This is the part of the design story that confounds us. Performance seems to have been used in a very generic sense, with this section containing details about how the design improves various performance aspects of the car, as well as how the design ‘performs’ its intended function, maybe?
The rounded shapes all contribute to bettering the performance of the car by reducing cx ( the coefficient of drag) and thus improving aerodynamics. The high driving position is retained. Redesigned front seats give more room to passengers at the rear. The low beltline, coupled with the excellent visibility gives the driver a ‘feeling of greater safety’. Drop the raised eyebrow dear reader, we’re just quoting from the release. We think what Fiat is hinting at is greater confidence that stems from being aware of your immediate environment when in the car. The coloured band forms the perimeter to the large open compartment and also houses central and side air vents and the climate control systems. The radio and instrument panel form a single block inside it.
As we’ve mentioned earlier the Panda is designed around the occupants. The driver’s seat offers maximum possible comfort. The steering wheel is perfectly round on the outside to make it easy to turn, and square on the inside for better grip, and bet you weren’t expecting this, improved instrument panel visibility. The gear level is never too far to reach and Fiat says the ergonomics are spot on. The door speakers have been positioned higher for a better aural experience, as well as to free up space for a larger door pocket.
That handbrake is definitely one of a kind and the unique design is aimed at optimizing the center console size. The small longitudinal dimensions allow clever usage of the space on either ends, and beneath the handbrake. The innovative design also makes it very easy to distinguish if the handbrake is engaged or released.
The modular design of the interior space offers various configurations, some of which are depicted in the following illustration. This aligns with what designers at Fiat had in mind when they set out to redesign the Panda. The modular design helps the occupants to configure the space to their needs and lifestyle.
One distinctive feature of the Panda’s interior is the large ‘oddment pocket’ in the dash, derived from the Panda of the 80s where the elements were fastened onto to a fabric “pouch” which constituted the main part of the dashboard. The other feature would be a waterproof cargo box in the boot that can be used to store smaller objects, or to conceal them. This box, when not required can be removed to free up boot space.
Also in illustrations are the various rear seat configurations possible and the advantage of the wide tailgate with a low boot lip that makes loading easier. There are enough open and closed compartments, that have been designed for objects that are frequently used and those that are left in the car respectively.
What is a Fiat if not fun? With expectations up there in the sky after the cute Fiat 500, which was also a hoot to drive the Panda cannot be left far behind.
Not unlike the 500, the Panda has a smiley face -quoting from the release- ‘to spread fun’. We agree, one look at the previous gen Panda is all it took to convince us. The interior space is designed to be fun for children too. The shapes and materials of elements, such as the parcel shelf and the ceiling, combine the graphic language of the squircle and functional, structural rigidity. The radio interface is complete and user-friendly at the same time. As mentioned earlier all controls and buttons are grouped into two areas with easy access to the driver.
In short, the new Panda is a car sure to continuously surprise owing to its ability to transform itself according to the situation and adapt to the needs of whoever uses it, driver or passenger as the case may be. But then it is common knowledge that offering original style, advanced technology accessible to everyone, and smart solutions that simplify and improve life on board is in Fiat’s blood.
We do realize that photographs and images complement articles we post, but in this case, we believe the excellent illustrations from Centro Stile Fiat stand tall over every word this correspondent has typed over the past hour.