Fiat launches Panda ECO to reduce costs

Fiat UK has just added a new 'green' version of its Panda city car to the line-up, enabling buyers to save money at the same time as doing their bit for the environment.

The Panda ECO comes with a choice of either a 54bhp 1.1-litre engine or a 60bhp 1.2-litre unit - both are petrol powered. Although the larger engine endows the Panda ECO with better straight line performance, it returns the same 56.5mpg combined cycle fuel economy.

Thanks to fuel saving measures such as low rolling resistance tyres and low viscosity engine oil, the ECO models emit just 119g/km of CO₂, which means that owners pay vehicle excise duty for band B.

Although the ECO models attract a £100 premium, the reduction in VED saves buyers £85 per annum. The Panda ECO can be ordered in either Active or Dynamic trims for £7,105 and £7,705 respectively.

Shane O' Donoghue