The Fiat Panda is already available with four-wheel drive, but from January 2006 the compact SUV will get an off-road body kit to match. The Panda Cross, as the newcomer is dubbed, will be priced at around €16,750.

For around €3,000 more than the entry-level petrol model of the Panda 4x4, the Panda Cross SUV will come equipped with plastic cladding on the flanks, new off-road bumpers with sump guards and integrated spotlights, a roof rack and rugged roof detailing. Standard equipment will include four airbags, air-conditioning, Dualdrive electrical power steering, electric windows, central locking, electrically adjustable mirrors, leather steering wheel, ABS, EBD, MSR (anti-slip control on deceleration), 15 inch alloy wheels with 175/65 tyres and a CD-radio.

The new Panda Cross will exclusively be available with the 1.3 litre Multijet Euro 4 diesel engine, which delivers 70 bhp (51 kW) at 4000 rpm and peak torque of 14.8 kgm (145 Nm) at 1500 rpm. Fitted with a 5-speed gearbox, the Cross Panda sprints to 100 km/h in 18 seconds and reaches a top speed of 150 km/h. The combined fuel cycle is 5.3 litres / 100 km.

Under the skin, the power is supplied through a permanent four-wheel drive system with a viscous joint and two differentials which kicks in automatically when it is needed, getting the car easily out of any trouble.  However, under normal conditions 98% of the power is delivered to the front wheels. For added traction, an electronic differential lock can be activated at speeds below 30 km/h.
 

The Panda Cross is an extraordinary 'explorer' which is quite at ease on rough, difficult terrain, borne out by its 'ramp angle' values in standard A. First of all, the 'approach' angle, which measures the maximum front angle that an off-roader can negotiate without touching the ground with the bodywork. The second is the 'departure' angle, which is the highest gradient negotiable in reverse, starting from a horizontal plane. The last is the 'camber' angle. i.e. the largest angle that a triangular (isosceles) camber can have before the car touches underneath. The Climbing outfit of the new model achieves the following values: 24° (front), 42° (rear) e 24° (camber), which become 26°, 44° and 23° respectively on the Panda 4x4 outfit. The maximum gradient negotiable is 55% (in standard B, starting on a slope) and 65% (in standard B starting from a level surface).

The four-wheel drive super-mini is extremely comfortable on the road thanks to the specially calibrated, well tested suspension system. There is an independent MacPherson system at the front with transverse lower wishbones anchored to an auxiliary crossbeam and a stabiliser bar connected to the damper. The rear suspension is also of the independent type, with longitudinal trailing arms connected to the subframe with a stabiliser bar. The Panda Cross has a strong personality, offering a fun vehicle for the growing number of people who love adventure and life in the open air. The new baby SUV from Fiat will make its public debut at next week’s Bologna Motor Show.