2014 Fiat Panda Cross is will be brand's entry to make a world debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 4th of March. The vehicle was built on the successful formula of the Panda 4X4 but will offer even more all-terrain capability.

The latter will be ensured by the introduction of a host of new features, better performance and improved ground clearance. Key new element is the standard ‘Torque-on-Demand' transmission system, which uses Panda's Electronic Locking Differential (ELD) and advanced Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems. Both, they operate engine's torque delivery in difficult driving conditions.

Moreover, this system is fully automatic and requires zero maintenance. It is controlled by the new Terrain Control selector, which has three driving modes: Auto, that automatically distributes drive between the front and rear axles; Lock, where the 4WD serves for off-road utilization at speeds of up to 30mph, with distribution of torque controlled by braking slipping wheels; and Hill Descent, which is used for optimum handling of particularly steep hill descents or when driving down extremely bumpy laneways.

Adding to the new equipment are the oversized all-season 185/65R15 tyres, which were developed specifically to combine drivability and traction in low-traction situations. Furthermore, the suspension of the new Panda Cross has been optimized in order to provide more comfort, better handling, road-holding and safety. An independent MacPherson suspension is employed at the front while a torsion beam layout has been developed for the rear.

What is more, the ground clearance here got bigger. It is 16 cm for the MultiJet II version and 15 cm for the TwinAir Turbo version. The two engines will have as a standard a Start&Stop function. To go even further into details, the new 0.9 TwinAir Turbo engine produces 90 hp (66 kW) at 5,500 rpm and 145Nm (107 lb ft) of torque between 1,900rpm and 3,000rpm. Its figures are estimated at 57.6 mpg fuel consumption and 14g/km CO2 emissions, when the vehicle is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

The second powertrain - 1.3 MultiJet II turbo-diesel, will offer its driver 80 hp (59 kW) at 4,000rpm and 190Nm (140 lb ft) of torque at just 1,500 rpm. On the combined cycle this unit returns 60.1mpg and 125g/km CO2 emissions.

In terms of exterior design, the front end of the new Panda features new light clusters, new bumper and new fog lights integrated into front facia. New LED DRLs are mounted into the skid plate. The latter is finished in a satin titanium colour with perforations. At the sides one can see wheel arch extensions, side mouldings with the ‘Cross' logo and new roof bars with a satin titanium finish. The rear end has been also refined and now sports a new bumper with under-body protection, new rear light cluster and a chrome tail pipe.

The interior of 2014 Panda Cross gets unique fabric/eco-leather upholstery and a new dashboard finish with a distinctive copper fascia. The standard equipment here includes a leather-trimmed steering wheel with remote controls, leather-trimmed gear knob, automatic climate control, Blue&Me connectivity, electric door mirrors, height-adjustable driver's seat and Terrain Control selector. Available option is the City Brake Control, which recognizes the presence of other vehicles or obstacles in front of the car, and brakes automatically.

Fiat Panda Cross (2014)
Fiat Panda Cross (2014) - picture 1 of 2
Fiat Panda Cross (2014) - picture 2 of 2

Source: Fiat