The car can overcome any difficulty with its small size and four wheel drive (4x4 system with viscous coupling) and its locking differential (a feature more typical of higher segments that ensures the optimum division of drive torque to the wheels with the best grip on the ground). Apart from all this, it is small enough to go anywhere you want: the car measures 358 cm long, 161 cm wide, 164 cm tall with a wheelbase of 230 cm.

Inside, FIAT Panda Cross offers a distinctive, sophisticated interior that benefits from special fabric trims in three 'b-colore' colour schemes: sand/black, sand/green and orange/black. The new 4x4 version also retains the big luggage capacity that has always been one of the strengths of this model. With the one-piece or split rear seat folded down, the space increases from a minimum of 200 to a maximum of 855 dm3 (measured to the roof). If the rear seat is split and also slides, the figures are 230 dm3 (with the seat fully forward) and 780 dm3 respectively.

The suspension layout adopted on the Panda Cross ensures great handling and driving comfort. The front system is a MacPherson configuration while the rear suspension features interconnected wheels (i.e. semi-independent) with a torsion beam. The Panda Cross is fitted as standard with 15" alloys and 175/65R15 tyres, again to achieve a better balance between handling and comfort.

Apart from driving satisfaction, a Fiat must also offer on-board well-being. And that means surrounding the driver and passenger with technologies that ensure the very highest comfort standards. Hence the need to make the interior environment into a cosseting, enveloping living area: FIAT Panda Cross therefore offers as standard a remote control unit, Dualdrive electric steering, electric mirrors, leather steering wheel, passenger seat with a pouch on the seat back and a compartment under the seat, electric windows, height-adjustable driver's seat and adjustable steering wheel. Not to mention the fact that the new version offers features that are absolutely unique for this segment, e.g. the revolutionary 70 bhp 1.3 Multijet engine and an electronic differential lock with Locking Differential function. A long list of options and accessories is also available to express the taste and personality of any customer to the full: for example, you could choose to equip your car with the sophisticated infotelematic system CONNECT Nav Plus, an automatic climate control system and a Sky Dome electric sunroof.

The new version offers an outstanding braking system that guarantees prompt, progressive braking and short stopping distances. The ventilated front discs measure 257x22 mm while the solid rear discs measure 240x11 mm. The Panda Cross offers as standard ABS with EBD complete with an antislip function during deceleration (MSR). As far as passive safety is concerned, the Cross version is equipped with a double airbag at the front and rear head-restraints. Foglights and a headlight washing system are also available for a higher level of preventive safety to meet off-road driving needs.

A Panda Cross equipped with the 70 bhp 1.3 16v Multijet unit combined with a 5-speed manual gearbox can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 18 seconds and reach a top speed of 150 km/h. The outstanding torque, even at low speeds, and good fuel economy (5.3 l per 100 km over a combined route) ensure an outstanding performance fuel consumption ratio.



The exclusive Panda Monster

FIAT Panda Monster, derived from the 4x4 version and aimed at young and exclusive customers, is the outcome of a joint venture between two companies that are bywords for Italian flair and Italian automotive experience on an international stage: Fiat and Ducati. This Special Series is available in a limited, numbered edition (695 vehicles) that features a design inspired by the new Ducati Monster 695 motorbike that had its world premiere in February at the Paris Motor Show.

The special version is equipped with the lively 70 bhp 1.3 Multijet engine and a host of creature comforts: including an automatic climate control system, a Bluetooth handsfree system, radio with CD and MP3 file player.

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