Fiat Auto UK has just introduced a limited edition sporty version of its widely acclaimed Panda supermini, which goes on sale throughout the company’s UK dealer network from Monday 19 September. Based on the award-winning, Euro 4 compliant, common rail direct injection 1.3 litre MultiJet turbodiesel, which offers the best performance in the current Panda range, including a remarkable 65.7mpg (combined cycle), the new Panda Sporting offers class leading economy as well as responsive acceleration and refined cruising ability. With 70bhp and a generous 107lb.ft of torque available from the compact engine, the newcomer possesses a useful blend of inner city ‘go’ and out of town ability.

However, the new Panda Sporting is set apart from its stablemates by its visual credentials. Available only in red or metallic black, the exterior features twin offset racing stripes running from nose to tail, and a new bodykit incorporating redesigned front and rear bumpers, sideskirts and a roof mounted rear spoiler. A set of 14" alloy wheels and low profile tyres complete the picture.
 

Inside, the new Panda Sporting is trimmed in red and grey cloth; there’s a leather steering wheel and gear lever knob, Sporting-embossed kick plates and carpet mats, aluminium inserts around the air vents and gearstick, and sports pedals. A CD player is also part of the standard equipment specification. Aside from its sporty looks, and agile and capable city credentials, Panda Sporting remains one of the most affordable cars to run, with its low emissions, Euro 4 compliant engine not only achieving outstanding fuel economy figures, and low maintenance costs, but also qualifying it for an annual car tax bill of just £85. In addition, it also falls into insurance bracket 2E, the second lowest insurance rating available.