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

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...

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?