Ah ta.. That was the only way I could work out how to make 4 Pandas from 3...


Ralf S.

Stu DemonD said:

The Classic Panda came in both Mk1 and Mk2 variants

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:yeahthat:

Mk1 and mk2 look similar to the untrained eye, but actually has almost no compatible parts, and most classic Panda's are mk2's as the mk1's were even worse for rust than the mk2's are and have all gone to the scrapper.

Mk1


Mk2

Main difference is that the non-4x4 Mk 2 had the same rear suspension as the Autobianchi Y10, with a Y-shaped rear beam and coil springs rather than the cart springs of the Mk 1 and 4x4.

Probably preferred the old model for the following reasons :
1. Better turning circle, roads I used to do a U turn on now need a three point turn.
2. Better seating arrangement, two seat rear seat a better option, have you tried to get 3 people in rear seat? Sardine packing comes to mind.
Better build, after only 3500 miles my new Panda has developed an annoying rattle from behind the dashboard, not a sound from my old Panda.

We haven't got the new 4x4 in ZA yet. Question: does it have the live axle of the orig. or the individual suspension of the Mk3??

Geno II said:

We haven't got the new 4x4 in ZA yet. Question: does it have the live axle of the orig. or the individual suspension of the Mk3??

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Neither - it has a torsion beam rear end, like the 2wd cars, but with a chassis-mounted diff and articulated drive shafts - so somewhere in between I suppose.

babbo_umbro said:

Something I've done to each Fiat I've bought for years is to tailor some thin adhesive-backed black carpet to go on the bottom of all glove boxes, door pockets, cubby holes, etc to stop objects from rattling against the hard plastic and to discourage sliding about - only takes few minutes and makes a difference. Also do the same on top of arm rests to make them more comfortable and less slippery.

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In always use the anti slip matting and cut to shape. Best thing ever invented. Use newspapers to cut a template that you are happy with prior to cutting the grippy mat .

Bigredbus4468 said:

In always use the anti slip matting and cut to shape. Best thing ever invented. Use newspapers to cut a template that you are happy with prior to cutting the grippy mat .

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Sounds like a good - or better - alternative. Interestingly, the Mk 4 doesn't need this treatment on the armrests.

Just got my daughter a mk4 and she had our old mk3 for the last 2 years.its early days but the mk4 does feel a better quality car and my daughter thinks its hugeit does however have a lot to live up to because we had our mk3 from 2005 till last weekend and it never missed a beat a cracking little car

I'm probably the only one here who like the Panda almost all round!

LIKE:
The new MK4 shape (more curves and the "Squircle" are nice
The interior design
The Economy
The extra option (well with some reservation, see dislikes)
Engine (1.2 on my Lounge)
Price: Lots are complaining about the price but I think I got a good deal but I had to work at it. Who goes by the "configuration" price? I rang round multiple dealers and played them off against each other to get the best deal with the most extras. I had dealers asking me to cancel my ordered Panda and go with them for more extras. I know plenty of people who don't haggle over car prices and that's just crazy.

DISLIKES:
The £50 extras: There are a few of these little extras in the configurator that Fiat should just put on the car. I'm paying £12000 and I need to pay £50 extra for a cargo box, adjustable height driver's seat or a folding passenger seat.

olyscott8 said:

DISLIKES:
The £50 extras: There are a few of these little extras in the configurator that Fiat should just put on the car. I'm paying £12000 and I need to pay £50 extra for a cargo box, adjustable height driver's seat or a folding passenger seat.

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Or they could not give you the choice and just charge you £12100 all in, and force it upon those that don't want those items

Its a budget level car, its only £12k don't forget.

In the end if I'd have really pushed I could have probably got more extras for a little bit more. I assume it's to give users a choice and bring costs down.