The latest
Fiat Panda
4x4 is successor to a best-seller that
first appeared over 29 years ago. The third generation Panda 4x4, on
sale in January 2013, has the same fun character, versatility,
style, functionality and legendary use of space as its predecessors,
but with the best of today’s quality, comfort, technology and
safety features. It’s a smart solution for drivers who want city car
features without trading the passenger room and comfort of a
five-door, or the go-anywhere ability of a full SUV.
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Despite the obvious advantages of
having four-wheel drive in a compact five-door city car shape, the
Panda 4x4 remains unique. By linking an automatic four-wheel drive
system to a choice of advanced, economical engines in a car with
raised ground clearance, Fiat has created a true city car with
genuine 4x4 credibility. The
innovation doesn’t end there. Sitting between the 4x4 and the
regular two-wheel drive version is the Panda Trekking, the world’s
first CUV or City Utility Vehicle. This version features the Panda
4x4’s raised ride height but combines front-wheel drive with a
sophisticated traction control system to enhance its remarkable
abilities over slippery surfaces. |
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The
Fiat Panda 4x4 and Trekking have the same friendly, stylish
shape as the regular Panda but with design accents to convey the
impression of a sophisticated, multifunctional SUV. Compared to the
previous generation model the latest Panda is longer, wider and
taller. On 4x4 and Trekking versions those dimensions increase
slightly, but the cars still retain the requisite diminutive
exterior proportions to remain firmly in the city car category.
Inside, a modern design combines with high quality materials,
plentiful equipment, modular interior space and one of the largest
luggage compartments in its class.
The increased ride height of the
Panda 4x4 and Trekking give them improved ground clearance for
enhanced ability over rutted or uneven terrain. A body that’s
significantly more rigid than previous versions sits on all-new
suspension that has been optimised for a combination of on-road
comfort and off-road aptitude.
Under the bonnet, Panda 4x4 and
Trekking versions offer a choice between the award-winning 875cc
TwinAir Turbo and the 1.3-litre MultiJet 2 turbo diesel. Both
engines come with Start&Stop and a Gear Shift Indicator (GSI) which
suggests to the driver the optimum point to change gear in order to
achieve the best economy.
0.9-litre TwinAir
The Fiat Panda 4x4 and Trekking
versions offer a choice of two engines: one petrol and one diesel.
The two-cylinder 85hp TwinAir Turbo takes downsizing to a new level
by combining a small capacity engine with a responsive turbocharger.
The result is the International Engine of the Year 2011, with the
lowest carbon dioxide emissions of any mass produced production
petrol engine in the world. This manifests itself in terms of
remarkable performance and flexibility, particularly at low RPM
where it’s notably more responsive than a conventional normally
aspirated engine. And of course there’s a characterful throaty
soundtrack to maximise driver enjoyment.
The TwinAir Turbo generates 145Nm
of torque at 1900rpm, which represents 40 per cent more pulling
power than the previous generation Panda 4x4’s 1.2-litre FIRE
engine. Fiat’s revolutionary MultiAir technology that lies at the
TwinAir’s heart is the secret of this success. It employs a new
electro-hydraulic valve management system. By controlling the flow
of air into the engine directly via the inlet valves rather than
using the throttle, airflow can be managed cylinder by cylinder,
cycle by cycle, phase by phase depending on the driver’s
requirements. Thanks to this rigorous control of the combustion
process, pumping losses of around 10 per cent are eliminated, while
emissions are reduced and driveability boosted through improved
throttle response.
Power output is up by 10 per cent
on a regular engine of the same size and the emissions are lowered
by around 10 per cent too, in this case to 114g/km. To boost economy
around town, an ECO switch on the dashboard limits maximum torque to
100Nm at 2000rpm and helps contribute towards an official Combined
MPG figure of 57.6mpg.
The TwinAir Turbo’s thermo-dynamic
efficiency and fluid dynamic configuration have been finely tuned.
Special attention has been paid to the refinement of the unit so
there’s good anti-vibration performance, which is achieved by a
balancing countershaft which maintains optimal low vibration levels
across all operating conditions.
This remarkable engine also
benefits from a new six-speed gearbox with an especially low first
gear ratio, which helps to enhance the car’s off-road
characteristics by improving take-off during hill starts. It also
aids off-road driving by allowing the vehicle to proceed slowly at
engine idling speed, thus enabling the driver to maintain maximum
control in critical situations, such as steep descents.
1.3-litre MultiJet 2
The diesel engine in the Fiat Panda
4x4 has been described as a miniaturised masterpiece of technology.
It’s Fiat’s1.3-litre MultiJet 2 and it’s certainly small. Complete
with all its ancillaries it tips the scales at a mere 140kg and is
less than 60cm long and 70cm high. However it’s big on performance,
delivering a maximum power output of 75hp and 190Nm of torque at
just 1500rpm, which is up 30 per cent over its predecessor. And it
has been optimized for economy and eco-friendliness with CO2
emissions of just 125g/km and official Combined Cycle fuel
consumption of 60.1mpg.
Second generation MultiJet
technology features faster injectors which can execute multiple
injections in rapid succession, giving up to eight injections per
cycle. This leads to greater speed, flexibility and precision in the
various combustion phases. It permits ‘rate shaping’ which means two
injections that are so close together that they generate a
continuous but modulated supply of fuel to the cylinders. The
ability to do this improves the combustion process which in turn
makes for a quieter engine and one that’s more efficient in terms of
particulate and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.
A close coupled Diesel Particulate
Filter and a built-in Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system improve
the control of temperature and gas flow and guarantee lower
emissions plus reduced fuel consumption, enabling the engine to meet
strict Euro 5 standards. The injectors also help cut running costs
by possessing 40 per cent fewer components than their predecessors.
eco:Drive Mobile
The eco:Drive system is available
on all Fiat cars equipped with Blue&Me and enables users to analyse
their skills at the wheel. It then gives tips on how to make their
driving more efficient, save money and lower CO2
emissions.
The new eco:Drive Mobile is a free
smart phone application that enables users to sync the eco:Drive on
their car with their mobile phone. By downloading the application,
then pairing the phone with Blue&Me and connecting it to the car’s
USB port, acceleration, deceleration, gear shifts and speed data can
be downloaded. The phone will connect with the eco:Drive server and
within seconds, graphs and data related to driving style will be
displayed.
The analysis of information taken
from the car gives drivers a personal eco:Index between one and 100.
Drivers then receive tips on how to improve their performance; it
can track trips on a map and even be configured to post results on
Facebook or Twitter. This new social element within eco:Drive
enables drivers to have fun with other eco:Drive users, providing
rankings according to acceleration and economy.
