Latest news with #LaPrima
Top Gear
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Little mix: what's the best compact EV on sale right now?
Big Reads Stylish, small, retrofuturistic... these are the EVs that everyone's talking about. Where should you spend your hard earned cash? Skip 1 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Before you cry foul... yes, we know this page is a playing field that's badly unlevel. The price of this top of the range electric Mini is half as much again as this electric Panda. It's not a normal comparison test. We're here to show how much choice there is amongst desirable little cars. I don't just mean in the way they look, either, but also how you interact with them and drive them. These aren't just cars, they're characters, somehow animate. In an age where the global auto biz has decided – because it thinks you have decided – that what you need is a blobby crossover with a generic twin screen interface and blasé dynamics, that's a relief. If you really want to save money, the Grande Panda is for you. There's a cheaper trim than this one, called Red, at £20,995. It has the same power and the same 199 miles of WLTP measured range as this top spec La Prima version. The Red is the one to buy because the Grande Panda, like all Pandas through history, feels cheap because it is. It doesn't insult you with the notion that cheap is boring. The Red saves money by rolling on (perfectly attractive) white steel wheels and goes without the roof rails and heated seats, its climate control is manual and its centre screen has no built in satnav but you'll be mirroring your phone anyway. Advertisement - Page continues below Good design costs nothing. The sheet metal is neat and chunky. Pixel motifs for the lights are copied in the cabin vents. A homogeneous set of rectangles with semicircular ends covers off the dash, binnacle, lower console and door handle plinths. The cabin trim isn't made of expensive multilayered soft plastics, but the textures, like the shapes, make it obvious the designers thought about it, and they nudge you with endless Fiat logos carved into the plastic and fabric and very panels of the bodywork. Behind the Fiat lettering on the front hides the Panda's brilliant unique feature, a fixed spiral wound charge cable. You pull it out, plug in, then watch it twang back in afterward, saving you from the grimy inconvenience of coiling it into the boot. Photography: Jonny Fleetwood You might like The Renault feels more expensive, but it's still value. Base price is £22,995, but stepping up another £4k to the tested 5 Techno's price of £26,995, you get useful extra kit and meaningfully more electric range – 254 miles per WLTP. The 5's design leans on Renault's historical 5s, but not in particular on a single version or generation. It's a modern shape, but with a bunch of samples in the mix. Inside, the R5 uses cloth and stitching to set an effectively chic, upmarket vibe. Its centre screen is easy to use and has intuitive Google-based navigation that arranges charge stops. But the graphics on its driver's screen are a fussily distracting series of oblique stripes. Still, the info's all there once you look past that. Advertisement - Page continues below The latest generation of Minis does well to move on from the slightly slavish retro of previous generations. The cabin is properly modern and interesting in its use of cloth that's given depth by graded colour weaves. The round screen is a silly idea, or at least an interesting idea that they didn't quite find a way of making best use of. This test version has a headup display, and while in most cars that's a bit superfluous, here it's all but vital. The Mini also has the fewest switches, and leaves you fumbling in screen menus too often. That said, it's better than it first seems because some of the switches, for the lights for instance, also pull up screen shortcuts. There's a quick menu key that takes you close to, if not quite actually at, the point where you can turn off lane assist and speed buzzers. The Renault and Fiat do this more simply with their actual buttons. Renaults have more hardware switches than almost any car on sale these days, plus a copse of column stalks, and we like them for it. The Fiat has fewer, but then it has far fewer software systems for you to control. It's a wonderfully Zen car: no drive modes, no configurable displays, no paralysis of choice. Skip 10 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. The Mini and R5 sit you low down so you feel sporty and connected. The Panda has no interest in being sporty, so you're higher, with a better view. In the back, the Mini has just two seatbelts but grownups can fit as well as they can in the Fiat, which is probably too narrow for three. The Renault is wider but squeezes your shins and feet. If you need a lot of bootspace, forget the Mini altogether. On the move, the Fiat does nothing to dent the air of good cheer. Its gait is soft and its pace slow. You're untroubled by power understeer because there's so little power. See also torque steer. So you just throw it down the road, and mostly it maintains decorum. Steering and brakes are light but progressive, so it's easy to build up the loads smoothly. The long travel suspension lets the body move around a bit, but not in a way that deflects your course. It takes quite big hits and severe cambers without much complaint. There's little audible