What's the news?
Fiat is set to unveil its new Panda 4x4 model at the Paris Motor Show in September. The Panda 4x4 is still the only all-wheel drive vehicle in the city car segment, 30 years after the original version was released.
Exterior
The Panda 4x4 sports some styling differences from the two-wheel drive version. New bumpers include metal-effect inserts and the doors now feature scratch-resistant black panelling complete with '4x4' logos. Uniquely styled 15-inch alloy wheels nestle beneath extended wheel arches and the whole body now sits higher than in standard guise. Two new colours are also on offer - 'Sicilia' orange and 'Toscana' metallic green.
Interior
On the whole, the interior is expected to match that of the standard Panda; albeit with a few minor differences. Firstly, the two new exclusive colours come with matching interior trim panels to complement the exterior styling. The remainder of the changes are all performance and 4x4 related items. The Panda 4x4 TwinAir Turbo model now comes with a low-range for its six-speed manual gearbox and all versions come with an ELD (Electronic Locking Differential) button on the dashboard.
Mechanicals
From launch, the 4x4 model will come with two engines; the 85hp TwinAir petrol unit and the 1.3-litre MultiJet II turbodiesel. Both of these motors come with stop-start as standard and all models are equipped with ESC and ELD. During normal driving conditions, the Panda 4x4 is powered by the front wheels only to improve fuel economy and emissions. When sensors detect one or more wheels slipping, torque is immediately sent to the rear. The raised ride height is coupled with under-body protection as standard.
Anything else?
Fiat's 4x4 line-up is set to double shortly with a 500L-based crossover, to be called either the 500X or the 500xL.