Today the compact SUV’s account for approximately 20 percent of the European market, and yet despite the proliferation of new models in the past decade the new FIAT Panda Cross remains a truly unique. 

The FIAT Panda was first to be offered with all-wheel drive in its segment, as well as the first to be powered by diesel, methane and LPG. More recently it pioneered City Brake Control in its segment, a safety feature that is ideally suited to city cars but until that time reserved for larger luxury vehicles. It’s this reputation for practical innovation that has consistently kept the Panda amongst the best sellers in its class – it currently occupies the second spot in Europe, just behind its stable-mate, the FIAT 500.

Visually it is dominated by a chunky new bumper which features scratch- and bump-resistant corner sections and a large, functional skidplate. The skidplate is further embellished with a pair of easily-accessed tow hooks, finished in brilliant red, as well as new LED daytime running lights located in protective recesses. The new head-light clusters are framed with matte black surrounds and incorporate pronounced new fog lights, while the bonnet trim is also redesigned for the new FIAT Panda Cross.

In profile, the FIAT Panda Cross features protective wheel arch extensions, thick side mouldings with “ultrashine” inserts, matching roof bars and ‘Cross’ badging in the rear door inserts. The 15-inch alloy wheels feature a five-spoke V design and a burnished metal finish, while the rear end also benefits from some functional revisions, including a new bumper with “ultrashine” under-body protection, distinctive new light clusters and a chrome tail pipe.

The interior reflects the unique character of the FIAT Panda Cross every bit as much as the exterior: The seats are trimmed in bespoke natural fabrics with brown eco-leather bolsters (which match the brown door panels) while the dashboard is finished in a new copper colour to set off the striking new silver “ultrashine” finish of the instrument surround and audio system facia. The same finish is also used for the centre console, where the new Terrain Control drive selector – another segment first - is conveniently located.

Terrain Control offers FIAT Panda Cross drivers the possibility of adjusting the vehicle’s driving characteristics according to how it is being used: There are three modes: Auto, Off-Road and Hill Descent Control.

In Off-Road mode, the all-wheel drive function is permanently activated up to 50km/h to ensure the Panda Cross responds immediately and consistently to driver inputs: The Electronic Locking Differential (ELD) is engaged, ASR intervention is disengaged and to improve traction on slippery terrain (e.g. snow, ice, gravel or mud), the ESC system is employed to brake slipping wheels, thus transferring the engine’s torque to those wheels with the most grip.

Hill Descent Control (HDC) activates automatically when the speed drops below 15mph and remains in standby mode up to 50km/h. It employs the vehicle’s ESC sensors and ABS brake system to maintain constant speed and avoid unexpected yaw movements on tricky downhill terrain with unpredictable levels of grip, and requires no input from the driver other than steering actions.

Even the engine is upgraded for the new FIAT Panda Cross: The 1.3-litre MultiJet II Turbo-Diesel engine, with DPF as standard, enjoys a 5hp boost in power to 80hp at 4,000 rpm, while maximum torque is an impressive 190Nm at just 1,500 rpm. This second generation of MultiJet power units is equipped with a fixed geometry turbocharger and an intercooler and weighs just 140kg including all its ancillaries. It can propel the FIAT Panda Cross from 0-100km/h in 14.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 159km/h, and on the combined fuel economy cycle it returns 4.7 litres/100 km with CO2 emissions of 125g/km.

The FIAT Panda Cross offers a comprehensive list of standard equipment, including automatic climate control; Blue&Me™ Bluetooth connectivity with a USB port and steering wheel controls; a satellite navigation dock; heated electric door mirrors; remote central locking; split rear seat with rear head restraints; height-adjustability for the driver’s seat and steering wheel; front fog lights; a leather steering wheel and gear knob; ESC system complete with ELD and Terrain Control and specific 15-inch alloy wheels with a burnished finish and all-season 185/65R15 M+S tyres.

The 2014 FIAT Panda Cross goes on sale in the New Year priced from €22,745.