Test drive Fiat Panda, Kia Picanto, Renault Twingo and VW up !: Big opportunities in small packages
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Test drive Fiat Panda, Kia Picanto, Renault Twingo and VW up !: Big opportunities in small packages

Test drive Fiat Panda, Kia Picanto, Renault Twingo and VW up !: Big opportunities in small packages

The new Panda with four doors and a modern twin-turbo engine. Fiat aims to re-establish a leading position in the minivan class. Comparison with VW up !, Renault Twingo and Kia Picanto.

Happy and carefree days in VW up! already counted – or so Fiat claims after the recent launch of the new iconic third-generation Panda, whose glorious history dates back to the 1980s. Speaking about the success of their concept, the Italians explain that buyers of minivans are looking for a nice, but at the same time, the most practical car. A car that does not lend itself to any of the tasks of a big city. A car that will fit even in the narrowest parking space behaves decently and does not threaten to cause serious injury when driving on poorly maintained asphalt. The design here is not decisive - the price, fuel consumption and the most profitable service are more important.

Function above all

Square, practical, economical? If Panda could nod willingly, she would certainly do so in response to this question. The model participated in a comparative test with version 0.9 Twinair with Lounge equipment level and five seats. The sides of the body are still vertical, the roof is still perfectly flat, and the tailgate is as vertical as a refrigerator door – the car could hardly radiate more pragmatism. Four doors, front power windows and body-colored bumpers are standard, but five seats are an extra cost. An extra seat in the middle is offered in a package with folding backrests for 270 euros, which sounds a little frivolous - we are not talking about any basic versions of the model.

The atmosphere in the cabin looks familiar: the center console continues to rise in the middle of the dashboard with an imposing tower, a novelty is a glossy black surface under the audio system with CD. Like its predecessor, the shifter is high up and sits on its own in the driver's hand, but the door pockets are too modest. The open niche above the glove box still provides room for larger items. And as for space: while the driver and his companion can sit without worrying about running out of space, second-row passengers have to bend their legs rather uncomfortably. Rear seat comfort is only satisfactory for short hauls, with longer hauls the need for more space and more comfortable upholstery becomes apparent.

We're going east

Kia Picanto LX 1.2 with a starting price of 19 lv. Definitely not lacking in volume. Despite being 324 meters long and 3,60 meters high, the model is five centimeters shorter and seven centimeters lower than the Panda, the little Korean offers completely comparable space for its passengers. What's even more surprising is that the rear-seat rear seats have one more idea than the Panda, and thanks to the eight centimeters longer wheelbase, legroom is also significantly more.

The rest of the Picanto's interior looks simple and even conservative. On the other hand, the driver can immediately find everything he needs, with the possible exception of the outside temperature indicator, simply because there is none. The desire to save money is manifested in the choice of materials and in the manufacture of individual parts, for example, small consoles made of glass buttons.

French part

The Twingo 1.2's interior definitely looks more cozy. However, before entering the salon of the Dynamique version with the price of 19 490 levs, it is necessary to open the door every time using the inconvenient lever that replaces the classic handle. To be honest, it's a little odd why Renault didn't change that decision in a recent and otherwise undoubtedly successful model update. The headlights and taillights have received a new, more elegant shape, while the center speedometer remains unchanged. The device in question may not be the most convenient we can imagine, but it does contribute to the particular charm of the model.

Not very happy with the inconvenient control of the radio. The two horizontally adjustable rear seats are an excellent and extremely practical solution that creates unexpectedly good comfort for those sitting in the second row. Access to just the rear seats isn't easy, as the Twingo is the only model in comparison that's only available with two doors.

Everything is necessary

VW up! The 1.0 enters this competition with the White luxury package, which is not available on the Bulgarian market. Even without that, seconds after stepping into the smallest model in VW's lineup, you'll find that this car feels like it's positioned at least one class up. All important functional details - steering wheel, ventilation controls, handles on the inside of the doors, etc. – look more solid than any of the representatives of the competition.

With a length of 3,54 meters, the model is the shortest in the test, but this does not negatively affect its internal dimensions. There is enough space for four people, however, the second row is not so much - as it should be. The front seats are certainly not among the elements that deserve praise: the adjustment of their backs is extremely inconvenient, and the headrests do not move in height and inclination. The lack of a right-window button on the driver's side is also difficult to explain and misplaced economy - does VW really think that someone will want to voluntarily reach out across the entire width of the cabin?

Who is how many paws?

