General Opinions welcome - my next step - Panda 4X4 Cross - Additions & Mods

[UKRMedic]

So, I am about to commit on a 2020 Panda Cross 4X4.

The vehicle is pretty basic compared to what I'm migrating from, but, this vehicle is for 'work overseas' purposes. My understanding is, it's light, it's durable, and it's 4X4 ability is great. It's not going to be going up mountains or in the jungle, or being forded through rivers in Africa, but on muddy areas, or shell hole ridden roads, not bad.

There's quite a bit I want to add to the vehicle I'm buying, and I'd love your advice / opinions on my plans / thoughts.

1. The radio system is total basic. Hate the look of it, and the lack of any kind of 21st century tech. My intention is to remove and replace with this (Or similar):

https://incartec.co.uk/product/Fiat-Panda-2012-Single-DIN-car-radio-fascia-GLOSS-BLACK-50-385

And of course the correct conversion wiring loom
and then something SIMILAR to this:

Pioneer SPH-EVO62DAB-UNI Car Stereo | Halfords UK

Shop the latest SPH-EVO62DAB-UNI car stereo at Halfords UK

www.halfords.com

The one shown is likely to interfere massively with the switches below the stereo - so not this one for sure. Anyone have any favourites? Needs SatNav (Europe maps - specifically Ukraine, I would be using Google Maps, but, when the net is down, I need an onboard solution)

2. I wish this Panda had the winter pack, alas, it does not. I've read about the near impossibility (or toughness) of fitting a heated windscreen. I'll live without that, however, heated seats:

Panda - Fiat Panda heated seat install

This thread is for the general discussion of the Guide Fiat Panda heated seat install. Please add to the discussion here. ThomG submitted a new guide: Fiat Panda heated seat install When I first had a seat in the Panda 100HP it was late summer and warm, but when it got colder I started to...

www.fiatforum.com

Great link on this forum. Any thoughts on a decent pair?

3. Battery. I am only guessing - I have no experience with this vehicle, but the battery is possibly not a massive capacity. The vehicle most likely has it's original battery from new. I would look at replacing for a higher capacity (Engine bay space allowing?), or having an additional battery wired in the back? Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

My thinking for this is because of using the vehicle with a radio set, charging cell and sat phone, probably running a fridge / kettle etc from it. Sure, with engine running, but my current car (Mondeo) hates me using start stop, let alone if I dare listen to music whilst cleaning the damn thing - always throws up errors about this that and the other being unavailable, because the brand new battery has lost a little charge.

4. Undersealing the vehicle.

5. Cruise control. Another user on this great forum has just done this successfully, and there's numerous threads. Looks easy enough.

6. All weather tyres. (I think the UK is mainly 'Sommer Reifen' no matter what the weather?), I don't doubt this car has this, but, not entirely sure how to see the difference? (A sun symbol on the tyre?)

7. Tow hook. I'm guessing the towing capacity is low with the Panda. This is for a small trailer with lightweight stuff.

All thoughts, even a good old mocking of me, most welcome! Anything else you think I should add?

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

Can’t answer them all…
Towing - max 400kg without brakes, 800kg with a braked trailer. Note - that includes the weight of the trailer as well as what’s in it.

Radio - 2020 car will have UConnect, so allowing phone to Bluetooth music and radio (internet radio, BBC sounds etc) in addition phone calls (older Blue&Me was calls only). Also has phone holder which works well with Google maps, Waze etc. Stand-alone Sat nav maybe better option than changing standard radio? (Given how the original radio is linked to so many other things — speed sensor, lighting levels, canbus power that auto shuts off after 20 mins etc — changing to anything that might affect other canbus controlled stuff (that’s just about any electrical kit in the car) could lead to issues. It shouldn’t, but to be safe, keeping things standard — given where you’re planning to go — seems sensible to me.

Battery space is pretty full (the s/s battery is quite large physically).

Underside (indeed the whole body shell) is fully galvanised so under seal not necessary. However, suspension beam etc is prone to surface rust after a few years.

