Panda-monium

PITSTOP

In the TV commercial for the new version of the Panda "� the Panda 4x4 "� a chain of events in a small European town lead to the hero and heroine's plans to go for a drive going for a toss. Their road is littered with obstacles... hey, no problem, the hero's driving the new Panda 4x4 that can clear anything that you can throw in its path.

One still wonders why Fiat has launched this version, for the Japanese market perhaps? Doubtful. The Panda 4x4 comes with two engine options, the 60 bhp 1200cc petrol unit and the 70 bhp 1300cc Multijet common-rail turbodiesel. The 4x4 is distinguished by high grip tyres, extra ride height and body protection bits. Just the car for most Indian roads.

Bright Spark

Yes, yes, you've heard and read about the Paris Auto Show over and over. But get this, GM Daewoo will show off a new product that might just make it to India. You see, the car is called the M3X and it is, in fact, an updated Matiz. Branded Chevrolet, the M3X is the brand's new car design direction. The M3X is expected to go on sale in Europe in 2005 and features new not-so-round-anymore LED headlamps and very round tail lamps. The car still has roughly the Matiz's profile but has lost some of the cheeky round-ness that we so liked.

Strike the Matiz off our list of bug-eye autos, then. The M3X will be shown with a 1000cc four-cylinder engine good for 64 bhp and will have a spacious and clever interior. The brand's line-up at Paris will also have the new S3X SUV plus another interesting car, the re-badged but not renamed Chevrolet Kalos.