Punto 2012+ Thank you all from Madam Yap

[madam yap]

To all who responded to Madam Yap's Request for Good Advice, I want to say a heartfelt thanks - really appreciated.
I do feel a bit wiser now.
You will know how strange an " instinct " is, even in the face of logical opinion on the opposite side.
In spite of all the facts as pointed out in favour of the either of the petrol engines ( 1.2 or Twin Air ) I am still somewhat drawn to the diesel 1.3 Multijet for the 4 x 4, or the 4 x 2 Trekking.
Maybe it's just because I am used to deisels, and I also feel the diesel engine will be stronger and longer lived.
What worries me is that now and again I like to take a fairly long trip, Scotland or Europe, and I like to feel that I can cruise at motorway limits without the feeling that the motor is struggling or over revving. It should feel comfortable and not stressed.
I would really like to hear from someone who has a Panda with the 1.3 Multijet, to get a good ' feel ' for the motor, before I decide to go petrol. Then of course it's between the 1.2 and the Twin Air ????
As far as the choice between the 4 x 4 and the 4 x 2 Trekking is concerned, it's not the initial down price that will make up my mind, because I plan to keep whichever model I purchase for the long term, and I really do not want to feel I might not have made the best choice, for me.
Motor cars are, when you get down to it, close and personal to oneself. I love my top spec CRV, but now need a less expensive car to run, but to feel just as proud and happy to live with.
Somehow I fancy the Panda, instinct again ? When I mentioned this to a friend who " knows " cars, he looked at me blankly, and said " who buys a Fiat ? "

 

[varesecrazy]

To all who responded to Madam Yap's Request for Good Advice, I want to say a heartfelt thanks - really appreciated.
When I mentioned this to a friend who " knows " cars, he looked at me blankly, and said " who buys a Fiat ? "

no problem,
we do..!!,
I've had LOTS, can't get along with anything else.,

Charlie

 

[madam yap]

Thank you Charlie, you have cheered me up. Mind you, I have long been of the opinion that Fiat motor cars have been undervalued, although I have never owned one. I think this is mainly down to the rotton reputation their Dealerships have had in the past. My New Panda, when I decide which one, and what motor, will be my first.
Madam Yap.

 

[jamesbrownontheroad]

I drive a 2012 Panda with the 1.2 engine, but I did take a 1.3 diesel 4x4 for a test drive last year while mine was in for a warranty repair. Compared to my Panda, the Multijet felt sturdier, heavier even, and more planted. The engine was torque-y and made a reassuring burble. It was very responsive, although I didn't get much chance to try it on open roads, which is where I think it would come into its own.

Hope that helps

 

[madam yap]

Dear James, Thank you so much for that. I was hoping to get a response based on actual experience with the 1.3 Diesel Multijet, on the road, from someone who could actually compare with another engine option. You have done just that, so thanks again.
Madam Yap.

 

[deeyup]

You need to try both motors out and see which you like the best.

I did exactly that, and ended up buying the twinair. The whole family who were along for the test drives all liked the petrol better. It felt more fun, and was quicker, but did use more fuel. I got 36mpg over the test route in the twinair, and 48mpg in the multijet.

Try your dealer for a demo.