Fiat will be debuting its Panda 4×4 at the upcoming Paris Motor Show. With plastic body cladding, underbody protection and a 4×4 drivetrain this Panda (dubbed super Panda) claims to be the only 4WD vehicle in its segment.
In order to give the Panda a rugged, mini-SUV look, Fiat has equipped this model with plastic body cladding, underbody protection and rugged-looking aluminium accents. The bulky appearance is also aided by the raised ride height. This little 4×4 is 3 680 mm long, 1 670 mm wide and 1 600 mm high.
The interior of the Panda 4×4 is similar to that of the standard Panda, but it has distinguishing features such as a new green fascia finish that frames the instruments, fabric seats with a special design in three colour variants (green, beige and orange) and eco-leather details, front and rear door panels also with eco-leather inserts and a high console over the drivetrain tunnel which adds a further storage compartment.
For this model Fiat has made use of a “torque on demand” four-wheel drive system and ELD (Electronic Locking Differential) transmission with two differentials and electronically controlled coupling. According to Fiat, “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”.
The European market will have the option of two engines – a 63 kW 0,9-litre TwinAir Turbo and a 1,3-litre MultiJet II diesel that has a maximum output of 55 kW. Both come mated with a six speed transmission.
When we asked Fiat if the Panda 4×4 will be available locally, Fiat SA let us know that it is currently under consideration.
“As production for the right-hand drive markets outside EU area only start later this year for the normal versions, and early 2013 for the 4×4 version if we were to approve the introduction of the new Panda to South Africa, it would only be in 2013,” said Scott Seed, product strategy manager for Fiat Group Autombiles South Africa.
