New FIAT Panda "by Barzelletta" Unveiled

FIAT Group Automobiles has teamed up with renowned Espresso machine manufacturer Barzelletta to produce the all-new FIAT Panda "by Barzelletta". Available with an exclusive Metallic Cappuccino paint finish and with a matching coffee-and-cream coloured interior, the FIAT Panda "by Barzelletta" makes clever use of the Panda's large dashboard cubby hole by featuring a built-in espresso maker and milk-frother so drivers can enjoy a variety of fresh, Italian coffees on the go.

By employing elements of Barzelletta's finest espresso machines; a special, filtered water container and the company's legendary espresso pods, delicious coffee of the highest standard can be quickly and easily made in the new FIAT Panda "by Barzelletta", while a small amount of milk is stored in a special refrigeration unit for those who prefer a frothy Cappuccino or refreshing Latte.

The new coffee-making feature is the brainchild of the development engineers who, while logging thousands of test kilometres in the new FIAT Panda, discovered that once outside Italy it was impossible to get a decent cup of coffee in roadside cafés and petrol stations, particularly late at night when a shot of strong coffee is most required. Barzelletta was approached by FIAT to create a portable espresso-maker which would fit into Panda's useful dashboard cubby and the integration was so successful it was eventually developed for production.

For safety reasons the unit is only operational when the vehicle is stationary and the pods and cups are stored in a special container integrated into the glovebox when not in use. The unit does not interfere with operation of the passenger airbag it only stores enough water and pods for six cups of coffee on the grounds that any more than this amount of caffeine could possibly lead to erratic driving behaviour.

The Fiat Panda "by Barzelletta" is the first model in a new line of more practical Fiat special editions that will aim to give customers more free time by allowing them to partake in activities which normally render them housebound whist on the move. Versions with, for example, integrated ironing boards, food processors and sewing machines are currently being developed while a new Fiat 500 featuring both a washing machine and a tumble drier, to be known as "TwinDrum", will debut shortly.