Hi
Looking around for a practical car for my girlfriend,test driven the panda 4x4 (very nice)checked out the Peugeot partner combi(why the hell is it so tall total waste of space above your head,looks like a wheelchair carrier),I`ve seen the idea on fiats website but as with all car brochures it`s crap!!It says about 25 storage compartments but only shows you the one for your sunglasses,I`m looking for a small four door car but like the idea of the flexi seating and the storage ideal for small family going on weekend trips etc?
Anyone got any better photo`s and input on the usefullness of this car?
Cheers
Adrian

I have a small family and just been on a weekend trip in my Idea.

The instrumentation and fascia is not as good as the New Panda, in the Idea it is more functional than easy to hand.

However it is far more spacey than a Panda albeit the Idea is a small MPV.

Personally I have found it ideal, the 1.4 engine sounding respectable at motorway fast lane speeds where required. Just back from Cornwall to the Midlands.

It depends what you want. Panda for smaller inside and easier to drive and more fun. Idea for more space more functional but less ability to chuck it into corners. The Idea cannot be thrown around corners but there is more space.

They are teo completely different cars amied at different buyers. It all come down to how much space you need. Ideally I'd go for a Panda 4X4 with the 1.3 Multijet engine, but Fiat in their wisdom denied us this option...

Yes, and Fiat also deny us the Idea 1.9 diesel which you can get on the continent.

I'd think about what the car needs to carry in terms of passengers and luggage. If its just for her mostly, then the Panda is going to cost less to buy and run. For pics/info of the Idea, then go to: http://www.fiatidea.it/eng/index.asp or check out http://www.italiaspeed.com/

I am VERY PLEASED with my Idea. Mine is a 1.9 MultiJet and it gets up and RUNS! The interior space is exceptional for such a small car and the flexibility of the seats is amazing. I still haven't figured out where al of those 25 storage compartments are yet, but overall they are none too big except for the ones in front of the driver and passenger in the top of the dash. Mine turned 10000 KM yesterday, so 6300 miles in just the first two months. Some of the interior plastics could be more solid. There are also four attachment points or tiedowns for cargo in the back, something not mentioned in any of the brochures that I've seen. Seats are also very confortable as is the suspension. The Idea range has just been redone with more paint colors, a new interior color, and some other changes. One major drawback for me is the soft suspension gives a lot of body roll in the curves but I suspect there's a way to correct this at the cost of a harder ride. Even with the OEM Goodyear tires, the car has a fair amount of grip but I can't wait to wear them out so I can put on some Uniroyal Rainsport 1's on the factory 16 inch wheels. BTW, the exterior lighting is excellent. H1 bulbs for low beam and front fog lamps, H7s for high beam, and even TWO rear fog lamps, unheard of at this price level. Hope this helps.

I would have gone for a 1.9 diesel if they had it in the UK.
As it was I went for 1.4 petrol, preferring to dodge the 1.3 Diesel.
Mine is OK speed wise, I suspect 1.9 Diesel moves quite well for the car/price..

As much as I love diesels, I think you made the best choice with the 1.4 petrol. Wonder if there is some technical reason that they don't sell the 1.9 in the UK or is someone just being pigheaded?