New Fiat Panda 4×4 at the Paris Motor Show

12 Sep 2012

Fiat Panda 4×4 at 2012 Paris Motor Show

The new Fiat Panda 4×4 – the only four-wheel drive model in the A segment – will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show, with MultiJet II diesel and TwinAir Turbo engine options.

The new Panda 4×4 is equipped with a torque-on-demand transmission system with two differentials and an electronically controlled coupling. This is a permanent four-wheel drive system managed by an electronic control unit which, by analysing vehicle signals, distributes traction on the front and rear axle homogenously and proportionally according to road grip conditions. The advantages of this system are that it is entirely automatic in operation and requires no maintenance.

The Panda 4×4 features an ESC (Electronic Stability Control) system with an ELD (Electronic Locking Differential) function as standard. This system provides additional assistance while driving and setting-off uphill on slippery terrain (snow, ice, mud etc.). More specifically, the ELD acts by braking the wheels with poor grip (or those slipping more than the others), thereby transferring the drive force to those which have more grip on the ground. This function can be activated manually by pressing a button behind the gear lever and operates below 30mph.

Two engine versions of the Fiat Panda 4×4 will become available, both with Start&Stop: the new 85 HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo and the 75 HP 1.3 MultiJet II diesel. Compared with the 1.2 Fire of the previous generation, the TwinAir Turbo has 40% more torque. In combination with a special six-speed gearbox with low-range first gear, it ensures better uphill starts, flexibility and pick-up. A similar improvement is found on the MultiJet II engine.

Standard equipment includes: ESC with ELD, manual climate control system, CD/MP3 radio, 15″ burnished alloy rims, 175/65 R15 M+S tyres, electric rear view mirrors, central locking system with remote control and rear head restraints.

Two important new Panda family members will be making their debut in Paris: the Trekking and Natural Power versions. The first provides the link between 4×2 and 4×4 versions; combining off-road looks with smart front-wheel drive by implementing Traction+ technology. This is an innovative traction control system, which improves handling on slippery terrain, guaranteeing excellent performance when setting-off.

There is also the new Panda Natural Power equipped with a dual fuel (methane and petrol) 80 HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo engine to combine all the low running costs and eco-friendly advantages of methane with Turbo TwinAir technology for excellent fuel consumption, low emissions and good performance.