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The new Fiat
Panda Alessi makes its world debut at the Milan Triennial. The distinctive style
of this innovative Fiat concept car springs from a partnership between two
world-class brands famed for their contribution to the development of industrial
design in Italy.
Fiat and Alessi have come up with their own design philosophy which makes their
creations stand out from the world of mass products. The partnership follows in
the great Italian tradition in this sector and may well develop further in the
future.
In this sense, the Panda Alessi is a concrete example of how an automotive
product can be revisited in an aesthetic key by a company which is outside the
sector, capitalising on the values which have always characterised Italian
design: innovation, style and personality.
The Fiat concept car shows how the "stylistic dialogue" between two important
sectors of industry can produce surprising results of great impact, when the
design work is carried out with total respect for product identity.
This is why the exterior of the prototype retains the original personality of
the standard model, with a number of new styling and colour details on the front
radiator grille, the door mouldings and the wheelarch trims. The bumpers, wheel
trims and rear aerial have also been redesigned.
Meanwhile inside the restyling is more evident, focusing on the facia, which has
been given a different colour and features some new elements which enhance its
look. The graphics of the instrumentation, the upholstery and the colour of the
seats have also been modified. The centre tunnel, sun visors and gearshift have
been completely revisited, while a brand new exclusive system for levelling the
floor of the boot has been created, with the title of "cargo-system".
Alessi, one of the most famous Italian design brands, has skilfully highlighted
the versatility of the car without changing its identity. The prototype
represents a new interpretation of the Panda which is perfectly in line with the
"Panda spirit" and the other concept cars developed from the same base.
The Panda Alessi brings us yet another example of the desire to experiment which
is something of a Fiat tradition, a tradition which has yielded some genuine
motoring works of art which have played a vital part in developing the car
design field in Italy.
The new Panda, with its original design, has a very dynamic look. And once on
board, the car reveals all the features and comfort of a superior category
model. This just about sums up the spirit of the new Panda, which was recently
named "Car of the Year 2004" and "European Car 2004", critical acclaim which was
immediately borne out by the appreciation of its customers.
All this is thanks to a design project which has come up with a relatively small
car featuring the levels of comfort we are accustomed to on much larger models.
Designed to be low on fuel consumption, yet with a performance that is no less
sparkling. Ideal in city traffic, but at the same time perfect for longer
journeys, guaranteeing its passengers a relaxing ride. All this makes the Fiat
Panda the definitive "great little car", which incidentally also offers
extremely high value for money thanks to its combination of features, running
costs and residual value.
The aim of the new Panda was to offer all the winning characteristics of Fiat
city cars. And to make this new ultra-compact vehicle, the Turin manufacturer
capitalised on the great technical and design heritage it has accumulated over
the years and on the skill that only the leading European company in this
segment can boast.
The new Panda is a car which sets new standards of comfort and
practicality of use in its category. Without ever sacrificing its original,
highly appealing style, that "cheeky" spirit which will bring a smile to your
face even in heavy city traffic, where parking is at a premium and the pace of
life is ever more hectic. The new Panda is destined to be a constant source of
surprises, thanks to its ability to adapt to its surroundings and the demands of
its driver. A model with four core motoring values which make it unique of its
kind in the car industry:
- flexibility and practicality;
- style and personality;
- technology and innovation;
- substance and quality.
First and
foremost the new model is a flexible, practical car. As its top of the category
living space and ergonomics show, along with the wide range of versions to suit
all needs that place it right at the top of its category. What's more, the new
Panda is the first in line of a family destined to grow over time: a 4x4 and an
exciting all-terrain vehicle will be the next in line.
Style and personality: with its original, dynamic design, and "smart casual"
look, this model boasts a brand new concept in interiors which give substance to
the impression of high quality that the model immediately conveys. An extremely
appealing car, which can also be customised with the wide range of accessories
on the Lineaccessori list.
Technology and innovation are the key concepts for the new Panda's third set of
values. High performance engines which are decidedly frugal on fuel (among the
lowest consumers in the category), representing a valid solution both for city
and out of town driving. One version which stands out is the revolutionary 70 HP
1.3 16v Multijet, the height of engineering for small turbodiesels.
These engines are teamed with innovative, reliable gearboxes like the Dualogic
(available only with the 1.2 petrol engine). Moreover, the new city car from
Fiat is the safest in the entire category, thanks to its numerous highly
sophisticated active and passive safety features and systems. Not to mention the
car's sheer driving and riding pleasure, thanks above all to the automatic
climate control system and Skydome sun roof.
And lastly, the new Panda is a car of substance and quality. It is the result of
a "robust" design project to which the company has devoted its top resources and
most sophisticated technologies.
The result is a high quality, eminently reliable car, which boasts exclusive
safety and comfort features. The torsional rigidity of the body, for instance,
is among the best in the category (70,500 Nm/rad), while the new Panda is also
the only car in its category to upholster 99% of its interior surfaces. And this
is not all. The new city car has also passed the strictest tests to guarantee
the highest level of protection for driver and passengers. |
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