Now just hold on one moment – before you load up that shotgun Jeep fans; let me explain.
If you’re a Wrangler or Grand Cherokee fan, you WANT the frugal Panda Cross 4X4 (or something based on it) to enter Jeep’s fleet. Government requirements in the near future are going to make running fuel-chuggin’ Jeeps difficult. Having a super frugal FIAT Panda-based Jeep in the lineup will enhance the overall mpg of the Jeep lineup without drastically altering output on larger, heavier Jeeps.
See?
FIAT Pandas are simple, honest machines with some fun DNA hidden just under the surface. The original Panda was woefully slow. I drove one and it called me, “fat, lazy, and uncivilized,” when I tried to have some fun. Roman Mica (TFLCar’s “Il Duche”) rented one many years back and wanted it executed.
Fortunately, the new ones are MUCH better and offer lots of model variation. The FIAT Panda Cross is the most unique mode of the current batch and, according to an English automotive journalist associate of mine (he owns two Pandas), the FIAT Panda Cross 4X4 is a blast off road. There is a regular Panda 4X4 that eschews the nifty body cladding and unique options the Panda Cross has – but they perform about the same.
Here are five reasons the FIAT Panda Cross 4X4 might be the next mini Jeep:
1. It might be worth the lira to FIAT. You already know about Chrysler Group LLC’s close relationship with FIAT. Things have gone very well as evidenced by a better and better product showcase. The bosses in Italy would like nothing more than to bring more products built by FIAT here. Introducing a model like the Panda – or whatever name Jeep gives it – to the North American market is simply good business. By the way, did you know the Panda underpins the new FIAT 500?
2. It’s got that special something – but it needs something else. There are a variety of engine choices; however, the 100 horsepower engine might best suit American roads. With that said, FIAT may need even more ponies to motivate the Panda as our DOT safety requirements will undoubtedly add a few hundred pounds of extra safety garbage. Weight is the one thing FIAT Pandas don’t like. So, that extra horsepower will be needed for chunky-butt drivers like me.
3. A new entry model for Jeep. The Jeep Patriot and (especially) the Jeep Compass have been greatly improved. Still, as they move up-market, Jeep could use something cheap to bring in young buyers.
The Panda-based Jeep will appeal to teens, college folk, young families and fat bastards like me. It’s subjective to be sure as I only have good input about this car from a friend and a positive review by Fifth Gear (Top Gear Magazine hates the FIAT Panda Cross). I bet Jeep will look for a base price to make it the cheapest 4X4/AWD on the market. Right now, the Suzuki SX4 , base model Jeep Patriot (see video below) and Subaru Impreza are among the cheapest AWDs/4X4s. This means a sub $14,000 would be a smart bet.
4. “Trail Rated” really? The 4X4 Panda’s auto-locking differential is supposed to be excellent providing outstanding traction – but it’s not a low gear. I’ve spoken to a lot of Jeep folk – both professional (works for Jeep) and private (Jeep fans) and they all indicate the same thought – if a vehicle wants to wear the Jeep badge, it HAS to be capable of being “Trail Rated.”
That means, it has to have the ability to work off road – period. Bounding over massive boulders and fording rivers three feet deep are not exactly prerequisite requirements. Still, to be taken seriously by Jeep folk, it will have to impress. That’s where I’m fairly confident the FIAT Panda Cross-based Jeep would do quite well.
Go online and look for FIAT Panda videos off road, racing against Rovers and challenging the world in the Dakar rally (one of the most difficult races on earth). Let me put it another way: I’ll bet real money that the FIAT Panda Cross 4X4 can keep up with a “Trail Rated” Liberty, Patriot and Compass off road.
5. Gas ain’t getting cheaper pal. That’s right, over the next decade, gas will continue to climb and only a few alternatives will make their way to off road vehicles. Having one that may be able to crack the 40 mpg highway barrier would be a boon for business. Oh, and FIAT has some of the best small diesels on the plant, a 1.3 liter diesel has been fitted to a Panda with great results. For off road fans, the idea of a clean burning, economical (think: over 50 mpg) torque happy diesel makes for happy trails.
So, if you haven’t guessed, we are excited at the future prospect of having wee-little 4X4s running around in our country. Folks who want occasional off road ability with great economy and a fun character may have something to look forward to in a few short years.
Stay tuned to see if it happens and IF Nathan fits!
Automotive media, racing, vehicle evaluation, wrecking yards, and car sales are just a part of Nathan Adlen’s vehicular past. He writes out of high octane passion! To read more reviews by Nathan Adlen or just to enjoy more of excellent writing please visit him on at his examiner.com page HERE.
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