Fiat has announced three new Panda derivatives, each of which will be revealed at the Paris motor show in late September.
The first new variant is the Panda 4×4, which as the name suggests is a true off-roader, not a front-wheel drive car with electronic activation of a driven rear axle. Two previous generations of the Panda 4×4 have been handy money-spinners for Fiat, with buyers more than willing to pay a premium price for what was effectively a go-anywhere tiny SUV.
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The third generation Panda 4×4, the only A segment four-wheel drive model, Fiat notes, is 368cm long, 167cm wide and 160cm high. The company’s stylists have added new bumpers which have aluminium inserts ‘to underline the presence of metallic protection under the body’, a statement from Fiat says.
Inside there is a new green fascia framing the instruments and the large storage pocket, fabric seats with a special design in three colour variations (green, beige, orange) and so-called ‘eco-leather’ detailing. And while there were already 14 storage compartments in the Panda, the 4×4 features a high console over the central tunnel with another compartment attached to it.
The transmission has two differentials and electronically controlled coupling. This permanent four-wheel drive system is managed by an electronic control unit. The ECU distributes traction to the front and rear axles proportionally according to road grip conditions. The system is automatic and requires no maintenance.
Depending on the market, two engines are to be available for the 4×4, and both come with Start&Stop: a two-cylinder 85hp 875cc TwinAir Turbo and a four-cylinder 75hp 1,248cc MultiJet II turbodiesel. A special six-speed gearbox with low-range first gear is said to allow easy uphill starts on damp roads or tracks.
The second of the three new Pandas for Paris is the Natural Power. This one runs on either methane or petrol and should be just as successful in the Italian market as other Natural Power Fiat models have been for some years now. The engine is an 80hp version of the 875cc TwinAir Turbo.
Finally, the Panda Trekking. For those who want most of the looks of the 4×4 but with drive to the front-wheels only, this is their Panda. The Trekking is fitted with what Fiat terms ‘Traction+’ technology, an anti-wheelspin system.
Author: Glenn Brooks
