"Fiat Panda": reviews from car owners, technical characteristics. The new Fiat Panda is stylish, comfortable and expensive Auto Fiat Panda technical specifications
Review Fiat Panda 2017: appearance models, interior, specifications, security systems, prices and configurations. At the end of the article - a video review of the 2017 Fiat Panda!
Review content:
Compact city cars for a long time did not take root in Russia, giving way to more gluttonous and larger neighbors “in the workshop”. However, the rapid increase in the number of cars and rising fuel prices have done their dirty work, forcing Russians to reconsider their attitude towards compact and more economical cars. One of these cars is the Italian “bear cub” Fiat Panda, whose history dates back to 1980 of the last century.
Over its more than 35-year history, the car has sold more than 7 million copies around the world and managed to gain fame as one of the most reliable, spacious and stylish A-class hatchbacks. And don’t be fooled by the somewhat anime-like appearance. appearance new items, Fiat Panda 2017 is a serious, practical and quite dynamic car that can satisfy the needs of most residents of the metropolis. Compared to its predecessor, the car has increased in size, received a fresher exterior and a modernized interior, which has become even more “adult” and ergonomic.
Exterior of Fiat Panda 2017
Official debut of the third Fiat generations Panda, which received a number of external improvements, but retained the general style of the model, took place at the end of 2011 in Frankfurt. The body shape of the new product can be described as a rectangle with rounded edges, which has a positive effect on the car’s spaciousness.
The front part of the body is represented by neat and friendly headlight optics and stylish stripes running lights, as well as a massive bumper, in the central part of which there is a practical oval air intake, and at the edges there are small round fog lamps. The character of the car is added by a relief hood, plastic inserts that protect the paintwork from damage and unique R14-15 wheels.
The car's profile pleases the eye with large doorways, massive wheel arches, a flat roofline and square windows neatly fitted into the rear door pillars.
The rear part of the body is represented by vertical side lights, located in the rear pillars, a large fifth door and a laconic rear bumper, under which a compact exhaust pipe is hidden.
The external dimensions of the city hatchback are:
- Length– 3.653 m;
- Width– 1,643 m (1,882 m with side mirrors);
- Height– 1.551 m.
- Wheelbase length equals 2.3 m.
Panda interior design
The Fiat Panda interior is stylish and comfortable. The front panel captivates with its unusual design and practicality - just look at the open shelf located directly in front of the front passenger, under which there is also room for a fairly spacious glove compartment.
The driver's seat is presented in a stylish dashboard, represented by three square instrument wells and an almost identical square multifunction steering wheel. At the top of the central dashboard is the color display of the UconnectTM multimedia system, and directly below it is a pair of air vents and a control unit for the audio and information system.
The picture is completed by a stylish and original microclimate control unit and a gear knob located on a small “lip” and power window control buttons.
The quality of materials, as well as the fit of interior parts, is excellent and, given the class of the car, does not cause any complaints. The ability to choose one of four colors for the dashboard and door cards, as well as several types of seat upholstery, deserves special attention.
The front seats have clearly visible lateral support and a wide range of adjustments, allowing a person of any size and height under 190 cm to easily fit.
The second-row seats, in theory, can accommodate three passengers, but due to the high transmission tunnel and the small width of the car, it is preferable for two passengers to sit here.
A pleasant bonus was the ability to longitudinally move the second row sofa (maximum 160 mm), which allows you to increase the luggage compartment volume from 225 to 260 liters. If necessary, it is possible to fold the backrests rear seats(60:40) and get up to 870 liters of loading space, however, you can’t count on a flat floor.
To transport long items, the manufacturer has provided the possibility of folding the back of the front passenger seat, which allows you to transport objects over 2 meters in length. We also note that the cabin has 14 different niches and pockets for storing small items, and this is not counting the folding tables located in the backs of the seats of the front passengers.
Technical specifications Fiat Panda 2017
The third generation Fiat Panda is built on an updated modular platform, which involves the use of MacPherson struts on the front axle and a torsion beam on the rear. The change in architecture, along with the changed location of the suspension mounting points, as well as the use of more powerful and elastic elements, made the suspension as “omnivorous” as possible. Even in conditions Russian roads The suspension behavior of the compact Fiat is comparable to that of crossovers, while maintaining a high level of acoustic comfort inside the car.
