3y ago
567

B_ROAD_STORMERS: NO. 2

Fiat Panda 100HP

Everyone has heard of Fiat. Some have heard of the Panda. But very few have heard of the 100HP. I know this because I owned one for 3 years. And in that 3 year ownership, I have never had such a big smile on my face. Brought out in late 2006, the 100HP was the 'warm' Panda. With the 1.4L four pot from the Punto squeezed into it, the 100HP produced 100 bhp (I know I'm just as surprised as you are) and 97 Ib ft. Coupled with a 6 speed gearbox with very short ratios, this made Fiat's warm hatch a delight to redline and throw it through every gear. And then we get to the handling. With the Sport mode engaged the steering really does surprise you with how much response it gives you despite being electric. Also with the right set of tyres on it takes some doing to get it to understeer. Combined with its tiny size it'll take some doing to keep up with down a tight B Road.

Now being a Fiat, people assume its going to be its usual Italian self but its the opposite. You are highly unlikely to see rust of any concern, the engine is tough as nails as its only handling 100 bhp and it'll easily return 40 MPG. Just keep an eye on the coolant level now and then as well as the oil. And as for the pogo like ride quality, I would advise on investing in some new suspension. I did the same going for the Variant 1 coilovers from KW but you can easily sort out the ride by just changing the dampers all round.

In my three years of ownership, my 100HP saw the Black Mountains, the evo Triangle and the Lake District. And on every occasion it put a huge smile on my face. And with prices going for these little hatches as low as £1500, need I say more?
#BROADSTORMERS #THERUNABOUTS

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