Three-cylinder engine up! performs at an average level for its category. Theoretically, his data look quite decent - from a volume similar to the volume of a large bottle of mineral water, he manages to “squeeze out” 75 horsepower and, with an economical driving style and the presence of suitable conditions, consumes only 4,9 l / 100 km. However, these facts cannot change its sluggish gas response and ear-obnoxious buzzing at high speeds.

Twingo and Picanto four-cylinder engines are much more cultured. In addition, two 1,2-liter engines with 75 and 85 hp. respectively. accelerate much faster than VW. Kia reported a minimum fuel consumption of 4,9 l / 100 km, Renault is also close to up! - 5,1 liters per hundred kilometers.

Fiat burns a little more fuel in its two combustion chambers - as you might guess, this is the modern 85 hp twin-cylinder turbo engine that we already know from the Fiat 500. Up to 3000 rpm, the engine growls promisingly, and above this value - the voice of he takes on an almost sporty tone. In terms of elasticity, the 0.9 Twinair definitely outperforms all three competing models, although the 1061-kilogram Panda is the heaviest car in the test.

View from the inside

If you travel long distances with the new Panda, you will soon want more effective interior soundproofing. The cabin of the Twingo and Picanto is noticeably quieter, and both models ride a little smoother. When it comes to acoustic comfort, everything is on top! it certainly sets new standards in its class - at the same pace, the silence in the cabin is almost unbelievable for a car of this size and price.

When not loaded, go up! has the most harmonious ride of all its competitors in the test, but when fully loaded, the Panda's body is more comfortable. Unfortunately, the Italian kid leans heavily in the turn, and in critical situations his behavior becomes nervous, and this is one of the most important reasons for his lagging behind in the final table. Kia changes direction quickly and accurately, comfort when driving at height. Renault also drives well, but in the load it starts to bounce on bumps. The steering is precise and precise enough to maintain proper handling. The fastest conductivity in the test is demonstrated by up !. Kia lacks refinement of the steering wheel feedback, and with Fiat, any direction change feels synthetic.

And the winner is ...

All models in the test are priced below the magic limit of BGN 20, only the Panda is not yet officially sold on the Bulgarian market, but when it comes to Bulgaria it will probably be positioned similarly in terms of price. You can't expect any miracles from safety equipment - VW, Fiat and Kia pay extra for the ESP system, while Renault does not offer it at all.

All four models in this test are undoubtedly practical and pretty - each in its own way. And how economical are they? up! spends the least and Panda the most, despite having a start/stop system. For the Italian on a small curve, he remains fourth in the final rankings, which is due to up ! Fiat loses points not only in the assessment of the body and behavior on the road, but also in the balance of costs. Sad but true! A few years ago, Panda was the champion in her category, but this time she should be the last one.

text: Dani Heine

Evaluation

1. VW up! 1.0 white - 481 points

up! gains a convincing competitive advantage thanks to good acoustic comfort, smooth driving, safe behavior and the highest quality workmanship in tests.

2. Kia Picanto 1.2 Spirit – 472 points

Picanto is only nine points away from Up! “In terms of quality, Kia does not allow significant shortcomings, spends little, has a good price and is offered with a seven-year warranty.

3. Renault Twingo 1.2 LEV 16V 75 Dynamique - 442 points

Twingo is appealing for its practical, adjustable second row seats and extravagant standard equipment. The rigid suspension allows for fast shooting on city streets, but reduces comfort.

4. Fiat Panda 0.9 TwinAir Lounge - 438 points.

The new Panda loses out in this comparison due to the limited space in the interior and mainly due to its nervous behavior. Driving comfort and prices are also improving.

technical details

1. VW up! 1.0 white - 481 points2. Kia Picanto 1.2 Spirit – 472 points3. Renault Twingo 1.2 LEV 16V 75 Dynamique - 442 points4. Fiat Panda 0.9 TwinAir Lounge - 438 points.
Working volume----
Power75 k.s. at 6200 rpm85 k.s. at 6000 rpm75 k.s. at 5500 rpm85 k.s. at 5500 rpm
Maximum

torque

----
Acceleration

0-100 km / h

13,1 l10,7 with12,3 with11,7 with
Braking distances

at a speed of 100 km / h

37 m40 m38 m40 m
full speed171 km / h171 km / h169 km / h177 km / h
Average consumption

fuel in the test

6,4 l6,6 l6,9 l6,9 l
Base Price19 390 levov19 324 levov19 490 levov13 160 EUR in Germany

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