The range of power units is presented:
- The base 4-cylinder 1.2-liter petrol engine, generating 69 “horses” and equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission. With this engine, acceleration from 0 to 100 occurs in 14.2 seconds, and the top speed is 164 km/h. Fuel consumption in mixed mode is 6.5 liters per 100 km of route.
- An innovative 0.9-liter TwinAir petrol engine producing 78 or 85 hp, as well as a 6-speed manual transmission. Depending on the power of the power unit, the car reaches the first hundred in 10.2 (10.5) seconds, and also allows you to reach a maximum of 177 km/h. Average consumption fuel consumption varies between 4.1-4.3 l/100 km.
- 1.3 liter diesel engine Multijet with 95 “mares”, accelerating the car to 100 km/h in 11 seconds. and allowing you to reach a speed “ceiling” of 182 km/h. This engine has excellent efficiency, consuming only 3.6 l/100 km in mixed driving mode.
On the European market, the car is presented with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The steering is power-assisted and has a proprietary “City” mode, making it easier to control the car in parking lots and narrow streets. Responsible for braking disc brakes, optionally ventilated at the front.
Safety Fiat Panda 2017
As already mentioned, the new Fiat Panda has an extremely rigid and durable body, which ensures a high level of passenger safety. The picture is complemented by the use of advanced steel grades, as well as the presence of special deformation zones and a wide range of electronic assistants and systems:
- 4 airbags;
- Anti-lock braking system;
- EBD+BAS systems;
- Downhill start assistant;
- Isofix mounts designed for installing child seats;
- City Brake Control system that prevents head-on collisions when driving at speeds up to 30 km/h;
- Three-point belts with pretensioner system;
- Central locking.
Equipment and price of Fiat Panda 2017
Unfortunately, at the moment the Fiat Panda is not officially presented in Russia, but it is very popular in Europe, where the car is offered in three trim levels: POP, EASY and LOUNGE. The price of a car in the basic version starts at 11.34 thousand euros (about 780 thousand rubles), for which the potential buyer receives:
- Steel wheels R14;
- Radio with two speakers;
- Height-adjustable steering wheel;
- Air conditioner;
- Front electric windows;
- Anti-lock braking system, as well as EBD+BAS systems;
- Assistant when starting to ride downhill;
- 4 airbags;
- Front head restraints;
- Isofix fastenings;
- Disc brakes and belt pretensioners.
- Alloy wheels R15;
- Rear head restraints;
- Remote door opening system;
- Audio system with CD/Mp3 support, Bluetooth and two (four) speakers;
- Fog lights;
- Steering wheel trim with genuine leather;
- Protective pads on the side of the body;
- Roof rails;
- Climate control;
- City Brake Control system and other equipment.
Conclusion
Fiat Panda 2017 was and remains one of the most stylish and roomy cars in the class, with good dynamics, wide possibilities for interior transformation and excellent efficiency. True, the stumbling block is the high price, which can scare off a certain circle of potential buyers.
Test drive Fiat Panda 2017:
At the international show in Geneva, held in the spring of 2003, the Italian company Fiat organized an official demonstration of the second generation Panda subcompact hatchback, which at the development stage was called “Gingo”. Over the history of its existence, the car has been modernized several times: in September 2005, the list of equipment was expanded, in March 2007, the interior was updated, and in 2009, the technical component was improved and new options were added. The five-door remained on the assembly line until the end of 2012, after which it was replaced by a new model.
You won’t find anything extraordinary in the appearance of the second generation Fiat Panda, but the car’s appearance is definitely eye-catching. For all its compactness from the outside, the hatchback does not look like a small minivan with high contours of the roof and a clearly defined hood, the body of which flaunts strict rectangular headlights, vertically elongated lights and neatly arranged bumpers.
Fiat "Panda" 2nd is the "player" of the A-class according to European classification and measures 3538 mm in length, 1540 mm in height and 1589 mm in width. The wheel base of the Italian small car is 2299 mm, and ground clearance– 120 mm.
