14/08/2014 10:37
Fiat's new crossover will be packed with tech when it goes on sale making it a great option off-road and on.
If Fiat's Panda 4x4 is a bit too rugged for you and its city-styled 500 is too compact then the Panda Cross will be right up your street. In what Fiat is describing as a first, the carmaker has combined incredible off-road capability with the styling of a hip Italian city car.
LED daytime running lights and roof bars are standard while inside you will find part-leather trim. The Panda Cross also comes with Bluetooth, MP3 compatibility, 15-inch alloy wheels, climate control and electric door mirrors included.
There are three driving modes to choose from: Auto, Off-Road and Hill Descent. In Auto most of the power is delivered to the front wheels, unless slip is detected.
The 'Off-Road' option features a torque-on-demand system, which sends power to the wheels that have the most grip. The Hill Descent mode helps drivers navigate steep declines by automatically braking individual wheels as the car travels down a slope.
New features such as oversized tyres, improved approach angles, increased ground clearance and new protective plates at the front and rear mean the Panda Cross can take on surprisingly rough terrain.
Fiat's innovative City Brake control system is also available, which operates at speeds of up to 19mph and uses a laser sensor to detect other vehicles or obstacles in front of the car. If the driver fails to react the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with activate to prevent a low speed accident.
by: Danielle Bagnall