Not only the pandas that enjoy horizontal salsa once a year were threatened with extinction. The nice Fiat Panda could also simply disappear due to the new safety requirements that will come into effect from this summer. Fortunately, Fiat puts a stop to that. In fact, the (relatively) affordable car should even last into old age.
From July 7, 2024, all cars sold new in the EU must comply with the updated General Safety Regulations. From then on, new cars must have a data recorder (EDR), an intelligent speed assistant (ISA), a lane assistant, fatigue detection, automatic emergency braking and preparation for an alcohol lock. These are all functions that are not currently available on the current Panda.
Brands such as Porsche and Toyota have already dropped old models due to the new guidelines. You would think that the 12-year-old Panda would also be put on the chopping block. But fortunately: the brand remains the Panda until 2030 to build. The brand says this is done to continue to supply affordable cars to customers. This would make the current generation of the Panda a have a lifespan of 19 years.
How much does a Fiat Panda cost these days?
You can buy the Panda in the Netherlands for at least 18,640 euros. The cooler Cross version costs at least 20,640 euros. That is no longer as cheap as it once was, but there are no really cheap cars anymore. Hopefully Fiat can copy Dacia's trick and keep prices the same. It is possible that the current Panda will be given the name 'Pandina'.
Next year, the Fiat Panda with a combustion engine will be joined by a new Panda. This version is only available as an EV. Fiat has already shown what the Panda will look like with a set of study models. If all goes well, this electric car will even come as a pick-up.
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