Italian style and the desire to get away
 

The new version of the Fiat Panda 4x4 supermini is designed for younger customers who are going places and succeeds in combining a fresh, up-to-date look with typical off-road stylistic traits. The design features clean-cut lines with great attention to detail, all in the best Italian style tradition. The new Panda Cross also adds an extra touch of personality to the standard off-road virtues: i.e. the look of a solid, reassuring car that is much bigger inside than you would expect.

Other features include the mouldings and bars that accentuate the car's appearance of a small off-road city car. The all-terrain look is reinforced by the driver's high sitting position in relation to the ground, bumpers, (front and rear) complete with protective shields, big side strips matched by special wing strips and the under engine guard. Last but not least, customers can choose any one of eleven shades for their own Panda Cross: Narciso Orange (non metallic), Spumeggiante Beige, Edonista Green (metallic) and Cattivo Black (non-standard).

This highly appealing car follows the strong, prevailing market trends yet remains consistent with Fiat's history and mission. The new small car is very compact but offers a surprising amount of interior room. Although it is only 358 centimetres high, 161 cm wide and 164 cm high, the Panda Cross can comfortably accommodate four. It boasts one of the roomiest luggage compartments in its segment (200 litres that can be expanded to 230 due to a sliding rear seat) and one of the best overall passenger room coefficients in its segment (68%).
 

From original exterior styling to new interior design: despite its small size, once you climb aboard the Panda Cross you will be amazed by the size of its passenger compartment and interior space. And more. The high driving position and oceans of glass with rear quarter lights allow you full mastery of the road. The cockpit is made even more comfortable by a user-friendly instrument and control layout, good legroom and loads of headroom. The up-to-date, appealing facia design is also pleasing and practical. Suffice it to say that all the controls are within easy reach on the central console: the gearlever on the lower part assures outstanding manoeuvrability in complete safety. The heater controls are arranged in the middle close to original-looking round outlets. The radio is built into the upper part and offers exceptional visibility without distracting you from the road. The look of the facia differs from that of the other Panda versions because it is black to suit the car's nature. The ventilation outlets and climate control system controls are metallic in colour.

The door panel design also blends into that of the facia and offers a mix of practical features and good looks. Examples include: an original cloth-trimmed panel, a convenient armrest with handle and a roomy oddment pouch lower down. The seats are also very comfortable. This is partly due to their excellent lateral containment, a feature particularly appreciated by those who prefer a sporty drive. A surprisingly wide rear seat and ample available space combine to create a very comfortable environment for rear passengers as well. The possibility of folding the rear seat backrest makes for a load compartment of considerable size - aided by the upright position of the tailgate. The passenger compartment design is complemented by a rectangular luggage compartment that is large and easy to use despite the exterior supermini shape.

The Panda Cross's body-colours are matched on the inside by brand-new bright trim shades that are better quality than anything offered by the competition in this category. It all adds up to a cheery environment that is made even more stylish by the colour contrast between the controls (darker in colour) and the well-proportioned surfaces. The interior trim, all in the same cloth, is available in three two-tone shades: sand/black, sand/green and orange/black.