Just arrived in Umbria for stay till mid-October - write-up in other Panda section on return - looking out for new Pandas. The Italians are generally very quick to buy new models but I've seen one so far - have to wait till the sales figures appear but it looks as though the new model is not being too well received though Fiat has generally kept its market share during the recent crisis - car sales are down about 20 percent year-on year in the last quarter but Fiat has fared slightly better than the average.

(I would note that the new model Panda - in white - looked as anonymous at best and fussy and ugly at worst as I thought it looked in the showroom in the UK but I don't want to be accused of having taken against it.)

I saw a few in Turin in July

I saw a red one today

I have to agree that it looks a bit fussy, but I only got a brief look so I'll wait until I see a few more before I decide how much I like it.

I do like it in the showroom though

I saw my first Lounge version today in Crediton!

Frankly there aren't many about, I've certainly seen more Up!s (is that right?!) than I have Panda's. Yesterday's i on Saturday had a big feature with offers for the Punto and new Panda, although the one on the Panda Pop didn't appear to be all that much different to what is in place already.

Maybe price is an issue, I don't know. Fiat have arguably taken a risk making the car look much softer and more "marketable", maybe it has turned off the Panda purists who just want a cheap, basic little car.

Shame really as it is a cracking little car to drive.:shrug:

Super Uwe said:

I saw my first Lounge version today in Crediton!

Frankly there aren't many about, I've certainly seen more Up!s (is that right?!) than I have Panda's. Yesterday's i on Saturday had a big feature with offers for the Punto and new Panda, although the one on the Panda Pop didn't appear to be all that much different to what is in place already.

Maybe price is an issue, I don't know. Fiat have arguably taken a risk making the car look much softer and more "marketable", maybe it has turned off the Panda purists who just want a cheap, basic little car.

Shame really as it is a cracking little car to drive.:shrug:

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Agree: but -- and maybe I'm biased now... -- I actually prefer the look of the previous version: which, to me, was 'cleaner', and less 'evolutionary' -- i.e. more 'original' (if that makes any sense whatsoever...).

That's not to say that I don't love the new one (which I do -- and still lust after it; but it'll now have to be second-hand, in a few years, I guess...)!

As to price: I think, on the surface, it looks expensive (like the old Mac vs PC argument...): but we found that to spec any of its competitors up to the same level (and we had ordered just about every option on the Panda, with Lounge spec) brought them very much into parity.... But, as they say: perception is everything....

PS: Still haven't seen a single Up! (aargh) round here: just one basic white new Panda (which does not flatter it...); a nice dark-blue one (which looks fantastic...); and a metallic grey one (which looked a bit anonymous...).

PPS: Must look at 'i'.... (Had actually loaded yesterday's edition on to my iPad, on the recommendation of my mum and dad... -- as I'm finding that reading The Guardian every day takes up way too much of my time...!) Ta...!

Havent been back to the office sice the start of august but there were starting to be a few getting out and about around Turin in June and July.

I think they should make a few of the options, like the adjstable driver's seat, the folding front seat back and parking sensors, standard across the entire range - and keep the price the same.

The options choices are too complicated and unnecessary in a small car that is intended for utility, and make it ultimately too expensive. Especially with Fiat's poor 2+1 warranty.

The Seat Citigo can be had with all the options, including satnav etc., for £10,500. And a very well equipped Suzuki Swift can be had for £10,500 when the zero VAT is taken into account. I don't think the Panda can match these prices.

But, the Citigo is just a little bland

Just seen a black new Panda (at San Benedetto del Tronto on Adriatic coast of the le Marche) - looks much better as the black bits don't give it the same fussy look as white, in particular.

Dark (non-metallic) blue one just parked opposite hotel. Not so good, for some reason those really heavy wheelarches look very prominent - and very squircular - and the black bits are back. Bright but overcast day - perhaps Italian cars look best in sunshine.

And small cars in light colours?

If the white was bright white rather than creamy white it might look better.

Ulpian said:

And small cars in light colours?

If the white was bright white rather than creamy white it might look better.

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This was very white white. Since also seen a mid-blue - not nice.