Hi,

Monday I had been the opportunity to test the new Panda Cross .

Here my impression (it's in Italian but easy to translate it):

What do you think about this version? I'd like it and it's a very funny car, but the price is not so good...

all sorts of awesome!

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/fiat/fiat-panda-cross-2014-road-and-off-road-test/
very tempted.............

17k though, I'll buy a used one thanks!

Apart from the hill decent facility I can't see what this offers over the normal 4x4; like the previous version, the Cross bit jut adds un-necessary Tonka toy trim. I'll stick with my current 4x4 TA.

babbo_umbro said:

Apart from the hill decent facility I can't see what this offers over the normal 4x4; like the previous version, the Cross bit jut adds un-necessary Tonka toy trim. I'll stick with my current 4x4 TA.

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Well, it has at least two decent colours............


But like Maxi says, £17k? A bit too much. They could have at least stuck the 103bhp Twinair in there like they have in the 500, just to show some sort of willing.

The previous Cross didn't just add Tonka toy trim. The Mk 2 panda 4x4 was only available with the 1.2 petrol engine and a 4x4 system based on a viscous coupling.

The Mk 2 Cross introduced both the present 4x4 system based on an a solenoid operated clutch system between the front and rear, the ELD system and used the 1.3 multi-jet diesel. In just about every respect it was the forerunner in terms of mechanical sophistication of the present 4x4 and is a very different from the standard Mk 2 4x4.

I agree that there doesn't seem to be too much difference between the Mk 3 (or is that 4?) 4x4 and Cross though there is a slightly higher ride height, slightly improved arrival and departure angles, wider tyres, hill descent control and marginally uprated engine specifications.

Yes, why not the 105ta and the multijet 3 85hp?
That would a carrot to dangle. I won't be jumping in.

Actually, after this car I can't see me buying fiat again.

deeyup said:

Yes, why not the 105ta and the multijet 3 85hp?
That would a carrot to dangle. I won't be jumping in.

Actually, after this car I can't see me buying fiat again.

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I'm curiously drawn to the forthcoming new version of the 500C or even the Abarth 500C in 2016....

PaulD said:

The previous Cross didn't just add Tonka toy trim. The Mk 2 panda 4x4 was only available with the 1.2 petrol engine and a 4x4 system based on a viscous coupling.

The Mk 2 Cross introduced both the present 4x4 system based on an a solenoid operated clutch system between the front and rear, the ELD system and used the 1.3 multi-jet diesel. In just about every respect it was the forerunner in terms of mechanical sophistication of the present 4x4 and is a very different from the standard Mk 2 4x4.

I agree that there doesn't seem to be too much difference between the Mk 3 (or is that 4?) 4x4 and Cross though there is a slightly higher ride height, slightly improved arrival and departure angles, wider tyres, hill descent control and marginally uprated engine specifications.

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You're right. Other than having hill descent and a load of extras as std It doesn't really represent any real advance over the already fab 4x4....

triumph7 said:

I'm curiously drawn to the forthcoming new version of the 500C or even the Abarth 500C in 2016....

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There is no new version of the 500c

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/fiat/500/85748/new-fiat-500-due-2016-exclusive-images

The C will surely follow.....

triumph7 said:

I'm curiously drawn to the forthcoming new version of the 500C or even the Abarth 500C in 2016....

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I'm actually very happy with my Panda Trekking TA, but am very
intrigued by the new Renault Twingo :yum:

Once it hits the UK in September, I'll be along forthwith to see
if the boot's big enough for my bike(s)

The Panda Cross looks like a realistic development, considering that
there still isn't much choice in the small 4x4 segment



Chris

I do like the look...but not in that lemon colour....

triumph7 said:

I do like the look...but not in that lemon colour....

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That's the best part (along with the green).

As for the new 500 - wider, longer.......ugh. Bring back the Seicento.

You know, if I won a silly amount of money in the Lottery, I would be tempted to order a 3rd generation Cross in an outrageous colour, just to play in.
I wouldn't bother with the stodgy old Multijet engine, though.
However, in the real world, considering that I've bought a brand-new estate car with a spectacular load capacity and a tiny high-tech turbo petrol engine (Dacia Logan MCV) for £9000, I cannot see the justification for Fiat's current prices.
Remember, I bought my 2nd generation Cross, brand-new in 2008, for £9500.

doctorchris said:

You know, if I won a silly amount of money in the Lottery, I would be tempted to order a 3rd generation Cross in an outrageous colour, just to play in.
I wouldn't bother with the stodgy old Multijet engine, though.
However, in the real world, considering that I've bought a brand-new estate car with a spectacular load capacity and a tiny high-tech turbo petrol engine (Dacia Logan MCV) for £9000, I cannot see the justification for Fiat's current prices.
Remember, I bought my 2nd generation Cross, brand-new in 2008, for £9500.

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I wondered how Doctorchris was getting along with his Dacia Duster..........what happened?


I don't blame FIAT - they're just doing what BMW et al have been doing for years when supply/demand is strong.


Shame Dacia don't shrink the Duster by 25%.

Ah, my Duster. Well, I had a slight bump in that. OK, I rolled it over on the A1M and wrote it off but it was fortuitous that I did, as it happens. You see, the Dusters produced in India seem to have serious corrosion problems from new and many owners are fighting to get refunds or satisfactory repairs. Considering I had clocked up 18,000 miles in my Duster I was very happy with the insurance payout I received. I didn't want another Duster as the corrosion problems are still unresolved (new showroom cars have rust if you know where to look). In addition I've moved from the North East to Somerset where it rarely snows and the main "hills" I cross are railway bridges. I no longer need the affectation of 4WD.
The Logan MCV is basic but well-engineered and built in Romania. It's corrosion-free. The Renault 0.9TCe engine is a delight, a bit like the Twinair but 3 cylinders make it a bit less motorcycle-like. The load space is Volvo Estate style. It is also rare still around here, I always like to drive something a bit different.
I really feel that the Logan MCV is the jewel in Dacia's crown. The Sandero is great value but is a much cruder care to drive. The Duster is seriously flawed by its corrosion. The Logan MCV rides well, handles predictably and has enough power for most people's needs. However the Logan MCV seems under-recognised by Dacia's advertisers and by the motoring press.

deeyup said:

Yes, why not the 105ta and the multijet 3 85hp?
That would a carrot to dangle. I won't be jumping in.

Actually, after this car I can't see me buying fiat again.

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I've been away from this forum for a bit - what's gone wrong deeyup?

Well, VW fanboy magazine, AutoExpress, have published their review online I see (4 stars out of 5 - one star removed for not being a VW product).


£15500 for the petrol and £16500 for the diesel. Not as bad as expected but I'm not that keen.