commotion either, so the general impression is that it's a solidly made article. If you want to know why it's often more fun to drive a slow car as fast as it'll go than a fast car slowly, take a Panda down a bumpy rural road. Look at the gaps between wheels and arches in the Fiat, and the same in the Mini. Right there is how their approaches to suspension dynamics differ. The Mini is wide, squat, unyielding. Which makes it quick witted and grippy on the smooth roads that our country conspicuously lacks. On a less pristine surface it pogoes with the undulations, and, worse, gets knocked off course if one front wheel hits a bump or dip. The steering doesn't help. Either side of the straight-ahead, the steering isn't quick, so it stays stable on motorways. But add lock and it suddenly dives overeagerly into the arc. If that coincides with a bump that knocks you into the apex, or you get too eager with the accelerator and bring on the torque steer, then suddenly it's all a bit of a handful. This is the Mini Cooper E with the JCW pack. Cooper SE offers more power, John Cooper Works spec more again. They're 184, 218 and 258bhp. Things just seem a bit overwrought with the JCW. But then, the three cylinder petrol Coopers were usually more fun than the top power fours. Skip 9 photos in the image carousel and continue reading The Renault sits neatly in the middle of the Fiat and Mini for performance and suspension firmness, but down a road it has a harmony and neatness of motion neither of them can match. It's tautly sprung like the Mini, but has better travel over big bumps, and is far less knocked off course when it hits a bump while busy doing something else – turning or braking or accelerating. The damping is fluid and mature. So you feel confident in working it hard, and finding its precise and slightly playful reactions to on/off accelerator inputs as a way of trimming the cornering line. It's a sophisticated car. Unsurprisingly the battery capacity and performance of these three as tested rises with price. The Panda has 43.8kWh for 199 miles, taking 11.0secs to 62mph. The Renault's 52kWh are good for 254 miles and 7.9secs – it feels as much quicker as the numbers suggest, with a hit of motorway power too. Mini E is swifter than you think for a base car – 62mph takes 7.3secs. Want more pace? You have choice. All have 49.2kWh for – depending on tyre size – up to 250 miles of range. The Mini and R5 can comfortably operate at motorway overtaking speed, making little noise. But that'll impact range. The Panda, as its power tapers away after 60mph-odd, will probably see you cruising more slowly than the other two, and getting closer to its WLTP range. The 5 is the best car here, justifying its price over the Fiat. The fact it's better than the dearer Mini is also a big win The reason we urge you to go for the cheapest Panda is that it's the clear bargain. The spec tested here is the same money and range as the cheapest small battery R5. But the R5 is a better car. Meanwhile the cheapest electric Mini is £29,420 – about the same as the R5 in this tested spec (Techno, bigger battery, more power) – but has Panda-like range. When people complain electric cars are expensive I always say, 'Yes, but that's because all cars are expensive". Match the spec and power of a petrol Corsa to the R5 here and the sticker price is the same too. The Panda is different. Choose the Red spec and it's significantly cheaper than the others, but it'll still make you happy. The 5 is the best car here, justifying its price over the Fiat. The fact it's better than the dearer Mini is also a big win. So it's the best of these three.
Irish Independent
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Independent
First Drive: Iconic Fiat Panda is back – and it's bigger, bolder and better
Now part of the Stellantis group, the Italian car giant is confident the rebirth of this car will get it back in the game across Europe, and we think they have cracked it. As the name suggests, this third generation model is vastly bigger than its two predecessors, and comes as a B-segment SUV rather than a quirky city run-around. Size-wise, the new offering is just a millimetre under four metres, is 1.75 metres wide, 1.57 metres high and has a wheelbase of 2.54 metres – well matched to square up to rivals like the Dacia Sandero, Toyota Yaris Cross and Skoda Kamiq. Thankfully, the tale of the tape is where the comparisons end as the Panda is a masterclass in retro design and pays homage to the original. Confession time – I have very fond memories of the 1980s original as my mum had a horrid beige-coloured one, and even the crippling deckchair-styled seats, spartan dash and woeful gearbox couldn't taint those halcyon days. The new model simply oozes style and sophistication, and you can't help but be smitten by the ultra-cool grille incorporating pixel LED lights that are a nod to Fiat's Lingotto plant in Turin, which has a race track on the roof. The 3D lettering across the bottom of the doors and tailgate looks cool too, as do the subtle laser-etched panels in the C-pillar windows that spell Fiat one way and highlight the old four-stripe logo the other way. Inside, it's a similar affair with a digital cockpit that is encased in an illuminated oval backdrop that mimics the 1.5km La Pista 500 circuit and even features a miniature MK1 Panda in the corner. Behind it sits a 10-inch instrument cluster plus a 10.25-inch infotainment