1.2 69hp Lounge 3dr Hatchback

A super little car.

I have previously owned two Pandas,both with the 1.2 engine-practical little work horses and always had excellent service from the Fiat main dealer (Donnelly Brothers,Mallusk).On a recent visit for some electrical repairs I was holding forth on my negative views of "retro" cars(e.g. Beetle ,Mini,Fiat 500).
An hour later,I had agreed to buy a pre-reg 500 Lounge with 10 miles on the clock and the 1.2 engine!
Why?
An astute sales lady offered me a drive in one-rather than argue with me.I was charmed by the car-as a 72 year old who has owned things from Imp,Mini (original one!) Vw Beetle,Jaguars,Porches and many forgettable modern cars,this little car had that "je ne sais quoi".Only 2 other cars in my lifetime have given me that feeling-a Peugeot 205 1.9 Gti and a 1972 VW GT Beetle.
Fun to drive,well built,quirky looks-and my Labrador fits in the rear (rear seat down).
AND-Fiat seem to have re-mapped the 1.2 engine,it now has a twinkle in its eye and no longer feels lazy and gutless.I am averaging 52.3 mpg (almost identical to my previous 1.2 Pandas) combined with perky acceleration.
Note to dealers-I have been looked after in the last 5 years,meticulously,by Donnelly Bros and that was the deciding factor for me.So friendly service counts.
Yes,with its short wheelbase,it can react on bumpy B roads,yes,it has compact rear passenger space.
But,I enjoy getting in to it and it puts a smile on this cynical old face.

P.S.What is the Italian equivalent of "Je ne sais quoi"?

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