedly thrifty when it comes to fuel consumption (the results are among the best in the car's category) and represent an effective solution in and out of town. Pride of place goes to the 70 bhp 1.3 16v Multijet engine, the best automotive engineering can offer in the small turbodiesel field. These power units are combined with reliable, innovative gearboxes such as the Dualogic.

The new Fiat city car is also one of the safest superminis in its category. The credit goes to the many sophisticated devices and systems adopted to ensure preventive, active and passive safety. Not to mention the fact that once you climb aboard, you discover the great pleasure of driving and travelling due above all to the automatic air conditioner and Skydome sunroof.

Lastly, the New Panda is a car of substance and quality. It was created using robust design technology for which Fiat deployed its best resources and most sophisticated procedures. The result is a reliable, top-quality car that boasts exclusive equipment within the safety and comfort field. For example, the torsional stiffness of the bodyshell is among the best in its segment (70,500 daNm/rad) while the New Panda is the only car in its category to have 99% of its interior surface lined. And more. The new supermini has passed the toughest tests to ensure maximum protection of driver and passengers.

All these features make the New Panda a fun pint-sized car that also represents fantastic value for money with its winning package of features, running costs and resale value.