RE: Paris 2012: Fiat Panda 4x4

[robsco]

Aah, good. I'm rather happy about this, as a Fiat salesman. There will be more of a market for this car than many people suspect.

[RenesisEvo]

I have no rational or logic basis to ever justify one of these. But I really want one!

Something really appealing about a small car that can largely go anywhere, do anything without costing lots nor generating much stress that really appeals. If only they would stick the 1.4 100HP engine in, if they sold it I'd be at the dealer tomorrow.

[davepoth]

rogerhudson said:

Isn't the Mini countryman in the same 'A'segment ( crap marketing-speak), this Panda looks a better deal on most measures. A friend has had a Dacia Duster in Croatia for a year now and I like it a lot, but this Fiat should be better.

It's B segment I think, since it's the size of a VW Golf.

[Evo-Unknown]

McClure said:

Evo-Unknown said:

True, this is an unlikely PH Hero for sure; but I enjoyed seeing this here and like the look of the new Panda 4x4.

I'm 'into' Fiat at the moment for probably the first time ever. I'm due to pick up a 100HP in just over a weeks time and have an 80's 4x4 coming my way for the winter months...

You'll love the 100HP, it's a cracking little driver's car.

Have had mine from new in early 2007. Intention was to have that for a couple of years, then move up to (eg) a 5dr Golf GTI. However the Panda has been so good I've not felt the need to change, saving a lot of money in the process, and will now keep it for life. It'll remain my commuting/shopping car, and means I can spend the last three years' "Golf" money on (eg) an Evora to run alongside it, instead of getting a generic all-purpose Golf/1 Series.

I love it so much that hopefully you'll see me in 2032 taking my "classic" 1-owner 100HP to the Italian car day at Brooklands!

Yes, can't wait - picking the 100HP up on Saturday (hopefully). Its been a while since my last 'driver's car' and some irony here that I'm trading down (or should that be 'up') from a 5dr Golf GTI.

See you at Brooklands perhaps...

[Twincam16]

McClure said:

prg123 said:

I like all fiat pandas they are great fun to drive,and very underrated

- Pete

But they should remain cheap'n'cheeful utility cars, if Fiat try to take them upmarket they'll ruin them.

Cleverly, they sort-of are doing, but are managing to retain the utilitarian Panda at the same time.

The 500L, a Panda-based five-door version of the 500, will be the one you can buy full of stylish touches and luxury options, but the Panda will remain cheap and simple:

[LuS1fer]

Care to share where the stylish touches are hidden on that 500L abomination?

[Twincam16]

LuS1fer said:

Care to share where the stylish touches are hidden on that 500L abomination?

The interior looks like this:



As opposed to the Panda's, which looks like this:



Actually, that Panda centre-console is a candidate for the 'life has been draining lately' thread.

[LuS1fer]

The 500L interior is rather nice actually but the steering wheel itself is somewhat gash and better in the Panda. The exterior remains a sticking point but it's nowhere as near an absolute bar as the exterior of the Countryman.