What's the news?
Well it seems the big news is about collaborations for the Italian firm. With espresso makers developed by Lavazza, stereos upgraded by Beats Audio and backpacks emblazoned with Nitro you could be forgiven for thinking you've wandered out of the motor show hall. Turns out it's just Fiat's way of making its 500 and Panda a little more appealing.
Exterior
There are three new Panda models showcased on the motor show floor here, two based around the new 4x4 model - the only car in the segment with all-wheel drive capability. Raised ride heights, chunky arches and of course more butch 'squircles' ensure the Panda 4x4 stands out. If you're looking to really grab attention though might we suggest ticking the Nitro option? The US snowboard maker will dress your 4x4 with roof bars, a 490-litre Freebox (roof box to mere mortals like you and I), decals and snowboard. They'll even throw in that aforementioned backpack... how generous.
Interior
No real changes for the Panda, but there'll be a new Street Trim for the 500 on show. Not only does it add sporty exterior additions (wheels, bumpers, spoilers and side skirts) but you can expect a racier cabin as well. But it's the larger 500L that's most interesting, showing off its cabin to the public for the very first time. Not only will the cabin be spacious and able to make you perfect espresso just like that dodgy pizza place down the road, but it'll also feature premium hi-fi designed in collaboration with Beats Audio.
Mechanicals
Bi-fuel: Fiat believes it's the future. So now you can have a Panda with the TwinAir engine burning either methane or petrol (in some markets). The promise is livelier response and lowered fuel consumption and emissions. A check of the spec sheet reveals that to be the case, and the Panda Natural Power (yes that's what Fiat calls it) increases its power by 14 per cent to 97hp and torque by 34 per cent to 145Nm. Most importantly the CO2 is down by 20 per cent to only 86g/km.
Anything else?
Know what Italy's best selling seven-seater is? The Fiat Freemont. Exactly. It's a car we don't get in this part of the world, based on a Dodge Journey. Anyway in Paris there'll be a new Park Avenue trim and a new petrol engine. But that's enough of that.
Abarth will also be there, trying to persuade people to part with extra money for a 500 that looks less tasteful than the standard cars. The new 'Abarth Fuori Seri' program (which sounds more Japanese than Modenese to us) uses the exclusive (read expensive) 180hp Abarth 695 as a starting point, but then offers a choice of two different ranges: Heritage and New Wave. The former uses a variety of liveries inspired by the record-breaking cars of the brand's past while New Wave takes its inspiration from today's supercars. Expect to see a bastardised version of the famous Fiat Abarth 131 Mirafiori "Olio Fiat" livery on the Abarth Furi Seri 500 in the middle of the stand.
Graeme Lambert - 27 Sep 2012
