Fiat Grande Panda Turbo 100, the test of the 18,000 euro manual transmission version

In fact, inside the bonnet of this version is a new supercharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder with Miller cycle direct petrol injection with 100 horsepower, but still 205 Nm of torque and distribution managed by a chain like that of the Hybrid 110 from which it derives. It is a thermal engine with Star&Stop system, but without any hybridisation. Moreover, it is not mated to a dual-clutch gearbox like that of the hybrid variant, but to a six-speed manual which, incidentally, cannot even be replaced by an automatic on request, which would be well in tune with a model with a distinctly urban character.

The absence of the electric helper and the mechanical gearbox are the factors that led to a price list 2,000 euro lower than that of the euro Hybrid. The Turbo 100 pushes the new Grande Panda to 160 km/h and 100 km/h in 10.6 seconds, with an average consumption of 5.7 litres/100 km. Obviously, this is higher than that of the version with the 48 V mild hybrd, which is capable of moving briefly on electric drive alone in some situations.

In the driver's seat, you immediately get in tune with the Turbo 100 thanks to the SUV-style high seat and the steering wheel that can also be adjusted in depth, because they make it easy to find the best position. Dynamically, this version is in line with the Grande Panda hybrid with its reliable handling and manoeuvrability even in city use, to which both the length, which does not exceed 4 metres, and the lightness of the steering, which offers good dialogue between the driver and the front end when passing on extra-urban routes, contribute. In short, the Turbo 100 is all the more friendly as the engine also does its bit to support this feeling. Indeed, it has a lively temperament, a smooth delivery thanks to the turbocharging that makes itself felt immediately and the good amount of torque available already at low revs and, finally, because only at higher revs does it betray the three-cylinder fractionation with the typical rumble of units of this kind. The six-speed gearbox also fits into this convincing picture, both with its adequate ratios and with the precise manoeuvrability of the control as well as the smooth engagement and lightness of the clutch. A feature that in intensive use in traffic does not detract from the pleasant ride.

The appearance of this Grande Panda faithfully follows that of the other versions. The line falls within the canons of the urban suv, reinterpreting and bringing into larger dimensions the salient features of the first Panda, combining them with rear doors that, however, are small and do not facilitate accessibility. The appearance is characterised by the taut surfaces of the bodywork, the squared-off windows, the horizontally developed front headlights, the vertically shaped rear lights and the rectangular design of the grille.

The references to the most iconic Panda can also be perceived in the passenger compartment, which offers a good amount of space in relation to its length of 3.99 metres, width of 1.76 metres and height of 2.53 metres thanks to the correct ratio between these dimensions, the design and the proportionally long wheelbase: 2.53 metres. A rational layout that also rewards the boot, since it has a capacity ranging from 412 to 1,366 litres and is therefore on a par with larger models.

The interior is characterised, in particular, by the dashboard that places a shelf in front of the passenger that recalls the pouch found on the mother of all Pandas and by the design of the panel that houses the 10" Tft instrumentation and, starting from the second trim level, the 10.25" touch display of the infotainment system. The latter integrates TomTom map-based navigation and wireless mirriring for smartphones, has a clear graphic interface and can be configured with widgets like a mobile phone. The call to the past is also evident in the ergonomics because, rationally, all vettira services are operated with physical controls.

Like the other Grande Panda, the Turbo 100 is offered in Pop, Icon, Business and La Prima trim versions. These versions are on sale at prices ranging from 18,000 to 22,000 euros. From the entry level trim, equipment includes the legally required Adas, front and rear airbags, manual air conditioning and rear parking sensors

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