Inside the second “release” of the Fiat Panda there is a simple but cozy atmosphere, but the overall impression is spoiled by the cheapness of the finish. The interior of the five-door looks simple, but not primitive: a three-spoke steering wheel, a laconic instrument cluster and a symmetrical center console, on which the radio, ventilation deflectors and the original climate control “remote” are “registered”.
The second-generation Panda's interior can accommodate four adult passengers, who are provided with sufficient free space in both rows of seats. It’s just that both the front seats and the rear sofa have an amorphous profile and are no different high level comfort.
The Fiat Panda has a small trunk - only 206 liters in standard form. The “gallery” is transformed into two identical parts and brings the useful volume to 860 liters, but it does not form a flat surface.
Specifications. On the second generation Panda you can find three engines, working in combination with a 5-speed manual or robotic gearbox and a front-wheel drive transmission or all-wheel drive with a multi-plate clutch in the rear axle.
- The petrol palette on the city car is represented by naturally aspirated “fours” of 1.1 and 1.2 liters with an in-line structure, 8-valve timing and distributed injection fuel developing 54-60 Horse power at 5000 rpm and 88-102 Nm of torque at 2500 rpm.
- There is only one diesel engine available for the hatchback - a 1.2-liter four-cylinder 16-valve unit with turbocharging and a Common Rail system, producing 70 “stallions” at 4000 rpm and 145 Nm of maximum thrust at 1500 rpm.
The Italian small car is not particularly fast: it reaches a maximum of 145-160 km/h, accelerating to the first “hundred” after 13-20 seconds. Gasoline versions of the car consume 5.4-6.6 liters of fuel in mixed mode, and diesel versions – 4.3-5.4 liters.
The second “release” of the Fiat Panda is built on the front-wheel drive “Fiat Mini” platform with a transversely oriented front part power plant. The machine is complete independent suspension MacPherson type at the front and semi-independent torsion beam architecture at the rear.
The city car uses a rack-and-pinion steering center with electric power steering. The five-door has front disc and drum front rear brakes(all-wheel drive on all-wheel drive versions), supplemented by ABS.
Equipment and prices. On secondary market In Russia, the “second” Fiat Panda in 2016 is offered at a price from 150,000 to 300,000 rubles - depending on the modification, year of “birth” and technical condition.
In all trim levels, the car can boast of having: one airbag, fabric trim, power steering, immobilizer, standard audio preparation and some other options.
The third generation of the Italian Fiat Panda hatchback was officially presented to European motorists at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the fall of 2011. A year later, in the fall of 2012, the Fiat Panda 4x4 was presented in Paris - an all-wheel drive version of the compact. Previous generations of the Italian super-mini Panda have earned a reputation as reliable and comfortable cars.
The first generation of the model was produced on 23!!! years, the second was not so long-lived and was produced for 8 years. In 31 years, the Italians managed to sell more than 6.5 million compact cars, and it’s a pity that in Russia a car is a rarity. In our review article we will tell you in detail about the advantages of the new generation Fiat Panda, sales of which started in April 2013 among our neighbors in Ukraine. We will draw the readers' attention to the exterior and interior design of the new product, the overall dimensions of the body, installed wheels and tires, enamel color options, and the full technical characteristics of the new Fiat Panda 2013. We will try to comfortably accommodate five passengers in the cabin and luggage in the trunk; we will consider filling the car with basic and additional options , we will conduct a test drive, find out the real fuel consumption, prices and configurations that are proposed to be purchased. Our assistants will be video and photo materials, comments from auto journalists.
More reviews of compact hatchbacks:
And
- Let's start with the overall dimensions of the body of the new Fiat Panda: 3653 mm long, 1643 mm wide (with folded rear view mirrors 1882 mm), 1551 mm high, 2300 mm wheelbase, when installing tires 175/65 R14 or 185/55 R15 ground clearance 155 mm. Disks are available in steel 14 radius or light alloy 15 size.
- Fiat Panda 4x4 is 3686 mm long, 1672 mm (with mirrors 1882 mm) wide, 2300 mm wheelbase, 1605 mm high, with tires 175/65 R15 ground clearance is 170 mm, stylish alloy wheels Size 15.
