New Fiat Panda 4X4 to Debut at Paris Motor Show

The all new Fiat Panda 4x4 is all set to make its its debut at the upcoming international Paris Motor Show. The successor to a best-seller which first appeared almost 30 years ago, today's third-generation four-wheel drive Panda is a perfect interpretation of the spirit of the times, proving itself able to unite consolidated off-road capabilities with a refined design and compact, efficient architecture.

Being a 4x4, it becomes as good at off-roads as it runs on urban tracks, that has been the reason why they called it “Super Panda”. In addition to standard equipment able to satisfy the most demanding of customers, from a technical point of view, the new Panda 4x4 improves itself once again and reasserts its admirable capacity to compete with off-road cars of much greater dimensions (as well as much higher prices).

Style and dimensions

With five doors, the car is 368 centimetres long, 167 centimetres wide and 160 centimetres high. The wheelbase is 230 centimetres long. It has a front track of 141 centimetres and a rear track of 140. Looks are strongly characterised by the marked geometric lines of the front and rear bumpers with aluminium colour cosmetic inserts to underline the presence of metallic protection under the body. Unlike the previous generation, the tailpipes of the new Panda 4x4 seamlessly follow the lines of the body and ensure complete protection for the lower part of the car. Two body colours now complement the existing colour palette to enhance its 4x4 looks: Sicilia orange (pastel) and Toscana green (metallic).

The interiors pick up the solutions adopted on 4x2 versions with some important innovations: a new green fascia variant framing the instruments and the large storage pocket, fabric seats with a special design in three colour variant (green, beige, orange) and eco-leather details, front and rear door panels also with eco-leather inserts and finally a high console over the central tunnel which adds a further storage compartment to the 14 already present on 4x2 versions.

"Torque on demand" four-wheel drive and ELD (Electronic Locking Differential) function The Panda 4x4 is equipped with a "Torque on demand" transmission system with two differentials and electronically controlled coupling. This is a permanent four-wheel drive system managed by an electronic control unit which, by analysing vehicle signals, distributes traction on the front and rear axle homogenously and proportionally according to road grip conditions.

Engine versions

Two engine versions for the Fiat Panda 4x4 will be available, both with Start&Stop: the new 85bhp 0.9 TwinAir Turbo and the 75bhp 1.3 MultiJet II diesel. With respect to the 1.2 Fire of the previous generation, the TwinAir Turbo has 40% more torque. This in combination with the special six-speed gearbox with low-range first gear ensures much better uphill starts, quality when starting, flexibility and pick-up. A similar improvement is found on the MultiJet II engine, where torque is increased by 30%.

Suspension

The suspension system of an all-wheel drive car has two main tasks to fulfil. It must ensure all typically 2WD features such as passenger comfort, handling, road hold and safety, and at the same time it must provide better characteristics for tackling any type of terrain, particularly off-road.  Engineers worked on these parameters to reach both objectives. Levels of absolute excellence have been reached with a particular eye to comfort and off-road performance. For this reason, two tried and tested layouts were chosen: an independent MacPherson arrangement at the front and an interconnected wheel with torsion beam layout at the rear, specifically developed for the four-wheel drive version. With respect to the semi-trailing arm solution of the previous generation, the rear suspension is lighter and provides better ride and acoustic comfort with the same off-road performance as before.

Read More on : Fiat Panda detailed review