Fiat has blown the wraps off two new off-road-styled models at the Geneva Motor Show, the Panda Cross and Freemont Cross. Both feature a similar styling treatment consisting of silver and black accents, matte wheels and tinted windows, among others.
The Fiat Panda Cross features a number of changes compared to the standard Panda, including a new front end featuring plastic cladding and a skid plate in a satin titanium color, with the same materials used on the doors and the rear end of the car. Fiat also modified the taillights and fitted bigger roof rails and different 15-inch alloy wheels in a dark titanium finish.
The cabin features revised trim and new colors, as well as new standard features such as automatic climate control and the Blue&Me infotainment system with steering wheel controls. The Panda Cross gets standard all-wheel drive and rides on a raised suspension, which gives it better approach and exit angles at 24 degrees and 33 degrees respectively (compared to the Panda 4×4).
Engine choices include an 80PS (79hp) 1.3-liter MultiJet II diesel and 90PS (89hp) 0.9-liter TwinAir two-cylinder turbocharged petrol, the latter with a specific 6-speed transmission with shortened first gear.
The second model is the Fiat Freemont Cross, essentially a rebadged version of the Dodge Journey Crossroad. Besides badging, the only differences between the two models are the engines. While the U.S. model gets two gasoline units, a 173hp 2.4-liter inline-four and a 283hp 3.6-liter V6, the Fiat Freemont Cross is available with two diesels.
These are a 138hp (140PS) 2.0-liter Multijet II with a 6-speed manual and front wheel drive, and a 168hp (170PS) 2.0-liter Multijet II, available both in a FWD version with a manual gearbox and an active AWD version offered exclusively with a 6-speed automatic.
By Dan Mihalascu
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