A Panda bred for the city

A NEW version of the Fiat Panda has been bred specifically for life in the captivity of the modern urban jungle.

It takes the name of Panda City Cross to indicate that whilst it may look like a crossover, it is actually a city car in an effort to achieve the best of both worlds.

Fiat is using the basic Panda vehicle to cash in on the craze for crossovers, whilst avoiding the initial higher price and subsequent higher running costs that are sometimes associated with 4x4s.

Although it achieves the appearance of a vehicle with goanywhere abilities, it is actually available only without 4WD.

The front wheel drive format makes it more economical, with less drag on the mechanicals, especially in traffic, which makes it easier to drive and more economical.

Building on the style of the Panda Cross 4x4, the new City Cross model comes with bodycoloured front and rear bumper inserts and side mouldings plus contrasting black door mirror caps.

There are also black roof bars and door handles in addition to the same distinctive 15-inch alloy wheels, that can be found on the Panda Cross.

Inside, the City Cross comes with a grey dashboard fascia with matt black instrument panel inserts and new seats, characterised by black and grey fabric with black eco-leather side inserts. The newcomer is powered by a 70bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine.

There are also two new body colours, comprising pastel Minimal Grey and Electronica Blue, which is exclusive to this car.

An optional pack can also be specified to customise the car further.

The City Cross Style pack adds ultrashine roofbars, side mouldings and skid plate plus bodycoloured door mirrors and front red hooks to bring it in line with the Panda Cross. Inside, the City Cross style pack includes an upgraded copper dashboard and panels and seat upholstery to match the four-wheel-drive version.

The new Panda City Cross is available to order from this weekend, costing from £12,995.