screen incorporating wireless smartphone mirroring. Irish customers can choose from three trims – Pop, Icon and La Prima – and all are generously equipped The cabin itself is unexpectedly roomy and the Blu Tasmania colour scheme is energised by bright yellow accents peppered around the dash, infotainment area and seat stitching. The boot is decent too, with 412 litres of luggage, but the rear seats can get quite snug with a couple of six-footers up front. Irish customers can choose from three trims – Pop, Icon and La Prima – and all are generously equipped. The entry-level model comes with manual AC, a 10-inch digital cluster, automatic eDCT transmission and a smartphone station featuring NFC-based Autolaunch. This allows users to interact with their digital devices thanks to a dedicated home button that simplifies access to their favourite screen or app. Icon trim adds a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, full LED headlamps and rear lamps and three customisable upgrade packs – Tech, Style and Winter. The Tech pack includes automatic climate control, navigation, front parking sensors, a rear-view camera and wireless charging. Style gets you 16-inch alloy wheels, roof bars, privacy glasses and skid plates, while the Winter pack (available only with the Tech pack) includes heated seats, steering wheel and windscreen. Top of the range La Prima combines all packages, along with 17-inch rims, premium interior finishes and exclusive use of Bambox Bamboo Fiber Tex for the dashboard. All models come equipped with Fiat's ADAS safety suite, including cruise control, speed limiter, active safety brake, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning and open-door alerts. If like me you have a soft spot for the old model, you're certain to fall head over heels as soon as you lay eyes on it We tested the hybrid around the outskirts of Turin last week and left more than impressed. First, it drives nothing like the first generation – proving peppy, agile and remarkably composed. The T-Gen-3 hybrid set-up twinned with a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged engine delivering 110bhp is a perfect fit for the Panda, and the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission never missed a beat. Around town it was nippy and responsive and wafted along in EV mode (under 30km) in stop/start traffic. On more challenging roads and surfaces the suspension, although a tad firm, dealt with potholed B roads with gusto. It won't set your hair on fire, though – 0-100kph takes around 11 seconds – but once you get the Panda into treble figures it will cruise effortlessly, devouring mile after mile with ease. That said, the new Panda is all about fast fashion and standing out from the crowd allure, which it has in spades. If like me you have a soft spot for the old model, you're certain to fall head over heels as soon as you lay eyes on it. A rugged 4x4 may also be in the pipeline. The new Panda will arrive here next month, with prices announced closer to launch.
TimesLIVE
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Everything you need to know about the new Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid
Fiat's new Grande Punto has been launched as a hybrid. The funky new model that made its international Debut in June 2024 is available in multiple powertrains, including full electric derivatives launched earlier in the year. The company also revealed a new Grande Panda 4x4 concept model during the hybrid media drive, with exclusive details of dark red livery and an all-terrain drivetrain. The newly debuted hybrid drivetrain is a front-wheel drive with a new 83kW turbocharged three-cylinder 1.2 l engine paired with a 21kW electric motor and a 48V lithium-ion battery. An eDCT six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, regenerative braking and driving modes of e-launch, e-creeping and e-parking are available. The company doesn't share fuel consumption averages at this stage. Designed in Italy at the Centro Stile in Turin, the modern interpretation of the iconic Panda is a cool urban car that measures 3.99m in length. The car sits on the Stellantis 'Smart Car' platform, a flexible, multi-energy architecture designed to offer a wide range of cost-effective electric vehicles to compete with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers. It has enough room to carry five passengers and a 412 l boot. Smart storage solutions totalling 16 l to store loose items is integrated in the cabin. The exterior cues of a wedge-like profile are enhanced by retro PXL LED headlamps, cube-like taillights and blacked-out pillars. Details such as 3D-branded 'Panda' lettering on the doors and 'Fiat' on the rear, a lenticular C-pillar graphic, and glossy black bezel are further stylistic touches. Bright exterior colours finish the fun driving vibe, while a choice of trims — Pop, Icon and La Prima — offer customer personalisation. The Blu Tasmania colour scheme with bright yellow accents on the dashboard, infotainment area and as seat stitching energises the cabin. Amenities include air-conditioning, digital clusters, electric parking brake, smartphone station, navigation, front parking sensors, rearview camera and wireless charging, depending on the model. Three customisable upgrade packs including Tech, Style and Winter are also available. They introduce further items such as automatic climate control, 16-inch alloy wheels, roof