Fiat Enters Compact SUV Market with Panda 4X4

FiatFiatItaly, 1899 > present159 models
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is jumping into the compact SUV market with the new Panda 4X4Fiat Panda 4x4 0.9 TwinAi...Italy, 2012 > present4 photos
that will debut at the Paris Motor Show on September 27.

The Panda 4X4 is obviously based on the new PandaFiat Panda Gen.3Italy, 2011 > present24 versions
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and shares the same basic dimensions. To set the car apart other than its taller ride height, Fiat added new front and rear bumpers with aluminum trim and underbody protection. Fiat also added two new body colors to the range: Sicilia Orange and Toscana Green.

The interior is also based on the standard Panda but with new green instrument trim. It is available in three colors green, beige or orange. Fiat also added more storage pockets to the interior. 

The Panda 4X4 uses an all-wheel drive system with an electronic locking differential. It views the signals from the road and distributes traction as necessary. Fiat says that the system requires no maintenance. The system can be forced to send power to all wheels below 50km/h by pressing a button behind the gear lever. Fiat has also lightened the rear suspension over the previous generation for better ride and less interior noise. 

The crossover will be available with two engines at release, and both will have start/stop. The 900cc TwinAir Turbo with 85hp and 1.3-liter MultiJet II 75hp diesel are the engine options. Both use a six-speed transmission. 

Fiat will also offer a version of the 900cc TwinAir Turbo with 80hp that is fueled by methane and gasoline.