Italian designers have given the new generation of the compact Fiat Panda a modern and stylish appearance. The front part of the body is organically decorated with three-level light, neat oval headlights are installed on top, a huge bumper with a large air duct is complemented by rays of daytime running lights and fog lights mounted on contrasting black plastic inserts. The short hood with waves of stampings gives the front of the car a solid and assertive look.
The length of the car body is just over 3.5 meters, but how well every centimeter is used. Compact sloping hood, convenient doorways, high and flat roof, powerful profile of wheel arches, vertical rear. And how stylish they look neatly fitted into rear pillars windows and vertically installed lamp shades.
The body of the compact Italian hatchback was created taking into account the cramped streets of European cities. Vertical door luggage compartment, a lean bumper with an additional lining made of unpainted plastic and a pair of light elements, the main headlights of the headlights climbed high, propping up the roof.
To protect the body from minor damage, not only the rear bumper is supplemented with plastic protection, wide linings are installed on the door panels (in the parking lot they will protect the paintwork from careless neighbors) - and this is for an ordinary city hatchback.
The body of the Fiat Panda 4x4 version is additionally protected by a crossover plastic body kit. All lower parts of the car's body, from bumpers, sills and ending with the edges of the wheel arches, are made of unpainted plastic. Engine compartment The bottom is protected from unwanted contact with road unevenness by a metal protective sheet.
Smooth lines and contours of the body made it possible to achieve an excellent aerodynamic resistance to air flow of only 0.32 Cx. The small body of the third generation Fiat Panda is distinguished by a phenomenally high index of structural rigidity - 71300 Nm/deg; for comparison, the VAZ-21106, a trained participant in the Russian championship in road racing, has an indicator of 51800 Nm/deg.
- European car enthusiasts can choose enamel colors from a bright and wide palette of options: Blanco Sincero (white), Bilge Accogllente (beige), Rosso Gloloso (light red), Rosso Cupldo (bright red), Turchese Sognante (turquoise), Viola Profumato (purple), Grigio Silver (silver), Blu Dipintodiblu (dark blue), Verde Toscana (dark green), Aranclo Sicilla (orange), Marrone Avvolgente (dark brown) and Nero Seducente (black).
The interior of the 2013 Fiat Panda compact hatchback is comfortable and cozy. Workplace the driver will be pleased with the original design of the steering wheel, a stylish and informative dashboard with speedometer, tachometer squares and a large screen on-board computer. The soft, linear lines and square buttons with rounded corners for controlling the audio system, air conditioning and auxiliary functions fit seamlessly into the overall concept of a square interior design.
Inside the car, all solutions are aimed at achieving the most convenient and functional design of the interior; behind the apparent simplicity lies the ease of use of all the car’s controls and plenty of places to store small items. An open shelf on the front panel, large pockets in the front and rear doors, tables in the backs of the front seats, plenty of containers for bottles, 14 compartments in total.
The front seats with excellent lateral support provide a comfortable and convenient fit, the range of longitudinal adjustment is 220 mm, vertical adjustment is 60 mm. There is enough space to accommodate people with a height of 190 cm. Of course, if you move all the way back, the rear passengers will have nowhere to put their feet, but if the driver and passenger are not tall in the front row, then the occupants of the second row will sit comfortably. With one caveat - the third one is clearly superfluous, the width of the cabin will not allow it, and the transmission tunnel is too high.
As a bonus, the rear row can move along the cabin by 160 mm, increasing the luggage compartment volume from 225 to 260 liters. Unfortunately, folding the second row of seats will not create a flat trunk floor, but cargo capacity will increase to 870 liters. To transport objects longer than 2000 mm, in addition to the backrests of the rear row seats, the backrest of the passenger seat can also be lowered forward.
Italian interior designers offer the potential owner a wide choice color range for interior decoration of Fiat Panda 2013: the design of the dashboard and door panels can be beige, red, blue or green, the seat upholstery is plain, combined or with a different geometric pattern. At the same time, I am pleasantly pleased with the quality of the materials used and the neatness of the interior assembly.
