| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1987 |
| Production Years: | 1986 - 1994 discontinued in 1994 |
The 1987 Fiat Panda Van, produced from 1986 to 1994, is a versatile and compact minivan designed primarily for urban and commercial use. Part of the broader Panda model lineup, the Panda Van variant offers a practical solution for small cargo transportation and utility needs. The vehicle's compact dimensions make it highly maneuverable in tight city environments, an essential feature given the increasing urbanization during its production period.
Built on the foundation of the original Fiat Panda, the Panda Van retains much of its simple, boxy design to maximize interior cargo space while maintaining a small external footprint. While exact dimensional data is less commonly documented, typical versions of the first generation Panda featured a length of approximately 3,365 mm (132.5 inches), a width near 1,490 mm (58.7 inches), and a height around 1,400 mm (55.1 inches), with slight variations anticipated in the Van model due to modifications in bodywork and interior layout.
This minivan was engineered with functionality at its core, acquiring a reputation for reliability and ease of maintenance. It was favored by small business owners and tradespeople who valued its efficiency, affordability, and low running costs. The vehicle's lightweight construction improved fuel economy and city drivability. As a result, the Fiat Panda Van became a seminal example of a practical, compact commercial vehicle in the late 1980s and early 1990s European market.
Its small size combined with flexible cargo capacity confirmed the Panda Van's role as a pioneer in urban logistics, especially relevant before the widespread adoption of larger commercial vehicles. Overall, the 1987 Fiat Panda Van remains a noteworthy generation within Fiat’s lineup for those interested in compact, efficient minivan solutions that balance size and utility.
Discover the standout features that make the 1987 Fiat Panda Van a leader in its class
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The Fiat Panda Van from the 1986-1994 production period offers compact dimensions typical of a small minivan designed for urban utility. The length measures approximately 3,360 mm (132.3 inches), the width is around 1,475 mm (58.1 inches), and the height stands about 1,470 mm (57.9 inches). These measurements make the Panda Van quite maneuverable and ideal for city driving, allowing it to fit easily into tight parking spaces or narrow streets. The size also supports practical cargo space in its category without sacrificing drivability.
The Fiat Panda Van was designed with utility in mind, offering a practical cargo area despite its compact exterior size. While exact cargo volume figures vary depending on interior configurations, the van's small footprint with its boxy shape maximizes usable space efficiently. The load capacity supports light commercial use, perfect for small business deliveries and tradespeople. The panda's compact exterior limits large bulk loads but excels in urban delivery scenarios where space efficiency and ease of parking are crucial.
Yes, the Fiat Panda Van (1986-1994) does comfortably fit into a standard domestic garage. Given its compact dimensions—approximately 3.36 meters (132.3 inches) in length and 1.475 meters (58.1 inches) in width—it easily fits within the average garage dimensions which are typically around 6 meters (20 feet) in length and 3 meters (10 feet) in width. Its height of around 1.47 meters (57.9 inches) also ensures there are no issues with vertical clearance. This makes it an excellent choice for urban owners who need a small commercial vehicle that can be parked indoors.
The Fiat Panda Van of the 1986-1994 era is known for its lightweight construction, weighing in around 800 to 900 kg (approximately 1760 to 1980 lbs) curb weight depending on the specific configuration and optional equipment. This relatively low weight contributes positively to its fuel economy and agility in city driving conditions. The lighter vehicle mass allows its small engine options to perform efficiently without excessive strain, leading to economical running costs, which is ideal for commercial users looking to minimize expenses on fuel and maintenance.
The Fiat Panda Van produced from 1986 to 1994 is actually based on the first-generation Panda platform introduced in 1980. As a derivative for commercial purposes, the Van variant focused more on maximizing cargo space rather than passenger comfort. Dimensionally, the Van maintained the compact footprint of the original Panda but often featured slight modifications such as a higher roof and altered rear design to enhance utility. Compared to passenger Panda models of the same generation, the Van prioritized cargo capacity without increasing overall length or width significantly, retaining the model's easy city maneuverability.
In comparison with similar compact utility vehicles of the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Fiat Panda Van is notably smaller and more maneuverable. Competitors like the Citroën C15 or Renault Express are generally longer and wider, often exceeding 4 meters in length, while the Panda Van remains well under this threshold at around 3.36 meters. This smaller size makes the Panda Van more suitable for extremely tight urban conditions, although it offers less cargo volume than its larger rivals. Its compactness and nimble handling give it an advantage in city logistics, especially where parking and narrow streets present challenges.
The interior space of the Fiat Panda Van is intentionally focused around maximizing cargo utility rather than passenger comfort. The driver’s area offers a straightforward and functional layout typical of economy vehicles from the era, with adequate headroom and legroom for a driver and possibly one passenger. However, as a van variant, rear seating is either minimal or removed to provide cargo space. The interior width and height support loading practicality but may feel confined compared to more passenger-focused models. Nonetheless, it provides reasonable ergonomics for short drives and urban utility use.
Due to its lightweight build and small engine options, the Fiat Panda Van offers commendable fuel efficiency for its time. Typical fuel economy ranges from approximately 5 to 6 liters per 100 kilometers (47 to 39 miles per gallon US), depending on the specific engine and driving conditions. The compact size and reduced mass make it economical for city driving and short-distance deliveries, reducing operating costs for commercial users. While not designed for high-speed highway efficiency, the Panda Van's fuel economy solidly supports its role as a practical urban workhorse.
Being a vehicle from the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Fiat Panda Van came with very basic safety features by today’s standards. It included seat belts for the driver and front passenger, basic structural design for crash protection, and minimal passive safety equipment. Features like airbags, ABS, or advanced crumple zones were typically not standard or available in this commercial van. Safety was focused more on mechanical reliability and straightforward vehicle design, which was typical of small commercial vehicles of that period intended for low-speed urban use rather than highways.
The Fiat Panda Van was offered with small-displacement engines common to the first-generation Panda range, generally including 650cc to 1000cc gasoline engines. The modest size and lightweight nature of the vehicle provided nimble handling and good maneuverability, especially suited for city driving and frequent stops. These engines prioritized fuel economy and reliability over high performance, matching the vehicle’s commercial and urban utility focus. The compact dimensions and light weight mean the Van could easily navigate narrow streets and crowded areas, but it was not intended for high-speed or heavy-load performance.
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