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| Car of the Year 2004: When less is more |
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| The gathering of seven notable cars for the final
voting produced a very close assessment, with no less than five cars
receiving more than 200 points each. The small Panda got the same
number of individual top positions than Volkswagen Golf, but the amount
of second places was decisive, as it was for Mazda3 tie with Golf
(see voting grid). |
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| Fiat Panda |
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| The name of a veteran graces this all-new model
of city-car size with the usefulness and equipment of a much bigger
vehicle. While Fiat announces future 4X4 and even an sporty Abarth
version, a single body style was enough for this tall mini to get
general praise. Roominess and cabin flexibility are often mentioned,
as well as the reputation of the Italian manufacturer to make clever,
practical small cars and to offer them at very competitive prices.
Driving position and high-mounted gear lever are a plus. While petrol
engines go almost unnoticed, the impressive, fuel-sparing 1.3 Multijet
diesel is quite unusual in the segment and gets full approval. Its
70 hp provides very good performance. There are slight reserves for
the road behaviour, even if it is described as more than appropriate
for city use. |
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