Fiat is launching its facelifted Panda city car/mini SUV range in South Africa this week and we will be driving it! Take a look at specification and pricing for the refreshed Fiat Panda.

ThePanda was launched in South Africa back in 2013 and Fiat now welcomes the facelifted Panda range to the local market with the addition of the Panda 4×4 and Panda Cross. The Panda range now includes 4 derivatives including the Panda Easy, Panda Lounge, Panda 4×4 and the range-topping Panda Cross.

Skip ahead to the Launch Review of the Fiat Panda Cross

Engine and transmission

All Fiat Panda's are powered by a small capacity, 2-cylinder, 0.9-litre turbopetrol engine.

The Panda employs the same 2-cylinder, 0.9-litre TwinAir turbopetrol engine that powers the Fiat 500. For the Panda Easy and Panda Lounge, 63 kW and 145 Nm of torque is on offer using a 5-speed manual transmission to drive the front wheels. Fuel consumption is rated at 4.2 L/100km.

The Panda 4×4 uses the same engine but employs a 6-speed manual transmission and Fiat claims a fuel consumption figure of 4.9 L/100km.

As for the range-topping, all-wheel drive Panda Cross, power is bumped up to 66 kW and a 6-speed manual transmission is standard. Fuel consumption is claimed at 4.9 L/100km.

Key features

The Panda Easy and Lounge ride on 15-inch steel wheels as standard. A wide range of updated seat upholstery choices are on offer across the range. A Bluetooth UConnect radiooffers audio streaming, voice recognition, MP3 player and 2 USB ports and Auxiliary port. In terms of space, the Panda offers 225 litres of boot space, expanding to 810 litres with the rear seat folded down.

The Panda Cross' interior features details such as a new copper-coloured dashboard and centre console.

The Panda 4×4 rides on 15-inch alloy wheels with a ground clearance of 150 mm andis fitted with specific bumpers with integrated skid plates, flared wheel arches and protective side mouldings to enable offroad adventures. The all-wheel drive Panda 4×4 also has an Electronic Locking Differential (ELD) to maximise traction. Two new colours are offered on the Panda 4×4 and these include Sicilian Orange and Tuscany Green. On the inside, the Panda 4×4 is fitted with exclusive features to suit its character and these include a green fascia that frames the instruments and storage pockets, upholstery design in either green, beige or pumpkin with eco-leather details and front and rear door panels with eco-leather inserts. A high console over the central tunnel provides additional storage.

The range-topping Panda Cross can be had with an optional Cross Plus Pack which gives the Panda a rugged look with skid plates and door protection panels in a silver ultrashine colour as well as alloy rims and red tow hooks. The Panda Cross also has new light clusters, fog lamps and LED daytime running lights. From the side, flared wheel arches, side mouldings with a 'Cross' badge and roof rails add to the rugged appeal. 15-inch steel wheels with unique wheel covers are standard. At the rear, a new bumper with underbody protection and a chrome tail pipe rounds off the look. The Panda Cross has a ground clearance of 161 mm.

The adventure-ready Panda 4×4 and Panda Cross are equipped with a 'torque-on-demand' all-wheel drive system to tackle any surface.

On the inside, the Panda Cross benefits from automatic climate control, CD/MP3 radio with Blue&Mesystemwith mounted steering wheel controls, height adjustable leather steering wheel and height adjustable driver's seat. The fabric seats feature brown eco-leather side strips to match the door panels and the front seats have Cross wording on the backrests. The dashboard fascia and centre console is offered in a new copper colour.A drive mode selector is offered on the Panda Cross and includes modes such as Auto (automatically distributes torque to each axle), Offroad (distributes torque to all four wheels) and Hill Descent Control (controls speed on steep descents). A number of Mopar accessories are also offered for the Panda.

A total of 4 airbags are fitted as standard along with ABS with EBD, ESP, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Hill Holder, tyre pressure monitoring and ISOFIX child seat mounts.

Look out for our Fiat Panda launch review coming soon!

Fiat Panda – Price in South Africa

Fiat Panda 0.9 TwinAir Easy: R184 900

Fiat Panda 0.9 TwinAir Lounge: R199 900

Fiat Panda 0.9 TwinAir 4×4: R229 900

Fiat Panda 0.9 TwinAir 4×4 Cross: R249 900

The Fiat Panda is sold with a 3-year/100 000km warranty and a 3-year/100 000km service plan with service intervals set at 15 000km.

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