In Ukraine, the Fiat Panda is offered in one Easy package: ABS with EBD, 4 airbags, central locking, air conditioning, Dualdrive electric power steering with City mode (provides minimal steering effort in city mode), steering column height adjustment, radio (CD MP3 6 speakers), front electric windows, electric heated mirrors, driver's seat lift.
Specifications new global Fiat Panda 2013: the car is sold in 160 countries, which implies the use of a new modular platform. The front suspension is on MacPherson struts, the rear is on torsion bars. Changes in architecture, suspension mounting points, application powerful stabilizers lateral stability and elastic chassis elements allowed engineers to achieve omnivorous suspension. Even on roads with disgusting road surfaces, the chassis of the compact hatchback handles bumps like a crossover suspension. The interior is quiet and comfortable; the suspension was originally created taking into account the operation of the car in difficult conditions.
Of the 160 countries in which they plan to sell the new Fiat Panda, at best, half have high-quality road surfaces. At the same time, on high-quality asphalt, the car’s handling is like a go-kart; the Fiat Panda test drive demonstrates sharp steering, minimal roll in corners, excellent and stable behavior even at high speed.
The Italian compact Fiat Panda of the 3rd generation is driven by one of four engines (three gasoline and one diesel engines).
Gasoline:
- The latest 0.9-liter two-cylinder Twin Air (65 hp) paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
- Turbocharged version of the TwinAir Turbo 0.9-liter engine (85 hp) in tandem with a 5-speed manual transmission.
- A four-cylinder 1.2-liter (69 hp) with a 5-speed manual transmission is capable of accelerating a hatchback weighing 940 kg to maximum speed 164 mph, the car reaches the first hundred in 14.2 seconds. Fuel consumption in the combined cycle is about 5.2 liters.
- And the 1.3-liter diesel 1.3 Multijet (75 hp) is equipped with a start-stop system, 5-speed manual transmission and can be content with only 3.9 liters of fuel in mixed driving mode. Acceleration to 100 mph in 12.8 seconds, with a maximum possible 168 mph.
As alternative option available for all engines robotic box transmission
The all-wheel drive Fiat Panda 4x4 is equipped with TwinAir Turbo (85 hp), as well as a diesel 1.3 Multijet (75 hp). The gearbox is a 6-speed manual with a crawling first gear providing a confident start uphill or when driving on soft soils. Permanent all-wheel drive is provided electronically, transferring torque along the axles; there is an electronic imitation of differential locks with the ability manual control and stabilization system.
Compact dimensions, minimal overhangs, advanced all-wheel drive and well-chosen gearbox attachments, curb weight from 1050 to 1115 kg give the Fiat Panda 4x4 excellent off-road characteristics. The SUV looks like a bug, but can handle roads that many large crossovers can't.
Ukrainian car enthusiasts can buy a new 2013 Fiat Panda with a 1.2-liter 69 horsepower engine and 5 manual transmissions in the Easy configuration for 109.9 thousand hryvnia, which is a price of about 440 thousand rubles. In Italy, the cost of the new Fiat Panda 2013 is from 10,200 euros, and the off-road version of the Fiat Panda 4x4 - from 16,950 euros.
The third generation of the compact Fiat Panda appeared before the world community in 2011, and just a year later, a modification with a 4x4 prefix was released. She got a similar one motor range, slightly retouched interior and more interesting design. Thanks to increased ground clearance, large cast rims unique design and tires with high profile, the model looks more solid than the regular front-wheel drive version. Moreover, the manufacturer has slightly expanded the color palette for the body. From now on, the car can additionally be painted in soft orange or dark green metallic. In the latest version, the compact car, thanks to the relief stampings, looks like a real jeep. One cannot fail to note the stylish crossover body kit on the bumpers, doors and sills. It protects the paintwork in the most vulnerable places and gives the new product an off-road charm.
Dimensions
Despite the external surroundings, the Fiat Panda 4x4 is a class A subcompact hatchback. His dimensions are: length 3686 mm, width 1672 mm, height 1605 mm, and wheelbase 2300 mm. As for the ground clearance, it has been increased by 20 mm and stands at a not very impressive 140 mm. This ground clearance is typical for most compact city cars. Thanks to their low center of gravity, they boast good maneuverability, so necessary on winding streets. As for the suspension itself, it doesn’t stand out in anything special. At the front there are independent McPherson struts with anti-roll bar, and at the rear there is a semi-independent beam.
