Fiat partnership with RED charity brings special Panda and Tipo special-edition models.
Following its announcement with charity partner (RED) last year, Fiat has launched two new (RED) special-edition models, based on the Panda and the Tipo. Neither model is offered in Australia.
Both new models will help support the charity, which was founded by Bono from the band U2 and Bobby Shriver in 2006 to fund research into AIDS. However, given the current global situation, the charity has since broadened its reach to help combat the Covid-19 pandemic.
Fiat has already launched a (RED)-branded version of the 500 city car and, with a little help from these two new special-edition models, the company plans to contribute $4 million (around AUD$5.5 million) to the charitable cause over the next three years.
The new Panda model is based on the City Cross trim level and therefore wears chunky body cladding, 15-inch alloy wheels and tough-looking skid-plates. There’s also a (RED) badge for the B-pillar, red door mirror caps and a choice of four paint finishes: Passione Red, Colosseo Grey, Gelato White and Cinema Black.
There’s only one engine choice for the new Panda, Fiat’s 1.0-litre three-cylinder mild-hybrid petrol unit, which develops 51kW and offers a 0-100km/h time of 13.9 seconds. Fiat’s reasoning behind this choice is that it’s the most sustainable option in the line-up, with CO2 emissions from as low as 126g/km.
The new Tipo edition is based on the hatchback’s SUV-inspired Cross trim-level, and it features the same styling tweaks you’ll find on the special-edition Panda.
To date, (RED) has raised $700 million (around AUD$970 million) for the Global Fund through partnerships with brands such as Apple, Girl Skateboards, Montblanc, Primark and Italian scooter manufacturer Vespa. The company also says that all the money it raises goes to strengthening the healthcare systems in regions hit hardest by pandemics.
Luke Wilkinson