Although local journalists were allowed a sneak preview of the 2004 Car of the Year in December, shortly after the Fiat Panda was given this award by Europe's motoring journalists, it was only last week that the first stock arrived and the model officially launched.
Fiat's local agents UCIM Co Ltd invited a number of journalists to take an extended drive involving a trip to Gozo on Tuesday. Managing director Francesca Mamo reflected on Fiat's long heritage which made it "a master at creating segment A cars". The Panda, a household name, would readily be associated, she added, with "an inexpensive, fun and nippy, reliable run-around car".
With changing times, the Panda had been upgraded to reflect customers' expectations for greater safety on the road. Ms Mamo said the new Panda was "a lot more sophisticated than its predecessor. It carries the heritage of its predecessor, its spirit, but this is a modern interpretation of its values in terms of products and personality, and carries all the attributes to be another icon."
In terms of safety, the new Panda has two airbags for driver and front passenger and ABS (anti-lock brakes) as standard. "Even though it is compact, one feels safe and protected at all times," she said.
Fiat brand sales manager Jonathan Said dwelled on the Car of the Year award, with 58 journalists from 22 countries casting their votes.
The Panda was given 281 votes, 40 ahead of its closest rival. It attracted votes from the widest number of jury members - 55 - with now fewer than 16 rating it top of their list.
The design characteristics of the new Panda included clean lines, unfussy styling and particular attention to detail in a multi-purpose mini that reflected the most up-to-date trends.
Despite its compact dimensions (3,540 mm long, 1,580 mm wide and 1,540 mm high), Mr Said said the Panda offered "a surprising amount of interior room" and "one of the roomiest luggage compartments in its segment (206 litres that can be expanded to 236 litres due to an optional sliding rear seat).
Three engines are available: a 54 bhp 1,108 cc and a 1.2-litre eight-valve 60 bhp petrol; and a 1.3-litre 70 bhp Multijet second-generation common rail direct injection diesel.
Mr Said listed among the standard equipment colour-coded bumpers, tinted glass, ABS, dual drive power steering, central locking, roof rails and air-conditioning. The showroom price is Lm4,950, including a two-year warranty on parts and labour.