Chrysler’s partner in crime will be heading to next month’s Geneva Motor Show with the new Fiat Panda Cross, a styled up version of the Panda 4×4, in its hands.
The Cross model owes its more rugged looks to a new front end featuring plenty of plastic cladding and a skid plate in a satin titanium color, with the same materials used on the profile trims and the rear end of the car. Fiat also modified the tail lamps and added bigger roof rails and different 15-inch alloy wheels in a dark titanium finish.
There are no pictures of the interior yet, but Fiat tells us it revised the trim and colors, while also adding automatic climate control and the Blue&Me infotainment system with steering wheel controls.
The jacked up suspension works together with an ESC (Electronic Stability Control) system with ELD (Electronic Locking Differential) function, and standard all-wheel drive with a selector that allows the driver to choose from three different modes, including Auto, Lock (four-wheel drive always active), and Hill Descent.
According to Fiat, compared to the Panda 4×4, the Panda Cross boasts better approach and exit angles at 24 degrees and 33 degrees respectively.
Engine choices include an 80PS (79hp) 1.3-liter MultiJet II diesel and 90PS (89hp) 0.9-liter TwinAir two-cylinder turbo’d petrol, the latter with a specific 6-speed transmission with shortened first gear.
Sales of the new Panda Cross will begin in Europe later this year.
By John Halas
PHOTO GALLERY