Check the tyres. Although the 4x4 used to come with full winter tyres (with a hint of added off road reinforcement too), and 4x4 Cross with All Season road tyres, later versions (I think since 2019) were all fitted with less capable summer tyres from the factory. (On the Cross these were smaller than the previous All Season tyres, reducing its ground clearance by 6mm and so matching the 4x4 (non Cross) version. Summer tyres have no marking, but the all season will tend to say that and both all season and full winter will have a symbol of mountain peaks and a snowflake.

Heated seats - the Fiat ones are bum only (not back as well) and while ‘ok’ and nice to have (I’ve got them ), the cars heater is pretty good and warms up fast. Saves any added load on the battery too

 

[UKRMedic]

Can’t answer them all…
Towing - max 400kg without brakes, 800kg with a braked trailer. Note - that includes the weight of the trailer as well as what’s in it.

Radio - 2020 car will have UConnect, so allowing phone to Bluetooth music and radio (internet radio, BBC sounds etc) in addition phone calls (older Blue&Me was calls only). Also has phone holder which works well with Google maps, Waze etc. Stand-alone Sat nav maybe better option than changing standard radio? (Given how the original radio is linked to so many other things — speed sensor, lighting levels, canbus power that auto shuts off after 20 mins etc — changing to anything that might affect other canbus controlled stuff (that’s just about any electrical kit in the car) could lead to issues. It shouldn’t, but to be safe, keeping things standard — given where you’re planning to go — seems sensible to me.

Battery space is pretty full (the s/s battery is quite large physically).

Underside (indeed the whole body shell) is fully galvanised so under seal not necessary. However, suspension beam etc is prone to surface rust after a few years.

Check the tyres. Although the 4x4 used to come with full winter tyres (with a hint of added off road reinforcement too), and 4x4 Cross with All Season road tyres, later versions (I think since 2019) were all fitted with less capable summer tyres from the factory. (On the Cross these were smaller than the previous All Season tyres, reducing its ground clearance by 6mm and so matching the 4x4 (non Cross) version. Summer tyres have no marking, but the all season will tend to say that and both all season and full winter will have a symbol of mountain peaks and a snowflake.

Heated seats - the Fiat ones are bum only (not back as well) and while ‘ok’ and nice to have (I’ve got them ), the cars heater is pretty good and warms up fast. Saves any added load on the battery too

Learn something every day!
I would have never considered the towing capacity to include the trailer - It makes perfect sense! You've saved me some grief here!
Understood with the radio - It may just look like something from the arc - but I'm guessing it's more functional than it first seems. I think a tomtom on the handy mount may be a better option, you're right!
Ahhh, so, my idea for a massaging back scrubber is a good idea also!

 

[lunchbeers]

If you don’t have the new android auto/CarPlay radio the. I can recommend the pioneer sph-10bt or sph-20dab they use a smartphone as a screen in a cradle, doesn’t block the buttons or the vents generally.

 

[Marcus Daly]

Radio - 2020 car will have UConnect, so allowing phone to Bluetooth music and radio (internet radio, BBC sounds etc) in addition phone calls (older Blue&Me was calls only). Also has phone holder which works well with Google maps, Waze etc.

There’s also the associated Uconnect app, but it’s hardly worth the bother.

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

There’s also the associated Uconnect app, but it’s hardly worth the bother.

Yup - pretty hopeless, and it’s easier to reach the controls on the radio (or steering wheel) than to reach the phone screen. I just use Siri to play an Apple Music mix, and use < or > buttons on wheel to skip tracks. Siri also controls Waze pretty well - and all that thru the built in Bluetooth of the standard (2017 onward) radio.

 

[UKRMedic]

There’s also the associated Uconnect app, but it’s hardly worth the bother.

Yes, I heard this is pretty pants.