Despite the small dimensions, the trunk volume is quite tolerable. With the backrests of the second row of seats raised, there is about 225 liters of free space in the rear.
Specifications
The new product will be equipped with two engines inherited from the standard version, exclusively mechanical boxes variable gears and plug-in system all-wheel drive. The latter is capable of transferring part of the torque to the rear axle, but only at speeds less than 50 kilometers per hour.
The base engine is an in-line turbocharged two-cylinder petrol unit with 875 cubic centimeters. Despite the tiny volume, the direct fuel supply system and an advanced turbocharger allowed engineers to squeeze out 85 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 145 Nm of torque starting from 1900 rpm crankshaft in a minute. Such versions reach one hundred kilometers per hour in 12.1 seconds, accelerate to a maximum of 166 km/h and consume about 4.9 liters of gasoline per hundred in the combined driving cycle.
An alternative unit is a 1.2-liter in-line turbodiesel. It produces 75 horses at 4000 rpm and 190 Nm of torque at 1500 rpm. Heavy fuel models accelerate to 100 km/h in 14.5 seconds, reach a maximum of 159 km/h and consume 4.7 liters of diesel fuel per hundred kilometers in the same mode.
Bottom line
Panda 4x4- A New Look for model with great history. It has an unusual and memorable design that is in perfect harmony with the class and technical stuffing models. Such a car will perfectly emphasize the character and individuality of its owner. The interior is a realm of high-quality finishing materials, thoughtful ergonomics and practicality. Even heavy traffic or a country trip should not bring unnecessary inconvenience to the driver. The manufacturer is well aware that modern car, first of all, should give driving pleasure. That is why the hatchback is equipped with compact and economical power units, which are an alloy advanced technologies and many years of experience of engineers. Fiat Panda 4x4 is a compact and economical car with increased cross-country ability.
Video
Fiat Panda Cross. Made in Italy. In Russia, maybe it will, but most likely not. Price? Better read to the end...
No, I still can’t restrain myself. And I will not bore the reader with my writing exercises in anticipation of the denouement. I will say right away and directly: you see this one, without any doubt, attractive car, which accommodates four, and in the case of a successful sum of anthropometric data, five, and with the comfort of a box that accepts a pair of shoes? Good, isn't it? Do you know how much it costs? Nine... No, wait a little longer.
He can't help but attract. To be honest, I liked him immediately. Especially when I was offered to drive it along the same off-road track at the Fiat proving ground in Balocco, where a few months ago I asked all my questions about the latest generation Jeep-Cherokee. I already knew very well what was in store for this lovely chicken-colored car, and this greatly added to my respect for it.
EASIER AND MORE COMPLEX
The all-wheel drive Panda has been nothing new for thirty years. The 4x4 version was available in all three generations of the model. And they always represented something more than just the desire of the manufacturer to simply increase profits through a magic formula. They really knew how to cope with off-road conditions. And the new model is no exception. All-wheel drive on the third generation Panda was offered a year and a half ago. Simultaneously simplifying and complicating the car compared to the previous all-wheel drive version. Viscous coupling as a method of transmitting torque to rear wheels has given way to more advanced electro-hydraulics, allowing faster and more accurate responses to changes in the road situation. And here rear suspension has become simpler - instead of an independent circuit on longitudinal oblique arms, a conventional, albeit reinforced, torsion beam is now used.
In this case, the differential is rigidly fixed to the body and connected to the wheels by swinging axle shafts.
Why did you go for simplification? Something had to be sacrificed to reduce weight and reduce costs. After all, the current Panda, due to government pressure on Fiat (in fact, a ban on mass production abroad), is produced in Italy, unlike its predecessor, which was supplied from the Polish branch. And the original assembly, coupled with the transition to a new generation, is expensive: the price of the base model jumped by 27%!
