Fiat, the Italian automaker is trying hard to increase market share in the highly competitive Indian car market. It seems like the company is considering various cars from its global portfolio. The company has recently imported the 500L MPV for R&D purpose, now, the Fiat Panda 4×4 hatchback has been arrived into India for testing purpose. If reports are to be believed, both 500L MPV and Panda could be launched in the Indian market.
The imported Panda is the 4×4 variant, which is powered by a 1.3-litre multi-jet diesel engine that also powers the Punto and Avventura. This engine is capable of producing a top power output of 74bhp and a peak torque of 190Nm. It is expected that the hatchback will come in both front wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions. The increase in demand for aggressive pseudo crossovers could be the reason behind the arrival of rugged Panda 4×4.
Talking about styling, the hatchback features plastic body cladding, bigger, stylish 15-inch wheels and roof rails. It is equipped with a full-time all-wheel drive system with two differential locks for off-roading. Both manual and automatic versions of the Panda are likely to come India. This hatchback will be positioned above the Punto Evo, and the company needs to heavily localise the car to price it competitive in the market.
