Had a bit of a cryptic e-mail from Fiat today at work.

Basically, ordering of Panda Active and Dynamic is now closed until next year when the 'new' 2009 models will open for ordering. No mention of what the changes will be though...

Oddly, we can still order 1.1 Active ECO, 1.2 Dynamic ECO, Eleganza and 100HP.

No mention of 4x4 or Cross either, but we haven't been able to order those all year.

Anyone know anything?

Any hints towards an Abarth Panda?

Simonlamondphoto said:

Any hints towards an Abarth Panda?

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Doubt it. In another e-mail I read today they haven't even finalised the pricing or when the order books will open on the Abarth 500!

Wow, i hope that they don't surprise the customers who have placed deposits with a crazy RRP.
I hope they don't make the Panda Abarth, i like owning a top of the range model and i would hate to HAVE to change it hahaha

I take it you work at a dealer?

Simonlamondphoto said:

I take it you work at a dealer?

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Yes, but don't tell anyone

I'm hoping that there is a sporty diesel and a proper folding mechanism on the rear seat for 2009 models.

JON

It has just occurred to me that the 1.1 and 1.2 ECO engines are already Euro V compliant, so maybe Fiat are dropping the 'standard' Active and Dynamic engines altogether?

Although that doesn't explain why the Eleganza and 100HP are still available to order...

Why would they do an Abarth panda? It would practically be the same as a 500A. Abarth have also already said they have no plans to do an abarth version of every Fiat model so i highly doubt they will do the panda.

A new Panda is due in 2011 so i don't think they're gonna continue bringing out new models of the current Panda anytime soon, don't hold your breath! Fiat are concentrating on green technology, their 2 cylinder turbo engine is more than likely to be available in the Panda and the 500 within the next year or two, I'm guessing.

Totally random guess but could it be the multiair engines making a debut?

punto_matt said:

Why would they do an Abarth panda? It would practically be the same as a 500A. Abarth have also already said they have no plans to do an abarth version of every Fiat model so i highly doubt they will do the panda.

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they also said would only be on the smaller cars, ruling out the bravo, a two car lineup, for your sporting brand is ok to start with, providing you actually build and sell them (that's another thread) but for longer term, they are going to need to diversify a touch, yes the panda is 5 door, but as shown by the 100hp, lends itself to a fair bit of tweaking, then there's the new topolino, a sub panda variant...actually, come to think of it, with the exception of the GP....all the small fiats are pandas.....oi! fiat, show your saviour some love....get some scorpions on there

If the new Panda is due in 2011, then this is probably a small facelift, such as the one the GP got earlier this year, with minor spec changes.

Fiat have been pushing their environmental message of late, so expect improved CO2 and mpg, even if these are very minor.

With newer models getting bigger and more expensive than the last version, i think fiat would be better off with the current generation of Panda and their pricing structure as it is. New models as higher prices will only reduce sales, and may even impact on 500 sales.

I know Fiat are launching a new 2.0 litre Multijet engine in the Bravo, offers better acceleration (0-60 in 8 and a bit secs) and better economy also. Not Panda related but interesting none the less.

Nothing official yet, but talking to Fiat this afternoon it looks like it's going to be some minor cosmetic changes, maybe some standard specification and option changes (including the possible standardisation of air conditioning on Dynamic), a few new colours, dropping of the non-ECO 1.1 and 1.2 and cleaning up of the 1.3 to make it Euro V compliant.

Although even Fiat UK don't know for certain yet as nothing has been announced by Turin.

Is the 1200ECO the 70bhp engine as in the 500? that would be a nice addition. As would a diesel Eleganza. Also slightly improved suspension. Maybe a mega cut price 1100. The seats could do with slightly improving.

Maybe a few other things too.

Looks like you'll find the answer here:
http://www.vospers.com/NewCars/ComingSoon/FiatPandaActiveEcoNew.aspx

from which this extract comes:
The new versions [available next week, dated 13 December], the Panda Dynamic Eco and the Panda Active Eco, will continue to highlight our environmental pedigree.
Both new versions are fitted with special and more efficient rolling index tyres and use a less viscous engine oil than the Panda Dynamic + Active derivatives. Additionally, with some reengineering on the ECU and gear ratio they both reach a sensationally low emission level of 119g/Km.

Scrogg said:

Nothing official yet, but talking to Fiat this afternoon it looks like it's going to be some minor cosmetic changes, maybe some standard specification and option changes (including the possible standardisation of air conditioning on Dynamic), a few new colours, dropping of the non-ECO 1.1 and 1.2 and cleaning up of the 1.3 to make it Euro V compliant.

Although even Fiat UK don't know for certain yet as nothing has been announced by Turin.

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Looks like top gear for once got it right they said there was no concievable reason for buying a non eco panda once the eco one came out as they were practically identical but the eco was cleaner and greener with little price difference. Fiat seems to have agreed!
On a side note pity they never introduced a 1.4 with suspension (either 8 or 16v).

Herts Hillhopper said:

Both new versions are fitted with special and more efficient rolling index tyres and use a less viscous engine oil than the Panda Dynamic + Active derivatives. Additionally, with some reengineering on the ECU and gear ratio they both reach a sensationally low emission level of 119g/Km.

Click to expand...

Looks like Fiat have done this to get into the lower tax band.

Herts Hillhopper said:

Looks like you'll find the answer here:
http://www.vospers.com/NewCars/ComingSoon/FiatPandaActiveEcoNew.aspx

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That doesn't say anything about the 2009 revisions to the Panda range, it just says that the ECO engines (both of which have been available for over 3 months now) are 'Coming Soon'...

Herts Hillhopper said:

[available next week, dated 13 December]

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The reason it is dated 13 December is because that's today's date. If you look at that article tomorrow it will be dated 14 December

All this article tells us is that Vospers haven't updated their 'Coming Soon' section in a while.

"..The reason it is dated 13 December is because that's today's date. If you look at that article tomorrow it will be dated 14 December .."

Oh yes. Oh well -- it fooled me!

P