28.09.2004 The Fiat Panda Alessi was created to grab attention, and in Paris this week it certainly has done just that, the little concept turning up in A bright orange colour scheme

Paris 2004 is an important show for the 'Car of the Year' award-winning Fiat Panda, an innovative, very well received car that is now spearheading Fiat's revival.

The Panda 4x4 was officially introduced in Tuscany earlier this month and this beefed-up, off-road capable, version goes on sale with immediate effect. At the French show, this model, being displayed in the 1.2-litre 'Climbing' option, is joined by the interesting Panda Alessi.

This model is a pure concept, that has been redesigned cosmetically by the renown Italian design firm, Alessi.

Introduced back in April at the Milan Triennial, the Panda Alessi, is the product of two companies who operate in very different sectors, but who are however, both the embodiment of traditional Italian values.

In Milan the concept was unveiled in a mix of green colours, for Paris these have become bright orange, and the little car, sitting on a small revolving turntable, just cannot be missed.

Fiat believe that Panda Alessi is a genuine 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 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.

by Edd Ellison in Paris