Car Moon

Following CEO Sergio Marchionne's comments at the 2010 Paris Motor Show (see here), Autonews Europe has uncovered new information regarding the Fiat Group's future product launches.

One of Fiat's most important models in Europe, the third generation Panda, was originally due in summer 2010 but its launch had already been pushed back to September 2011. Now, sources inside the company told the news site that the introduction of the small five-door hatchback will be further delayed until January 2012.

Fiat rolled out a facelifted version of its Idea small MPV initially for Brazil and then throughout South America. It remains to be seen if Fiat will also update the Idea in Europe. The South American model gets a new appearance that brings it line with Fiat's more recent models such as the Linea and Bravo, as well as a revised engine lineup.

The design upgrades are mainly to the front with larger headlamps, Fiat's new company grille and a redesigned bumper.

At the back, the rear lights are new while the tailgate is more sculptured and bumper has been reprofiled. Inside, the Brazilian Idea drops the European market model's center-mounted instrument cluster in favor of a more conventional layout.