I almost drove past it without noticing it: I definately didn't think it had the "WOW" factor, a good looking model but not stunning!
It looks a lot like a Nissan Micra from some angles, and a bit like a Ford Ka.
It was clearly on display at the side of the road, but no-one was giving it a second glance (except me). It didn't take my breathe away like (for example) the first time I saw a MINI or a Smart Roadster.
Silver paintwork (OK) black and grey interior (dull) but with the chrome bits and coloured-coded section to the fascia the whole effect was very pleasing.
Good quality plastics I thought, similar to MINI quality, but not better than a MINI IMO. The doors and hatch close with a reassuringly solid 'clunk' (better than my Ford Ka, but I'm not sure MINI drivers will be overly impressed.)The centre console and some of the switchgear is identical to the Panda, but with the chrome etc it certainly gives a 'perception of quality' up front. Plastics around the payload under the hatch less good I thought.
Strange shaped seats on this Sports version, and you seem to sit close to the windscreen and side window, but I could get used to it and the seats on the other models are supposed to be better according to some press reports.There was plenty of room for me (a 6 footer with long legs) to get in and out.
I'm sure I'd like it more in a bright exterior colour, and with a brighter coloured interior: red and ivory perhaps.
So I won't be rushing out and buying a LHD version, (this one was not for sale BTW) and I won't be paying a deposit and ordering a RHD version in advance from a dealer, but I WILL be having a look at the Lounge or Popular version when it comes out in the UK next year.
The Ford version of the vehicle coming out late 2008 (the new Ford Ka) is now back at the top of my 'wish list' with the Fiat 500 very close by in second place.