Fiat Panda Cross revealed

This is the Fiat Panda Cross. It’s a rugged and more utilitarian version of the Panda 4x4, and has appeared at the Geneva Motor Show today. As well as a more menacing exterior, Fiat has made substantial changes under the skin to help this car tackle the toughest of off-road terrain.

Visually, Fiat has added a new front bumper, which features a titanium-look skid plate and two tow hooks. There’s also new light clusters with integrated fog lights and new LED daytime running lights. At the back, the rear bumper has been restyled and fitted with underbody protection. A new alloy wheel design wrapped in a chunkier tyre, plus roof bars and a chrome-tipped exhaust, complete the new look.

Inside, the seats have been trimmed in an fabric exclusive to the model, while, air-con, Bluetooth, climate control, electric mirrors and steering wheel-mounted controls all come as standard.

To boost its off-road credentials, Fiat has also fitted the Panda Cross with the torque on demand transmission system as standard, along with ESP complete with an electronic locking differential function. Another feature includes the Terrain Control system, which provides three off-road driving modes: auto, lock and hill descent control.

Only two engine options will be available from launch, the 89bhp 0.9-litre TwinAir turbocharged and 79bhp 1.3-litre MultiJet turbodiesel engine. Both are claimed to return in excess of 57mpg, with the TwinAir engine producing fewer CO2 emissions at 114g/km.

Official pricing has yet to be announced for the new Panda Cross but a small premium over the standard £14,445 4x4 version is expected. First deliveries will begin in Autumn.