Fiat Panda 4X4 in Snow, High School TFL aspirations, TFL at the 2016 NAIAS [Ask Nathan]

2015 vw tiguarn awd | TFL Car Nathan Adlen

In this edition of Ask Nathan:

  • Fiat Panda 4X4 in Italian Snow!
  • I want to do what you do – still in high school.
  • What will TFL be up to at the 2016 NAIAS?

Today’s first question comes from an Italian fan who has personal experience with the Fiat Panda 4X4.

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Q: Hi Roman and Nathan ,

I love your YouTube channel, particularly the off road and snow tests. I live in the mountains of abruzzo in Italy and drive a couple of hours a day for 3 months a year to go skiing. The roads are often snowed out and they’re all twisty, steep alpine roads. The only cars that fly up and down the mountains around here are fiat panda 4×4’s. They’re everywhere and I got one a few years ago and love it. I’m sure there are many 4×4’s that can get up there but the bit I don’t often see in reviews is why it’s handy to have a light vehicle because what goes up in the snow must come down! (Without sliding down the mountain side). I’ve had a few premium SUVs over the years and spend much time butt-clenching, trying to stop 2 1/2 tons heading back down the mountain. The panda 4×4 is also less than than half the price of any other suv I’ve ever owned.

Anyway I couldn’t see a review on your site and thought it may be a good one for anyone looking for a cheap and super capable winter car. I don’t know if they sell them over there but Its the only car I use to get me to the slopes!

Regards and thanks for all the good work

Justin

Sent from my iPad

fiat panda old

A: Ciao Justin!

Great email and I totally agree with you, the Fiat Panda 4X4 is a terrific snow car. I’ve driven the first generation Fiat Panda 4X4 and fell in love with its scrappy nature. Sadly, the Fiat Panda 4X4 is not available in the United States. The closest thing we have to the Fiat Panda 4X4 is the Fiat 500X.

The Fiat 500X is not too shabby, but it’s a larger, more substantial vehicle.

Who knows? Maybe FCA will bring the Fiat Panda 4X4 to this market – but I’m not holding my breath.

Thanks for the great email!

N.

By the way, I played with the Fiat Panda 100 HP about ten years back and it was a blast to drive!

MMUSA Nathan and Roman
Nathan Adlen and Roman Mica

This next question comes from a senior in high school senior who wants to do what we do.

Q: Hello,

I am a senior in high school and love your videos. I was wondering if I could get some information on how to get into a job like this. I love cars and trucks. I love driving anything new. I was wondering if I could ask some questions on what your job title is and some other things. Thank you. Would be great if you could get back to me!

A: Howdy!

I won’t lie: this is a fantastic job. Pay sucks, hours are long and lots of people can be downright nasty to you, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. The thing is, it’s a lot of work to get to this point, if you follow Roman’s or my path.

My job title is Host and Senior Editor. Why? I’m a journalist who contributes to both of our websites and I host many episodes of TFLcar and TFLtruck.

You need to be proficient in everything that a journalist needs to excel. All of the basics have to be covered while you’re in school. Try working with a local rag to cut your teeth. Gain an editorial voice and review anything (blenders, clothing, skis – anything). Become a good blogger and, if video is your thing, take television journalism classes. Acting, improvisation and screenwriting can help too.

… and you must LOVE automobiles. Go to races, shows and special events. Drive everything you can. Lean about mechanical engineering, become DIY proficient, go to track days – and drive EVERYTHING you can!

Finally: never give up.

Hope this helps!

N


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The last question comes from a few fans who want to know what we’re up to at the 2016 NAIAS (Detroit Auto Show).

Q: (excerpts from various messages)
“Nate-man! what are you guys covering at the show!?”
“Guys, will you have time to meet fans at the NAIAS?”
“How important is the 2016 NAIAS to you guys?”
“Who’s attending the Detroit show from TFL?”

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A: Great questions guys!

Yes, TFLcar/TFLtruck is going to be at the 2016 NAIAS covering as much as we can. A majority of our team will be on the floor covering the show. The rest of the team will be writing, editing and holding down the fort. It’s a team effort.

As for meeting fans at the show; we would love to, but it’s difficult. We have to cover as much as we can in a short amount of time. Being that our coverage happens during the press days, very few fans can meet us as non-journalists have a hard time getting a credential to enter.

Still, if you see any of us, please say, “hi.” We may be in a hurry, but all of us would love to chat with you; even if it’s just for a moment!

Stay tuned for coverage of the 2016 NAIAS from TFLcar and TFLtruck!

N

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Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.

From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.

Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com


nathan adlen Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.