2013 Fiat Panda 4×4 unveiled
Fiat is resurrecting its Panda model close to 30 years later, to offer up the only 4-wheel drive model in the A-segment.
The new Panda is set to debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, and will feature a functional design, with geometric lines and a few refined details.
Power for the Panda will come from one of two engine options, a 75hp 1.3 liter MultiJet II diesel that gets 30% more torque then its predecessor, or an 85hp 0.9- liter TwinAir Turbo, that gets a 40% hike in torque. Both will be electronically coupled to a 6-speed gearbox that features a ‘torque on demand’ transmission system that features two differentials. It is the first permanent four-wheel drive managed by an electronic control unit, which distributes to the front and rear automatically based on an analysis of vehicle signals.
Suspension for the 4×4 is an independent McPherson front end meshed with an interconnected wheel with torsion beam layout in the rear. This one will be lighter and provide more comfort to the driver and passengers then the previous generations’ semi-trailing arm.
Fiat is offering up standard equipment such as manual climate control, cd/mp3/radio, electronic rear-view mirrors, electronic stability control, electronic locking differential, a set of 15-inch alloy wheels and 175/65 M+S tires. Plenty of additional options are available, as well.
-By: Alexandra Koken