 

[UKRMedic]

Now I have the set of wheels, there's some major gripes - but all fixable I think.
I've been spoilt with a car that almost drives itself (At least stops itself if I mess up).
My first dislike is the radio. It's really not that great for 2022, and more functionality is needed for me.
After much searching, I've found this as a possible radio:

https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/in-car-receivers-players/xav-ax8050d

This for the now gaping hole left from the curvy oblong wireless fitted by Fiat:

https://incartec.co.uk/product/Fiat-Panda-2012-Single-DIN-car-radio-fascia-GLOSS-BLACK-50-385

This to hopefully keep the steering wheel controls functional:

https://incartec.co.uk/product/Fiat-Alfa-Romeo-CAN-ignition-steering-wheel-control-interface-ISO-CONNECTIONS-39-FIA-01

The instructions will take a little reading:

https://incartec.blob.core.windows.net/products/3066.pdf

tbh, it's a tad daunting (Even making toast is daunting for me at times), but, I feel it's do'able. What you think?

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

Or… put your phone in the holder already on tbe dash and use the very good Bluetooth connection to the radio, using the phone for navigation (I use Waze app). That’ll save £600.
You plan - I think - to go to Ukraine. Not sure you’ll need DAB for that. (By the way - do check you don’t already have DAB: later Cross models have it is standard. The radio looks identical but pressing the source button offers FM, Bluetooth, Aux in (if there’s a plug in the socket) — and DAB too.

And - more to your other post … Search this forum for rubber mats - there’s a very good, custom-fit, deep tray option shown in a post from me a while back from a company called Travall.

It’s a shame - the 4x4 and Cross models used to have an interior light with two map lights, but that was dropped on later models.

 

[UKRMedic]

Or… put your phone in the holder already on tbe dash and use the very good Bluetooth connection to the radio, using the phone for navigation (I use Waze app). That’ll save £600.
You plan - I think - to go to Ukraine. Not sure you’ll need DAB for that. (By the way - do check you don’t already have DAB: later Cross models have it is standard. The radio looks identical but pressing the source button offers FM, Bluetooth, Aux in (if there’s a plug in the socket) — and DAB too.

And - more to your other post … Search this forum for rubber mats - there’s a very good, custom-fit, deep tray option shown in a post from me a while back from a company called Travall.

It’s a shame - the 4x4 and Cross models used to have an interior light with two map lights, but that was dropped on later models.

Agreed Hertz, it is a lot of money on audio.

I tried the Waze app, and the phone (Where the missing cradle should be). It's just not sitting right for me. The ability for good connectivity, integration with Google Maps (Via the cell phone) is a biggie.

In Ukraine, having a sat image via google maps (All be it, the ground situation may have changed since the last sat image) is quite useful compared to a cartographers map image - which is almost always wrong outside of Kyiv / Lviv / Odessa. (Somewhere, in a field, is a tomtom I chucked out the window in rage)

DAB is / was available in Kyiv. But, I'm fine with FM.

Travall mats - I was just looking at them! Your recommendation will make me buy them!

Yes, was just reading your older post on interior lights. It is a shame. There's a lot of Punto interior lights on Fleabay - I'm guessing it's not a straight one for one swop, and some cutting is needed...

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

Agreed Hertz, it is a lot of money on audio.

I tried the Waze app, and the phone (Where the missing cradle should be). It's just not sitting right for me. The ability for good connectivity, integration with Google Maps (Via the cell phone) is a biggie.

Fair enough. It sounds like the holder is missing?

Travall mats - I was just looking at them! Your recommendation will make me buy them!

Hee hee

Yes, was just reading your older post on interior lights. It is a shame. There's a lot of Punto interior lights on Fleabay - I'm guessing it's not a straight one for one swop, and some cutting is needed...

The old light wasn’t much bigger but had the phone mic built in. The later one the mic is separate. It’s in the way of a new, bigger cutout that’s needed, but the bigger light won’t fully cover the hole the mic is currently in. As well as the light there’s a plastic part attached to the roof (the back ‘ box’ for the light) which is also different I think. I did think about trying to change mine… but didn’t as the flip side it lets light into the back seats which the previous style didn’t.

