General Panda 4x4

[catnash]

Its been on here, will be interesting to see in person. Wonder what it costs.

http://www.autoedizione.com/fiat-panda-4x4-already-available-at-dealerships/

 

[deeyup]

Aaasrrrrggggghhhhh!!

I want one, now!!

 

[homeward]

I want one, now!!

I want two... -- yesterday...!!!

 

[millns84]

I really like that in silver, seems to suit the styling of the 4x4 better.

Alloys look great too

 

[deeyup]

Some more pics here
http://www.eurocarblog.com/galleria/nuova-fiat-panda-4x4-01#&ui-state=dialog

 

[eleganza]

Official 2013 Panda 4x4 Press Photos
World preview at the Paris Motor Show, read more here

 

[homeward]

That is a gorgeous colour...! (Wish they did a Dualogic version....)

 

[eleganza]

Yes it looks fantastic, I'm quite impressed
The choice of colours on the 500 is far greater than the new Panda. Lets hope the 4x4 colour range is better than the standard model.

 

[danijel]

Looking really nice! I hope the price will be ok!

 

[Ulpian]

Yes, great. Now, when and at what price please Fiat?

 

[R1NGA]

Want that one...

 

[Super Uwe]

I like it as well, but won't be buying one as only just got the new Panda!

Only one issue - the rear legroom based on the photo attached. Not personally convinced it's that generous, unless the 4x4 is a slightly longer car? If it's the same as the standard Panda then I would have to say the picture is pushing the boundaries a little...

 

[Ulpian]

They always shove the front seats as far forwards as possible In my book the Panda is, like the 500, really only a two seater. Children can tavel in the back of course, but not big adults, or not for more than a few miles anyway. But still, for a single person or a couple it has to be attractive, and there is plenty of luggage space.

I love the look of it. Good ground clearance plus easy access, my two must-haves.

 

[babbo_umbro]

They always shove the front seats as far forwards as possible In my book the Panda is, like the 500, really only a two seater. Children can tavel in the back of course, but not big adults, or not for more than a few miles anyway. But still, for a single person or a couple it has to be attractive, and there is plenty of luggage space.

I love the look of it. Good ground clearance plus easy access, my two must-haves.

Much as I dislike the new Panda, I can't agree with you on the rear space - the outgoing Panda provides acceptable rear legroom for most adults - not two six-footers in tandem but almost. Also, the new model has the sliding rear seat that was a useful but uncommon option on the old one and that allowed you to have really generous rear legroom - Mrs b_u had this on her Panda MJ - you have to compromise on boot space with the seat slid right back but that's a small price to pay.

 

[deeyup]

Well that press release confirms the 2 wheel drive with 4 wheel drive looks trekking model will be coming. Should save a few bob for those only wanting the style.

 

[homeward]

Well that press release confirms the 2 wheel drive with 4 wheel drive looks trekking model will be coming. Should save a few bob for those only wanting the style.

It's probably my age: but this is a trend I really don't understand...

Living in the middle of nowhere; and just having got rid of a large diesel Japanese 4x4 (which, admittedly, spent a large proportion of its time in 2wd...), I would have loved to have bought the Panda 4x4 (although, by the time my TA Dualogic appears, they may well be available on the second-hand market...)! And that's not because of its looks, but the functionality....

Why do people want something that looks like something it isn't...? :bang:

 

[deeyup]

Don't know really, maybe the high ride height? Certainly though more nissan quashqui(is that how you spell it?) and ford Kuga sold are are 2wd

 

[Ulpian]

We want a good ride height for the better visibility: it's great to see over roundabouts and through other cars' windscreens at the view ahead etc., and it is easier - much - to get in and out of a car if the seat is at a sensible height. Getting up off a car seat that is about a foot off the ground, plus having to negotiate a curb just outside the car, is just plain difficult. I hate travelling in low built saloons, really hate it. In fact I feel buried. I won't have a low sofa because getting off low furniture is hard, so why would I want to have to heave mysef up off a low seated car?


The 4x4 aspect is irrelevant for most people. In the old days practically the only cars that were built low were sports cars, and that for the supposed handling benefits. Then they started pretending that all cars were 'sporty', and so cars got lower. Finally there is a revolt going on (I hope) and there is a move towards crossovers, SUVs, call them what you will, but I call them sensible easily accessible cars. Okay, the makers think they are trying to offer the illusion of escape and advenure, or whatever the advertisiig gurus come up with, but for me and many others they are simply gving us sensible cars again.

The beauty of the 4x4 Panda is not the transmission, rather the increased height, offering better visibility and far easier access. Apparently VW is going to give us a jacked-up Up too. That would be the one to have because the current one is just too low.

I hope this explains why people like cars tat look like 4x4s, they just don't care about the driven wheels (although some think this helps in winter), they want the comfort and amenity

PS. With the awful deteriorating roads we have a greater ground clearance and beefed up suspension is an added bonus.

 

[Ulpian]

Much as I dislike the new Panda, I can't agree with you on the rear space - the outgoing Panda provides acceptable rear legroom for most adults - not two six-footers in tandem but almost. Also, the new model has the sliding rear seat that was a useful but uncommon option on the old one and that allowed you to have really generous rear legroom - Mrs b_u had this on her Panda MJ - you have to compromise on boot space with the seat slid right back but that's a small price to pay.

Well I think the Panda has poor rear room, in absolute car terms. But I don't mind because it's a small car, and that has advantages of its own. I'm six feet tall and many of my friends are a lot taller, so that's my norm for people travelling in cars I'm afraid. I can just sit behind myself in the Panda, but I wouldn't want to be there for too long.

As for the sliding seat: I read that it actually only slides forwards, so liberating more boot space and further reducing rear legroom, but I'm prepared to stand corrected as I haven't seen an example, and testers are notoriously inaccurate over details.

 

[homeward]

We want a good ride height for the better visibility...

That, I get...! Thank you for your explanation... -- I knew I was missing something (and not just between the ears...)!

Ever since my mum broke both her legs, my dad has driven taller cars... -- at one stage, they even looked at a Multipla: but decided a motor caravan would best suit their needs. It's much easier for my mum -- who uses a crutch -- to get in and out of....

In essence, it's one of the reasons, I suppose, that I like the Panda (especially after (radically) downsizing from the Isuzu...). A higher seating position not only makes you feel safer, but almost certainly is safer -- as you say -- because of the "better visibility" etc.. It also helps, when you're as old and infirm as I am, with -- again -- "getting in and out of the car"...!

I'm still not so sure, though, why so many of these cars have to look like they could take on a muddy field...?! Is this a fashion thing...? If so: I've never really understood that, either...!