The Fiat "Panda Panda" has made its debut at the 77th Paris Motor Show. A clear demonstration of Fiat's commitment to developing more environmentally-friendly vehicles, the Panda Panda is fitted with a 1.2 litre dual fuel engine, able to run on petrol or methane. This new model will go on sale in January 2007. In Paris its importance is further emphasised by its central position on the Fiat stand, attention catching as it is raised off the surface.

The Tao symbol is a mark of universal harmony, beginning and end, yin and yang, black and white, male and female. A realm where opposites live together and enhance one another, respecting the rhythms and balance of nature. Customers who choose the Panda Panda love nature and respect it, although they wish to move in freedom. Opposites finally meet in the Panda Panda: driving satisfaction and low environmental impact, dual fuel and low fuel consumption. Twofold energy for a single movement. Smart, practical, fun and environmentally sound: these are the distinctive features of the ‘Panda Panda’, the new minimum environmental impact vehicle equipped with a 52 bhp 1.2 engine with a dual petrol/methane fuel system.
 

This original Natural Power sets out to become the new benchmark in the sustainable urban mobility vehicle scenario. The Panda Panda is also even more innovative because it overcomes the drawbacks typical of methane cars. The floorpan, derived from the 4x4 version, incorporates two separate methane tanks, each with a capacity of 72 litres. The two tanks fitted in this way allow the same amount of room as on the original car for both passenger and luggage (more than 200 litres with the rear seats upright).

The 72 litre maximum fuel tank capacity allows a superior trip range for the new vehicle that is about 300 kilometres using methane alone (this is in fact 20 percent more range than that offered by the Fiat Punto model, for example). The fuel tank capacity though remains unchanged compared to the petrol version (30 litres) thus ensuring the driver absolute peace of mind even in areas where methane suppliers are thin on the ground.

The ‘Panda Panda’ confirms Fiat Auto’s continuing leadership in the methane power sector and the carmaker's continuous quest to find solutions that reconcile customer needs with the greatest respect for the environment. Methane vehicles reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 23 percent compared to the equivalent petrol vehicles and reduce particulate matter (PM) emissions to practically zero. Emissions when the car is driven in methane mode amount to 114g of CO2/Km compared to 133g of CO2/Km in petrol mode (NEDC cycle). The new Panda Panda will also be available with a Dynamic specification to ensure that even the basic version of the car is packed with creature comforts and may be customised on the basis of individual requirements. The new Panda version is also ideal for small company fleets since it can be driven around freely in any city centre.