It combines the off-road prowess of an SUV with the small dimensions of a city car and it made its world debut earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show. We're talking about the Fiat Panda Cross, which will hit Euro showrooms this September "with a price which is half that of the best-selling SUV in Europe."
First of all, the Cross is equipped with a "torque on demand" all-wheel drive system consisting of two differentials and one electronically controlled coupling. This permanent AWD system is handled by an electronic control unit which analyzes vehicle and driver input, thus distributing traction on the front and rear axles homogeneously, according to driving conditions.
The advantages of such a system include fully automatic operation and zero maintenance. Moreover, off-road enthusiasts have the possibility of selecting no less than three driving modes from a dial on the center console: Auto for normal road use, Off-Road and Hill Descent Control. The multiple-clutch joint with electro-hydraulic control transfers up to 900 Nm of torque to the rear axle in just one tenth of a second.
Measuring 370 centimeters in length and 166 centimeters in both height and width, the all-new Fiat Panda Cross comes with seating for five and a boot that boasts 225 liters of storage capacity. Available with either a 0.9-liter TwinAir turbo petrol delivering 90 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque or a 1.3-liter MultiJet turbo diesel with 80 horses and 190 Nm at its disposal, the funky Fiat model is pretty frugal as well. However, be aware that the gasoline version boasts a 161-mm ground clearance, while the oil burner sports a little less at 155 millimeters.
Compared to the Fiat Panda 4×4, the cheeky Cross version boasts better approach and departure angles (24 and 34 degrees, respectively) as well as a 1 degree better ramp angle. The peppy 0.9-liter turbo petrol powerplant is offered as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox with a very short 1st gear for added off-road capability.
Fiat fitted the Panda Cross with automatic climate control, CD/MP3 audio system with Blue&Me and steering wheel controls, 15-inch burnished alloy wheels, heated door mirrors with electric control, central locking, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob and electronic stability control as standard. For those that want more kit, you can opt for a satelitte navigation, heated windscreen and the City Brake Control system, among others.
Exclusive Mopar-branded services and accessories are also available, numbering more than 70 specially designed bits and bobs for the Fiat Panda Cross, including a "personality" interior kit and bicycle holder. Except the for Pastel Sole Yellow hue you can admire in the gallery below, the brand new model can also be had in Pastel Passione Red, Pastel Cappuccino Beige, Pastel Gelato White, Pastel Cinema Black and Metallic Toscana Green.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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