 

[UKRMedic]

Fair enough. It sounds like the holder is missing?

Yes. Sadly the previous owner probably has it in their junk drawer at home. I did source one on EBay, but, really, I don't think I'd like it where it is

The old light wasn’t much bigger but had the phone mic built in. The later one the mic is separate. It’s in the way of a new, bigger cutout that’s needed, but the bigger light won’t fully cover the hole the mic is currently in. As well as the light there’s a plastic part attached to the roof (the back ‘ box’ for the light) which is also different I think. I did think about trying to change mine… but didn’t as the flip side it lets light into the back seats which the previous style

You've saved me buying this. I didn't even consider the mic position. My sporadic buying would have messed this up. I may just paint the bulb red and call it a day.

I do have an urge to go crazy on this and stick rear map reading lights, footwell lights, and door courtesy lights.... Then I remember... a torch will do the job.

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

Yes. Sadly the previous owner probably has it in their junk drawer at home. I did source one on EBay, but, really, I don't think I'd like it where it is

You've saved me buying this. I didn't even consider the mic position. My sporadic buying would have messed this up. I may just paint the bulb red and call it a day.

I do have an urge to go crazy on this and stick rear map reading lights, footwell lights, and door courtesy lights.... Then I remember... a torch will do the job.

You could always plug a usb map reading light in next to where the phone holder isn’t. That’s a powered socket. (Something like this https://www.thomann.de/gb/dap_audio_gooselight_usb_300mm.htm). Or similar with a lighter plug in the 12v socket by the 4x4 mode dial

 

[UKRMedic]

You could always plug a usb map reading light in next to where the phone holder isn’t. That’s a powered socket. (Something like this https://www.thomann.de/gb/dap_audio_gooselight_usb_300mm.htm). Or similar with a lighter plug in the 12v socket by the 4x4 mode dial

You sir, are a genius!
How A-Team is that?

And ordered!

 

[UKRMedic]

@Herts Hillhopper
Common sense has prevailed. If I have a decent radio fitted to this panda, it will just end up getting stolen.
I've ordered the dash cradle.
You've actually really helped me come to the right decision. I'll have to adapt myself a little and get to like it!

Cruise control though... well... that's been bought!

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

@Herts Hillhopper
Common sense has prevailed. If I have a decent radio fitted to this panda, it will just end up getting stolen.
I've ordered the dash cradle.
You've actually really helped me come to the right decision. I'll have to adapt myself a little and get to like it!

You can use the money you saved to buy two complete sets of tyres - which (in my case) is better than replacing the actually ok radio

 

[UKRMedic]

You can use the money you saved to buy two complete sets of tyres - which (in my case) is better than replacing the actually ok radio

Yes, You're totally right.
I think coming from a car with every toy you can imagine gave a little shock.
But actually, too much tech is a bad thing. There's a LOT to go wrong.

Basic - is good. It's reliable. It does the job - and well.

 

[Marcus Daly]

I stepped out of a Lexus into a Panda.

You have to enjoy back-to-basics motoring for what it is!

 

[UKRMedic]

I stepped out of a Lexus into a Panda.

You have to enjoy back-to-basics motoring for what it is!

So true Marcus.
I've just spent a few hours driving to learn to love this car.
Almost there. I may need to go on the beach with it to solidify the relationship...

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

My other car has full Apple CarPlay, cruise, emergency braking, speed radar, digital dash, an engine I can hardly hear… you get the idea. It’s fine. It gets me places rather nicely and passengers tell me how smooth it is.

By comparison, in the Panda I can feel the road, hear the engine, listen for any little knock or squeak that might indicate something starting to break…. And I love driving it so much more because of that. The other car is ‘so easy’ it takes away the ‘engagement’ that really is what driving should be all about.

I have made two mods to my Panda: brighter headlight bulbs, and an LED in the interior that’s it. The rest is ‘just right’ (for me) to put a smile on my face every time I drive it.