World debut for all new Fiat Panda Cross at Geneva

The all new Fiat Panda Cross is set to make its world debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. Building on the successful formula of the Fiat Panda 4x4 and a car that's as happy in city traffic as it is taking on the toughest off-road conditions, the new Panda Cross offers even more all-terrain capability thanks to a host of new features, better performance and improved ground clearance.

In addition to its generous ground clearance - 160mm for the MultiJet II version and 150mm for the TwinAir Turbo version - the Panda Cross also benefits from improved approach and departure angles. Its 24-degree approach angle represents a three-degree improvement over the previous model, while its 33-degree departure angle represents an improvement of one degree. The new Panda Cross also boasts a break-over angle of 20 degrees and a 31.5-degree (70 percent) climbable gradient.

Two engines will be offered in the new Panda Cross, both with Start & Stop as standard and both offering a 5bhp boost compared to the standard Panda 4x4. The new 0.9-litre TwinAir Turbo engine now produces 90bhp at 5,500rpm and 145Nm of torque between 1,900rpm and 3,000rpm, or 100Nm at 2,000rpm in 'Eco' mode.

This engine, on the combined cycle, offers an impressive fuel consumption figure of 24.5km/L and CO₂ emissions of 114g/km, and comes equipped with a six-speed manual transmission with a unique first-gear ratio that was specifically engineered with off-road driving in mind.

The 1.3-litre MultiJet II turbo-diesel delivers a maximum power output of 80bhp at 4,000rpm and generous 190Nm of torque at just 1,500rpm but thanks to its low weight of just 140kg, there are no ride or handling compromises, on or off road. On the combined cycle, the 1.3-litre MultiJet II engine returns 25.6km/L and its CO₂ emissions are just 125g/km.

Styling wise, every detail of the Panda Cross has been designed to make it immediately recognisable and distinctive. The front end features new light clusters, a new bumper and new fog lights integrated into front facia. New LED DRLs are also built into the skid plate, which is finished in a satin titanium colour with perforations that recall the Panda's signature 'squircle' motif.

Inside, the new Panda Cross features unique fabric/eco-leather upholstery and a new dashboard finish with a distinctive copper fascia, while standard equipment includes a leather-trimmed steering wheel with remote controls, a leather-trimmed gear knob, automatic climate control, Blue & Me connectivity and, of course, the new Terrain Control selector.