italiaspeed.com: Fiat Panda Cross

sophisticated IN-CAR TECHNOLOGY

The Panda Cross boasts features that until now were exclusive to higher segment cars. A trip on board the new model will reveal a passenger compartment that offers great living space in all situations and weather. This has been achieved, in part, by an electric sunroof and an automatic climate control system. And more. The original four wheel drive supermini offers state-of-the-art automatic devices to make driving less of a chore: from Dualdrive electric power steering to follow me home headlights that switch off after a delay. Customers can also equip their car with a Hi-Fi system and the sophisticated CONNECT Nav Plus system.
The Panda Cross sets a whole new quality benchmark for cars in this market band and takes the quality of on-board life and travel up to a new level.

Automatic climate control system

Interior climate is one of the main comfort factors during a trip and is also very important for safety because temperature, humidity and ventilation affect the driver's well-being and thus his or her level of alertness. And of course the heating and ventilation system is also responsible for demisting the windscreen and side windows.

For this reason, in addition to a conventional manual climate control system (standard), the Panda Cross also comes with a sophisticated climate control system that automatically controls temperature, air flow, air distribution, compressor activation and recirculation by means of an electronic control unit. The quality of air reaching the inside of the car is improved by a filter that traps particles measuring more than 0.5 microns and pollen (that could cause allergies). The system also implements an equivalent temperature climate control strategy. Certain sensors record internal and external temperature and assess the sensation of thermal well-being experienced by passengers, i.e. the energy exchange between human body and passenger compartment that is affected by humidity, temperature and treated air flow. All these parameters are monitored continuously and used to update distribution, ventilation and mixing automatically. Air temperature and fan speed are therefore adjusted to ensure passengers experience the desired sensation of thermal well-being (achieved by setting the required temperature). The system may be adjusted to one of five set combinations to allow air taken into the car to reach all areas of the passenger compartment. The possibility of altering interior temperature gradually, half a degree at a time, makes for outstanding climatic comfort. The knob can be used to adjust temperature through 16°C. Manual choices always over-ride automatic settings. They are also indicated by deactivation of the Auto led and stored until the user cancels the command. Each time the system is turned on, it returns to the conditions saved upon deactivation, except for the 'MAX DEF' function, which is zeroed. The entire system can also be turned off manually to deactivate the air conditioning system fully.

Radio and Hi-Fi system

The Panda Cross's sound system is particularly alluring. The three types of radio and a CD-changer on offer are all made by Blaupunkt. The radios were designed in conjunction with the German company, a world leader in the sector and all share the same carefully developed sound system. The system has been analysed and adjusted to the passenger compartment and is available in two versions according to the radio installed.

The first system comes with four sound channels and four full-range speakers (two 40 Watt and two 35 Watt). The second offers sophisticated engineering and is ideal for those who seek a top of the range Hi-Fi system. It comprises six speakers (2 mid-woofers, 2 tweeters and 2 full-range, all 40 Watt) and a sub-woofer complete with an amplifier with one 100 Watt output channel. The three radios are integral with the design of the dashboard and laid out in user-friendly fashion. The radios are located on the upper part of the facia (the correct arrangement for the driver) and are also within easy reach of the passenger. They also offer RDS (Radio Data System) and TA (traffic announcement) functions. The radios are also fitted with a useful device that ensures the radio is turned on at the volume setting active when it was turned off.

The difference between the three levels lies in the player. The first plays tapes and offers autoreverse and a Dolby B noise reduction system. The second radio plays CDs (individual) while the third level package adds an MP3 file player. All come with a mechanism to adjust volume to vehicle speed. If it is connected to a handsfree kit, the radio deactivates automatically (mute position) when the GSM phone rings. In this case, a Phone-in function also allows calls to be transferred from a mobile phone (with a handsfree control unit) to the speakers via the radio.

Radios with CD players are protected against theft due to a communication link with the electronic unit that manages the electrical system (body computer). This is how it works: when the radio is turned on, the body computer reads the radio safety code (four-figure) and activates it only if the numerical sequence is recognised. This makes the device unusable on any car (unless fitted with the same device). The radio with tape player is also protected against theft by a personal secret code. Lastly, the customer may also fit a multiple CD changer (up to five CDs) in the glove compartment that can be controlled by the radio keys.

Sky Dome sunroof

The Panda Cross may be fitted with a large glass sunroof (Sky Dome) that represents a first for this segment and offers a new way of experiencing car travel. The latest-generation device occupies nearly 70 percent of the roof and consists of two glazed panels (one fixed and one mobile) and two sunblinds that run independently towards the rear of the car.