hi folks, we bought a new panda cross in December 2019,our last 4x4 panda was a 65 plate, there have been quite a few modifications to the new model, some of my observations as follows, the drivers seat does not go back as far as it used to in the 65 plate, the heater, vents, climate controls are now push button rocker style switches, (keep prodding until desired setting), the four wheel drive selector knob near the hand brake is too bright, in fact all the illuminated switches are too bright and reflect on the passenger side window at night, the in car stereo system supplied (dab radio), cannot be replaced with a desired cd radio system due to the car`s computer being routed through the stereo, and a flat bottom steering wheel has also been supplied, the gear lever shape has been altered and the leather covering and longer gear knob is quite uncomfortable for drivers with larger hands, the car has got one usb port, ( paper insert states two in the owners manual), this usb is supposed to accept music from a usb pen, so far i have not been able to find a compatible pen that works with the cars system, has anybody got any comments on their own findings with the new panda modifications, only two real faults found so far in a thousand miles cf motoring, crawling in heavy traffic a very strong smell of burning clutch, and on a couple of occasions, car stalled for no reason, both checked out at dealership, computer diagnostics no fault found

Check the clutch release system, it might not be opening properly. If hydraulic bleed and see if it helps. When the pressure plate wears the spring fingers wear notches which cause the clutch to delay on drive take-up.

My 100HP needed a new clutch for the latter reason.

Just found Panda Paul's post and here are a few comments on my recently acquired Panda Cross 4x4 69 plate, ex demo, Tango Red with just over 2k on the clock when I purchased it a few weeks ago.

Prior to that I had a 64 plate TA 4x4 that I was an absolute hoot of a car that had 36k on the clock at trade in. Buying the Cross now was one of those pre retirement considerations but really prompted by a 'Let's go and see what deals are about when the showrooms open post lockdown'. There it was, the deal was a 'it would be daft not to' situation and the supplying dealer was the same as the last car and they have been fine to deal with.

I am 6'3" (and with occasional back issues) and the driver's seat gives me exactly the same space as did the TA. I find the driving position very comfortable, we took the TA up to Derbyshire last year and I had no problems.

Yes, the gear lever knob is slightly larger, but it does not adversely affect my driving experience.

I noted Fiat's effort at a Quartic steering wheel, again, not an issue for me.

The additional ride height means and slightly less enthusiastic approach to cornering as I found the TA with Conti All Seasons had nigh on Mini like road holding through the bends. The Cross has Goodyear 4 Seasons fitted.

I find the engine slightly quieter, have experimented with 'Eco' on and off, averaging around 48 mpg on local runs; on a steady right foot 60 mph longish run up the A3, 52 mpg.

I have only driven the car once at dusk so unable to comment yet on the interior lighting issues.

As I said, we loved the TA, and love the Cross even more, the Panda is 'the' car for both of us. It's great to get up and into the car rather than get down and then up to get out, the colour polishes up well and is the colour I would have gone for had I bought new. Only one downside to the Cross and I've got live with - my TA (another ex demo) had the Winter Pack fitted.