Before captivating audiences as a detective, Giusy Buscemi’s career began with a spotlight on the automotive world. The actress’s rise to prominence coincided with a renewed partnership between Fiat and the Miss Italia pageant in September 2012, marking the start of a connection that would spot her behind the wheel of an iconic Italian vehicle.
Aboard an Italian Icon
In 2012, Giusy Buscemi was crowned Miss Italia in Montecatini Terme. That year also saw Fiat return as a sponsor of the beauty pageant, a relationship that dated back to the 1960s with models like the 124, 128, and 850 Spider. This collaboration highlighted a shared image of Italian style and allure.
Fiat provided a fleet of new Fiat Pandas for the Miss Italia contestants, effectively making the vehicle the “official taxi” of Italian charm. The Panda, a best-selling model with over 6.4 million vehicles sold in its 31-year history, represented a blend of practicality and style. This period proved memorable for Buscemi, launching her into the public eye and paving the way for a successful acting career. Viewers may recall the Panda featured prominently in the televised broadcasts of the pageant finals, alongside hosts like Gloria Bellicchi and Fabrizio Frizzi.
In 2012, shortly after being crowned Miss Italia, Buscemi tested the Fiat Panda 4×4, a vehicle also praised by journalist Francesca Barra, which was named SUV of the Year by Top Gear. She experienced the vehicle’s agility on challenging terrain, thanks to its Torque on Demand system and electronic locking differential (ELD). The Panda 4×4 was powered by either a 85 CV 0.9 TwinAir engine or a 75 CV 1.3 Multijet engine, offering a balance of power and efficiency. Weighing under 1,200 kg and boasting impressive approach angles, the Panda 4×4 proved to be a capable off-road companion.
Vanina 2 – A Detective in Catania: Resilience Remains
From the runways of Salsomaggiore and Montecatini to the Sicilian coastline of Catania, Buscemi’s journey has been remarkable. On March 11, 2026, she stars in Vanina 2 – A Detective in Catania. The new installment, The Chaplain’s Talent, follows Vanina as she investigates a mysterious disappearance at an abandoned hotel while navigating personal challenges.
In the Canale 5 fiction series, Vanina unravels mysteries amidst the fog of Mount Etna, a character Buscemi embodies with the same determination that defined her early career, beginning with the 2012 Fiat Panda. The actress has secured a prominent position in Italian television, and fans of automobiles will remember her alongside the iconic Italian car, which continues to be a top seller in the national market. Fourteen years later, the connection between Buscemi and the Panda remains strong.
