Fiat Panda is the legendary three- or five-door four-seater class A hatchback, produced by the Fiat concern since 1980. Since 2011, the third generation of the car has been produced, and according to tradition, from 2013 it is planned to release an all-wheel drive version of the Panda, which will replace the off-road version of the second generation.
The third generation Fiat Panda 4X4 was shown at the Paris Salon in October 2012. And now information has appeared that allows us to draw certain conclusions about the exterior, interior and technical characteristics of the new small SUV produced in Europe.
The exterior of the "all-wheel drive Panda" of the third generation, in general outline, practically does not differ from the version of a conventional hatchback - all the same body type, which allows the model to be attributed rather not to two-volume hatchbacks, but to three-volume minivans. Universalism and blurring of lines between classes can be seen in the design of the "Italian bear cub". The main difference is that to protect the body of the new off-road vehicle during its operation in difficult road conditions, the designers of Centro Stile Fiat have developed a "body kit" around the entire perimeter of the car.
In addition to the traditional colors that the 4x2 version has, the off-road "Italian bear" will have two unique body colors. The first is Toscana Green (metallic green). A car with this color looks like a Soviet army UAZ 469 ("Bobik") and is clearly designed for men. The second color is Sicilia Orange (pastel orange). This color is for women, bright, lively and cheerful, it attracts attention. We also note the presence of aluminum inserts that complement the overall picture.
The interior of the third generation Panda 4X4 is also practically the same as the mono-drive version. We only note the new green color in the interior decoration (for example, the green frame around the front panel), the presence of a large compartment for storing various small items. Also different is the fabric of the seats, which will be made in three versions (green, beige and orange). The doors are decorated with leather inserts.
Specifications. The main difference of this modification "4X4" from its predecessors and version "4x2" is the presence of the system "Torque on demand" (four-wheel drive on demand). This is a non-permanent all-wheel drive system used for the first time (plug-in all-wheel drive was used on the Panda 2 4X4 Climbing). Torque on demand is based on traction distribution and electronic differential lock simulation, has two differentials and electronic clutch control. In other words, the electronic control unit analyzes the vehicle signals and automatically distributes the traction force equally to the front and rear axles, or proportionally depending on the grip parameters.
The third generation SUV will be equipped with a six-speed manual transmission with a reduction gear.
For Fiat Panda 3 4x4, two types of engine are supposed to be used, which are also installed on the 4x2 version:
- The first engine is the well-proven petrol two-cylinder U-shaped TwinAir Turbo with a volume of 0.9 liters and a capacity of 85 "horses". A feature of this engine is the simultaneous movement of the pistons in one direction. Average fuel consumption is 4.5 liters per 100 kilometers.
- The second engine is a 1.3 MultiJet II diesel engine with a volume of 1.3 liters and a capacity of 75 "horses". This engine has been used on Fiat vehicles since the end of 2009, has a fixed turbine geometry, a particulate filter that is located in the immediate vicinity of the power plant. 1.3 The MultiJet II is fully compliant with Euro 5 standards.
Both engines are equipped with a Start / Stop system, which reduces engine speed when braking and driving at low speed, shifting the transmission to neutral.
The new Fiat Panda 4X4 will be fitted as standard with the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) active vehicle safety system in conjunction with the Electronic Locking Differential (ELD). Thanks to this, driving in difficult road conditions (snow, ice, mud and others) will be more comfortable and manageable. If traction is lost, ELD distributes traction to the wheels with the best traction. Moreover, the system works both in automatic mode and in manual mode, the button is located directly behind the gear lever. Note also that the ELD system operates at speeds below 50 km / h.
The car is supposed to be equipped with fifteen-inch alloy wheels, tire type - 175/65 R15 M + S.
Fiat Panda 3 in the 4x4 version is slightly higher than the 4x2 version and has the following parameters:
- length - 3680 mm;
- width - 1670 mm;
- height - 1600 mm;
- wheelbase - 2300 mm;
- the distance between the front wheels (front track) is 1410 mm;
- distance between rear wheels (rear track) - 1400 mm.
The suspension has two main functions here. The first function is to provide comfortable movement, as in the 2WD version, the second function is to provide increased cross-country ability in complete off-road conditions. Therefore, the front suspension is a classic independent MacPherson, the rear suspension is a torsion bar which has a higher specification than the semi-independent torsion beam rear suspension in the previous generation.
Of the additional equipment for the Panda 4x4, we note the presence of: climate control, an electric rear-view mirror, a central locking system with remote control and head restraints in the rear seat.
There is no specific information about the price of the new item and the trim levels of the new item.
