I just got a new Panda Cross. For a 30-minute wibble on the process and my first impressions of the car, click no further...
It was the 'seat folds down to table' option. I have since discovered that the folding seat is not compatible with side airbags, so is not actually an option on the Cross. Nevertheless, it is selectable in the Configurator on the web site.Which option did you tick but not receive?
Unless that's a UK market issue, I have a 4x4 with the table seat, and there's a distinct crease of fabric embossed with the "airbag" sign right where it should be as well.
Unless you're referring to the kind that come out from the side of the seat (rather than the side curtain variety that pop down from the pillars), which neither the 4x4 nor the mid-spec 1.2 of my father appears to possess.
To be completely honest, I've used the table for the intended purpose only once, and most of the time it's just a hindrance to the rear legroom.
16th September
Reference: 34XXXX34
Subject: Fiat Panda Cross XX66 XXX
Dear Mr Hurst,
Thank you for contacting Fiat and for your preference in our products.
Further to your query related to the possibility to retrofit passenger seat folding table
on your Fiat Panda Cross, we regret to inform you that this is not possible.
The passenger seat folding table is not an optional feature available for the Fiat Panda Cross as it is incompatible with the Side airbags fitted on your vehicle.
We would also confirm that the “fold-down seat without table” is not available on Fiat Pandas and it cannot be retro-fitted.
Naturally should you have any other enquiries, our Customer Service team remains available from Monday to Friday between 9:00 and 18:00, on 00800 3428 0000 choosing option number 3.
Yours sincerely,
Dominic Wood
Customer Care Fiat
Hi, With reference to your bike rack and height of fixing, if you buy a different rack like the thule proride591 the clamp to the down tube tightens from the bottom, near the level of the roof so much easier.
I have to disagree Mark I think - the TA delivers amazing torque at low revs and sure doesn't need driving like a "2-stroke motorbike" in any way. Use the low range torque effectively and you will make good progress without needing high revs - and those high revs are undoubtedly what is killing your fuel consumption. The TA engine, as others have said many times, becomes increasingly thirsty as the revs rise and although it delivers excellent performance, there's no such thing as a free lunch on a tiny 875cc engine that makes 85bhp and nearly 110ftlbs of torque.
Any small engine (and in the TA's case, micro) with a high boost setup will suffer lag when changing gear and I don't think the heavy flywheel helps here. I've joked about finding someone who could design an Anti-Lag kit for the TA, but in truth that's not what the car is about of course. Drive it to the strengths of the engine (low revs, using the ample torque and avoiding much about 3500rpm) and you'll get nearer the economy of others on here.
My car (4x4 TA) has averaged 40.85mpg (real, measured, not on the trip) over the past 21,000 miles and that's with me driving with enthusiasm, but making best use of the low-down pulling power. I rarely have to exceed 5000rpm, unless I'm in the mood, on a mission and willing to see my average MPG drop like a stone. Driving super gently on the flat (which is key here), I got 52mpg for a tank full. Thrash it like a 2-stroke though, and you'll be filling up as often as you are reporting. I live in the hills in Surrey and have to climb about 700ft on a stone cold engine whenever I go to work, and this destroys any chance of me seeing big economy figures.
Just my take on it, but I suspect not dissimilar to others on here maybe?!
Thrash it like a 2-stroke
...my daily trips to work and back (2 x 5 miles).
If I remember to reset 'average consumption B' tomorrow morning and watch it for the rest of the week I guess that should tell me.