The new Fiat Panda Cross is claimed to build on the versatility and style Panda 4X4 versions. Fiat says that the car offers extreme cross functionality. It will be offered with all-wheel drive as standard with the option of a diesel, methane and LPG powered engine.

While the car is based on the existing Panda, the new Panda Cross comes with a Torque-on-Demand all-wheel drive, electronic stability control, electronic locking differential and hill descent control all standard.

The front end of the new Fiat Panda Cross has a chunky new bumper which features scratch and bump-resistant corner sections. It is fitted with a large, functional skidplate with a pair of easily-accessed tow hooks and new LED daytime running lights located in protective recesses.

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The new Fiat Panda Cross features protective wheel arch extensions, thick side mouldings, 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.

In the interior 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 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 is conveniently located.

Terrain Control offers driving modes for the Panda Cross, Auto, Off-Road and Hill Descent Control. In Auto mode the engine torque is automatically distributed between the front and rear axles without requiring any input from the driver.

On normal roads with good traction, the Panda Cross is 98% front-wheel drive but when a loss of traction is detected the system automatically redistributes the engine torque between axles in just a tenth of a second. The level of torque distribution is varied using an electro-hydraulically controlled, multi-plate central differential and is versatile enough to direct the entire torque output of the engine to the rear axle if necessary.

In Off-Road mode, the all-wheel drive function is permanently activated up to 50km/hr. (30mph). 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 25km/hr. (15mph) and remains in standby mode up to 50km/hr. (30mph). It employs the vehicle’s ESC sensors and ABS brake system to maintain a 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.

The Fiat Panda Cross comes with all-season 185/65R15 Mud and Snow tyres. Larger than those of the standard Panda 4x4, these tyres were specially developed for traction on wet and dry surfaces, as well as snow-covered roads, as well as giving good off-road performance.

When combined with specific springs and redesigned bodywork, they help increase the ground clearance to 161 mm for the TwinAir version and 158 mm for the MultiJet model. This gives improved and steeper approach angles and allows the car to drive over steeper gradients.

Fiat has raised the air intake duct for the engine is raised by 739mm in the diesel version and 711mm in the petrol version to ensure the Panda Cross has no difficulty in fording the occasional river or flooded road.

The 1.3-litre MultiJet II turbo-diesel engine, with DPF as standard, will be the most popular choice. This engine has a 5hp boost in power to 80hp at 4,000 rpm. The 2014 Fiat Panda Cross goes on sale later this year and Irish prices have yet to be confirmed.