Even the regular Panda 4x4 has very decent off-road potential for its size. In fact, the modest size actually turns into an advantage: the body overhangs are minimal, the curb weight is about 1000 kg. Ground clearance increased to 152 mm, shock absorber mounts and front MacPherson strut supports, and drive clutch were strengthened rear wheels can be locked by pressing a button. True, the car has no appearance: a couple of black linings barely distinguish it from other Pandas. This is quite suitable for Villan, but hardly for a city slicker.
So for those who like to show off, they made the “Cross” version. It's brighter, more expensive... and even better off-road! “Cross” is not just a name and additional tinsel of plastic overlays, shiny roof rails and LED running lights. Here the ground clearance increased by another 9 mm and reached 161 mm (this is for the gasoline version, 3 mm less for the diesel version). From other additions - all season tires, which have added 10 mm in width and rest more confidently on the ground, and a completely new rotating controller (with the pretentious name “terrain control”) for controlling all-wheel drive modes. Well, just like on all-terrain vehicles at the price... mmm... let's say, twice the size. True, this controller is here more for decoration. Its range of functions is no wider than that of other crossovers: a choice between automatic torque distribution between the axles (by default, 95% of the thrust goes forward) and a tightly locked clutch. And in the extreme right position of the controller, the hill descent assistance system is activated. We'll get down one way or another, but how will we get up? After all, the torque of a two-cylinder supercharged engine with a displacement of 875 cc. cm from the Twinair family, which has received international awards, is only 145 Nm - the coffee grinder probably has more...
DOUBLE FAST AND FURIOUS
This engine, small even for a modern motorcycle, can be confusing with its unusual rattling at medium speeds and above. In general, it begins to live only from 3000 rpm, but for a tiny “Panda” its capabilities are sufficient. Moreover, for the “Cross” the engine was even boosted a little, increasing the power by 5 hp. and eventually bringing it to 90 forces. Just never press the “Eco” button - you will immediately feel the true volume of the engine.
And I won't say what's in the background gasoline engine another engine option - a completely ordinary four-cylinder turbodiesel with a displacement of 1.3 liters and a power of 80 horsepower - is very different. It pulls only slightly better, and the noise and vibrations from it are about the same - despite the increased insulation of the engine shield in the diesel version. And even the most important argument does not seem so weighty - diesel is more economical gasoline engine on average only 0.2 liters per 100 km.
On a normal road, the petrol Panda should be vigorously adjusted from time to time by changing gears. But I won’t say that it happens that often. In any case, it’s nice to do this - not every car, even a higher class, can boast such a carefully calibrated switching mechanism. Short strokes, clear fixation, no problems. The gearbox has six stages, and the first gear, very short, is specially selected for off-road excursions (we are familiar with this technique from Renault Duster). It is she who helps you climb those slopes that at first you want to run away from.
I put the all-wheel drive transmission into off-road mode (now the clutch is locked and distributes torque equally forward and backward, but opens at speeds above 50 km/h) and, slightly spurring the engine, I climb the slope with amazing ease. And then, turning the transmission knob to the extreme position, I turn on the descent assist system - and the “bear cub”, braking with its wheels, goes down at a speed of about 5 km/h. This is not surprising; all this has been done hundreds of times on a wide variety of SUVs and crossovers.
SERIOUS MOOD
It seems like a crossover is just like a crossover, but what’s surprising is this. When you first get acquainted with this car, you never expect that, despite its frivolous appearance, it will turn out to be a completely serious car. The feeling is about the same as when you buy a cute toy alarm clock in the store, and suddenly it turns out to be waterproof, with a built-in GPS receiver and a jammer of mobile phone frequencies.
"Panda Cross" because high rise It tilts in turns, like a wardrobe being carried up the stairs by movers, but it still steers clearly and transparently. You don’t even think about the fact that the steering effort could be a little more, and the tires could be better. Still, all-season is far from best option. They start slipping too early. But on the road strewn with cobblestones, I never once doubted the energy intensity of the suspension. There was not even a hint of a breakdown. At the same time, the level of driving comfort is quite decent, and the stabilization system practically did not interfere with the control process, allowing you to moderately slide on gravel - the all-wheel drive transmission did a good job of extinguishing drift, modifying the torque feed back. After all, only under normal conditions 95% of the thrust goes forward - and if necessary, almost the same amount can be supplied to the rear wheels.
