FIAT HAS confirmed the all-new Panda will be coming to Ireland by the end of February. While in parts the design harks back to previous generations of the city car the firm launched in 1980, the newest version is noticeably larger from all angles and consequently more spacious. A lot of attention has been paid to reducing the noise levels and improving the ride comfort, though the latter remains quite firm on bumpy roads.
The Panda’s engine range includes the well-regarded two-cylinder TwinAir engine. The 900cc petrol unit comes with output of 65bhp and 85bhp, both with emissions of just 99g/km. At launch however the initial engine line-up will be a 69bhp 1.2-litre with emissions of 120g/km, and a 75bhp 1.3-litre Multijet diesel putting out 107g/km.
Three trim levels will be available – Pop, Easy and Lounge – and all models will have four airbags, ABS and daytime running lights as standard. Optional features include ESP stability control, although this will be standard from September next year. ,There is also a “low speed collision mitigation” braking system will be offered later in 2012. The system uses a windscreen mounted laser to scan the road ahead and is capable of recognising obstacles in front of the car and of braking automatically when the driver fails to avoid the collision at speeds up to 30km/h.
Prices have been set yet, but expect them to start at about €11,750. A full road test will appear next week in Motors.
Make money from renting out your car
TWO OF THE UK’s best-known entrepreneurs unveiled a new venture on Monday that will allow UK motorists to rent out their car when they do not need it.
The car club venture has been set up by easyJet founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou and lastminute.com founder Brent Hoberman.
EasyCar will be launched next year and will allow people to use smartphone apps to book slots in their neighbours’ vehicles. This will be a cheaper alternative to traditional car rental and help those with cars make cash from hiring them out.
The car club aims to test the first 1,000 cars this spring in the London area. Sir Stelios said the new scheme “could prove to be the future of car rental and ownership in cities of the future”.
BMW reveals 6 Series Gran Coupe - the model to rival Mercedes's CLS
After several months of speculation and prototype spotting, BMW has revealed its rival to Mercedes’s CLS. Called the 6 Series Gran Coupe, it’s basically a slinky 6-Series coupé with two extra doors and more space in the back. Alongside the two petrol engines on offer – a 3-litre six cylinder in the 640 version and a 4.4-litre V8 in the 650 version – there will also be a 3-litre diesel offered in the 640d. The new Gran Coupe will arrive in Irish showrooms in June.
What we’re all waiting for, however, is the return of Honda’s legendary NSX. The Japanese supercar will keep the name but this time powered by a 3.5-litre V6 along with a hybrid-styled battery pack that boosts power and promises to take on the might of the prancing horse Italians.