Fiat Panda 4x4 to make debut at Paris

[Wimbledon]

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/pa...ke-debut-paris

Toscana Green one of two new paint options unique to Panda 4x4

Fiat will launch three new variants of its Panda city car at September's Motor Show. Of greatest significance is the Panda 4x4, of which this will be the third generation offered by Fiat since te original's launch in 1982.

Fiat claims to have made significant improvements to both the on- and off-road capabilities of the new Panda 4x4. It's permanent 4WD is managed by a "Torque on demand" transmission with two differentials and electronically controlled coupling. Combined with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and an Electronic Locking Differential (ELC), which improves traction by directing power away from the wheels losing surface contact, the Panda 4x4 should again be a competent off-road tool. Its compact dimensions should also aid its mud-plugging talents.

Suspension for the Panda 4x4 is now by a MacPherson set up at the front and a torsion beam arrangement at the rear. The latter replaces the semi-trailing arms of the previous Panda 4x4 which maintains the off-road performance of the last car whilst also reducing weight and increasing on-road refinement.

The Panda 4x4 will be available with two engines; a 84bhp, turbocharged 875cc TwinAir petrol and a 74bhp, 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel. The former boasts 40 per cent more torque than the 1.2-litre Fire perviously used. This should again assist off-road when combined with the low-range first ratio of the six-speed manual gearbox.

Inside, the Panda 4x4 features a distinctive green fascia and three colour options (green, beige or orange) for the seats. 'Eco-leather' can be found throughout the interior.

Two unique exterior paint options, Sicilia Orange and Toscana Green, will be offered on the Panda 4x4. Fiat says the new hues 'enhance its 4x4 looks'.

The Panda Trekking and Natural Power models will also be exhibited by Fiat at Paris. The former is front wheel-drive but imitates the looks of the 4x4 and comes equipped with Traction+ technology to improve its performance on low-traction surfaces. The Natural Power Panda features a TwinAir engine that runs on a dual fuel combination of methane and petrol, further boosting its environmental credentials.

[crosshare]

no

[leaftye]

I think it looks acceptable. I like the diesel option. I bet it'll be very well priced too. Of course I'm sure the kicker is that it won't be available in the U.S.

[LordBass]

A bit busy, but I really like this. CAR Magazine (UK) raves up and down about how great the TwinAir is. Sounds like a hoot.

[Aonarch]

Do like.

James May would be all over this.

[Lwize]

Bring it to the US as a companion to the 500.

[Woodski]

love it

[J-Tim]

Do like.

James May would be all over this.

Beat me to it!

[MrRoboto]

EVO gave the Twinair version five stars. Not bad.

[Iroczgirl]

I still prefer the original boxy one. But Panda 4x4's are cool!

[Turbio!]

The problem with this is that it's an A-segment car - or, in other words, really, really small. It's smaller than a Yaris or Rio. It's an odd and very Euro sort of segment. I'm not sure there's a niche for something that small with offroad capability here.

It'd be AWESOME if Fiat took on the Countryman, Soul, and Juke with something that used similar mechanicals to this, but was based on the Punto.

[mx5er]

So is Fiat gonna continue selling this?



Or the size between the two is significant so the two can co-exist.

[westy66]

i was at a Fiat dealer last month driving an Abarth and the salesman told me a small suv was coming.

[mx5er]

i was at a Fiat dealer last month driving an Abarth and the salesman told me a small suv was coming.

He or she was probably referring to this:

[forewheel]

I like it! Looks like a fun platform to do some mods to, like a little more lift, some BFGs, off road lights, and maybe a roof basket or something.

[alleghenyman]

Reminds me of the old Suzuki Sidekick that I loved (don't knock it til you try it). This and the twin air would be the perfect cheap outdoorsy car.

[wheeltowheel]

[-teknien-]

there is a new 4x4 jeep that will be based off the panda 4x4 in the future!

[George Knighton]

no

Ya never know!

:-)

[Inspector Detector]

I wonder how many MPG the 875cc engine will get? The extra 4wd pork will lower the figure.

[jpr]

bring it to the states with a diesel engine and make it 15k, i will buy 2. one for me and one for her

[Woodski]

The problem with this is that it's an A-segment car - or, in other words, really, really small. It's smaller than a Yaris or Rio. It's an odd and very Euro sort of segment. I'm not sure there's a niche for something that small with offroad capability here.

It'd be AWESOME if Fiat took on the Countryman, Soul, and Juke with something that used similar mechanicals to this, but was based on the Punto.

The MINI and 500 are A-Segment cars and are doing really well.