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World Debut for Fiat Panda Cross in Geneva

In case you ever wanted a small, budged car for your family that you can also take off-roading, Fiat just unveiled the perfect car for you, the Panda Cross.
Fiat Panda Cross 9 photos
Photo: Stefan Baldauf / Robert Kah
Fiat Panda Cross World Debut in GenevaFiat Panda Cross World Debut in GenevaFiat Panda Cross World Debut in GenevaFiat Panda Cross World Debut in GenevaFiat Panda Cross World Debut in GenevaFiat Panda Cross World Debut in GenevaFiat Panda Cross World Debut in GenevaFiat Panda Cross World Debut in Geneva
You’ll instantly recognize this ‘beauty’ by its distinctive style and compact size, making it look as weird as possible, similar to some of the experiments the world’s superpowers used to do during the Cold War, searching for the best tool to surprise their made-up enemies.

Therefore, despite being a small Panda underneath, the ground clearance would fool anyone that didn’t read the badges on the car. However, that’s not the only feature that justifies the ‘Cross’ nomenclature.

The front end features a new bumper with a big skid plate and tow hooks both up front and around the back for those sticky situations you might encounter off road. On the sides, the enhanced wheel arches are noticeable and stand out immediately while the 15” rims have a new design with a brushed metal finish.

Round the back, the new bumper makes you forget all about the original Panda, with a new design and finish that matches the front. Of course, the taillights and tail pipe design was changed too.

However, the car doesn’t only look good but also has the technology to recommend it for any kind of situation, both on and off road, at least according to Fiat. There are 2 engines available, a 1.3-liter MultiJet II 80 HP diesel unit and a 90 HP 0.9-liter TwinAir Turbo 2-cylinder unit, both compatible with a 6-speed transmission that has a very short first gear.

The aforementioned box then takes the power to the all-wheel-drive system that has torque on demand technology and an electronic locking differential that constantly analyzes the road and distributes traction to the front and rear wheels for optimum performance.

To show that it means business, the Cross version offers you a choice of three driving modes: Auto, Lock and Hill Descent, all of them pretty much self explanatory.

With a locking differential, front and rear bumpers, suspension, driving modes and 16 cm ground clearance the new car is capable of attacking pretty steep roads with up to 24° (approach), 33° (departure), 20° (ramp breakover) and 31.5° (70%) of climbable gradient, better numbers than the 4x4 Panda.

Standard equipment for the Cross includes automatic climate control, 15” alloy wheels, electric mirrors, central locking, fog lights, leather steering wheel and gear knob, ESC with ELD and many others. However, you can also indulge yourself in plenty of optional features and equipment to create your own, personalized car.
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