General Panda 4x4

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General Panda 4x4

"The latest version makes no sense at all. The consumer who buys this rather than its similarly priced and brilliant sister, the 500, is nuts".

Happy -- for the moment -- to be "nuts", then...! :cool:

Sorry: but as cute as the 500 is (and I do understand its attractions: even though I used a slightly disparaging word...!), I found the ride to be a bit harsh, compared to the Panda. Also struggled to find a comfortable seating position (probably because the Panda is "a bit higher off the ground" than the 500, and many of its competitors...). And, I'm afraid, there's simply not enough room in the back...! :nutter:

Mr Rutherford should really know better... (and if I didn't know better: I'd believe he was writing only for effect...):

  1. Not all of us buy with our focus on the depreciation tables.... If our Panda ever makes it out of Pomigliano d'Arco, we plan on keeping it for as long as it lasts. It is to be driven and looked after, not bought as an investment. Otherwise, I would have bought a DB5, or some commercial property. (If only I had that sort of dosh...!)
  2. Some of us buy for need, rather than want... -- although I obviously understand that cars can be emotional/desirable objects. (Why else is there currently an E-Type in my profile picture/avatar...?!)
And, on that bombshell... ;)
 
I agree. The new Panda actually makes a lot of sense. Rutherford is responding to the fact that te 500 has excellent residuals, but as you say, many of us buy cars because they are what we need.

I think the whole market is now unstable though, so it wll be interesting to see what really does hold its value in the future.

I never understand why so many cars I can't see the point of are so popular, but then I have become aware just how important the way a car looks is to so many people. I also respond to a beautiful car of course, but I can't say there is one out there at the moment that really appeals any more. I was struck by a convoy of wonderful Citroen Light 15s a few weeks ago, and I'll always stare in admiraton at a Citroen DS, or a Renaut 4 for slighty different reasons, and of course the great cars of the 20s and 30s are peerles, but as for cars today...:(

And I'm afraid I can't detach engineering from appearance when I see a car; all the cars I mention by name were brilliantly engineered.
 
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I'm afraid I find the 4x4 models offered to us in the UK are too much like Tart's Handbags, overspecced and too "ornate".

What different options do they get on the Continent? All I really need is AC, sliding split-fold rear bench and airbags. What extras does the UK one have over this? As I want an LHD one, if I order it in the UK, will I be able to get a Continental spec one?
 
Some more pics
4x4-debuut-ch.jpg

and the web url to go with it
http://www.autoedizione.com/fiat-panda-4x4-ready-for-paris-auto-show/

Sicilia Orange
Fiat-Panda-4x4b.jpg



Beige??
Fiat-Panda-4x4.jpg


and the web address http://www.autoedizione.com/fiat-panda-4x4-spotted-naples/
 
What different options do they get on the Continent? All I really need is AC, sliding split-fold rear bench and airbags. What extras does the UK one have over this? As I want an LHD one, if I order it in the UK, will I be able to get a Continental spec one?

You can get almost any trim and other options in LHD. Much more basic spec if that's what you want. As an example the old model Panda 4x4 is still available - cost is about 15000 euros - say 12000 pounds - with alloy wheels and one or two other extras, or 14000 euros, about 11000 pounds with steel wheels and ordinary air con, with necessary UK mods - MPH speedo, rear fog light and UK-dipping headlamps. 12 week delivery. New model Panda seems to be about 10-11 percent more than outgoing one spec for spec.
 
They always shove the front seats as far forwards as possible :( In my book the Panda is, like the 500, really only a two seater. Children can tavel in the back of course, but not big adults, or not for more than a few miles anyway. But still, for a single person or a couple it has to be attractive, and there is plenty of luggage space.

I love the look of it. Good ground clearance plus easy access, my two must-haves.

Bit of a late reply here!(y)

Anyway, you're quite right with the front seats being as far forward as possible, I had a quick look last night on ours.

Where the picture catches you out is in fact the front seat. It makes it look as though it is relatively spacious in between the seat and the glovebox, but if they are right the way forward then you don't have that much room available at all.
 
Really don't agree; I'm near enough a six-footer and I consider the Panda to be a four seater. We've certainly covered hundreds of miles with three in a 100HP and a MJ. I'm partly influenced by my horror at the size of the average car these days - don't understand why they're so huge.
 
Really don't agree; I'm near enough a six-footer and I consider the Panda to be a four seater. We've certainly covered hundreds of miles with three in a 100HP and a MJ. I'm partly influenced by my horror at the size of the average car these days - don't understand why they're so huge.

I quite agree you can fit four adults into a Panda without any trouble (in fact I had a full load up last night), my issue with the picture is that it makes it look much more spacious in the front than it is if you have the front seats all the way forward (as is the case here).

I can promise you in the new Panda that you can't have the front seats all the way forward and have as much legroom as is apparent with the pictures.

But if you have it about halfway then everyone is happy!(y)
 
Autocar seem to like it!

Still, would be interesting to hear their thoughts on real-world economy with a Twin-Air. Only 5 spd with the diesel too.

Interesting though, this could have next car written all over it.....
 
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