bars, privacy glass, skid plates, heated seats, steering wheel and windshield. The range-topping La Prima trim combines all packages, along with 17-inch alloy wheels, premium interior finishes, including BAMBOX Bamboo Fiber Tex that contains 33% of the natural fibres for the dashboard. Recycled beverage cartons are repurposed as blue plastic with a shimmering aluminium finish as touch point finishers. Safety is taken care of by a comprehensive ADAS suite including cruise control, speed limiter, active safety brake, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning and open-door alerts. The La Prima trim boasts front sensors and a rearview camera. Connectivity is supported with wireless smartphone mirroring, multiple USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad. The initial Fiat Panda model debuted in 1980, and SA welcomed the second-generation car in 2003. Stellantis SA confirms it has no plans to introduce the new Grande Panda models to this market, but the hybrid pricing starts at €19,000 (R386,000) for European customers.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
La Prima announces plans to open new shop in Oakland
La Prima is set to open a new shop in Oakland. For founder Sam Patti, it marks a return to a familiar Pittsburgh neighborhood. In its early days in the 1990s, Patti ran a second coffee shop in Oakland, complementing the coffee chain's original Strip District location. But rather than call it La Prima, he opted to name the shop Cafe Zio, after his uncle, as 'zio' means uncle in Italian. Three decades later, La Prima is set to open a new shop in the area, complementing not just the original location but also coffee shops in downtown and the North Side and stands in Carnegie Mellon University's Wean Hall and Gates and Hillman Centers. The 3400 Fifth Ave. location is expected to open sometime in May. The space is next door to Sciulli's Pizza, something that presents another full circle moment for Patti. Years ago, the late owner of Sciulli's and uncle of the current owners had suggested that Patti open a La Prima there. Click here to read more from our partners at the Pittsburgh Business Times. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
The Independent
28-01-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
All-electric Fiat Grande Panda goes on sale for £20,975
Pandas may be notoriously difficult to breed, but Fiat has successfully delivered a second Panda model to its family: the Grande Panda. Making use of parent company Stellantis's Smart Car platform, also used for the new Vauxhall Frontera and Citroen 's e-C3 and e-C3 Aircross models, Fiat is undercutting those cars with a starting price of £20,975. Fiat has gone to town on the styling, not only mimicking the boxy look of the 1980s original, but also embossing the words Fiat and Panda around the car as much as possible, including the doors and seats. The Panda also steals a march on rivals by offering an integrated, retractable 4.5 meter-long charging cable that lives in the nose of the car – ideal if you have to regularly use a charging point that needs you to supply your own cable. Although this Panda is called Grande, it's still supermini-sized at under four meters in length. Like the original, the upright front end features distinctive front lights – this time arranged with LEDs in an X shape like panda eyes (Fiat says they're actually designed to mimic a 1980s video game), while the side features squared-off wheel arches with what looks like bold body mouldings that actually spell out the word panda. The Fiat logo is also embossed on the back and features in the panels on the rear doors, too – there's no doubting what this car is. Inside a whole host of recycled materials are used for plastics and textiles, while the sense of fun is carried over from the outside. There's even a novel bamboo-based material on some models to create the dashboard wrapping – you don't need to be David Attenborough to figure out that reference. There are plenty of bright colours and even more Fiat and Panda graphics inside. To bring the Panda up-to-date there's a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a 10-inch digital driver display. There's initially just one choice of battery with the Panda, a 44kWh unit that offers a maximum claimed range of 199 miles – the same as Citroen's slightly more expensive e-C3. It's not a quick EV, with a 0-62mph time of 11 seconds and a top speed of 82mph. There's a slight catch with the integrated, retractable charging cable. It won't charge as quickly as models with a DC connection, which can charge at public fast chargers at speeds up to 100kW. That means the Fiat Panda charges from 20 to 80 per cent in 27 minutes. Although there's only one battery, you'll be able to choose from two trim levels: the entry-level RED version (RED is a long-standing Fiat partnership with charities to support the fight against health injustice) and the posher La Prima model. At £20.975, the RED version gets distinctive design elements including white steel wheels – another nod to the original 80s Panda – while the La Prima adds alloys and some of the nicer interior trim including the bamboo dashboard wrapping. Fiat is clearly on a roll with Panda breeding, because the Grande Panda is just the first of a whole new Panda family launching over the next few years. The new range could include an even larger SUV and possibly even camper or pick-up versions, too.
