New Fiat Panda Cross
Suspension

As adopted on the front-wheel-drive Panda versions, the 4x4 Panda Cross front suspension has an independent MacPherson configuration... but with certain changes.

The dimensions of the shock absorbers are increased (bush rod 22mm instead of 20mm) to enhance off-road efficiency and reliability. Compared to the Panda 2WD, the four wheel drive version offers special springs that add to the greater ground clearance so that the vehicle can ride easily over rough routes and ground surfaces.

The system therefore offers a torsion bar connected to the shock absorber by means of bars to improve filtering out vibrations on rough ground.

At the rear, the suspension selected for the Panda 4x4 differs significantly from that used on the 2WD model.

Instead of an interconnected wheel (semi-independent) suspension with a torsion beam, the four wheel drive vehicle adopts a longitudinal tie rods configuration with independent wheels. This layout ensures the support of the rear differential (secured to the chassis with the interposition of flexible elements), accepts rear transmission components (drive shafts) and ensures the rear wheels the independence necessary to travel over any routes or roughness.

A rear frame fastened rigidly to the body at four points acts as a load sparing element for the rear mechanical components (transmission and suspension). The tie rods are also fastened to the frame with the interposition of flexible elements (2 rubber/metal bushes per arm).

The axis of rotation of the arm (a virtual line that joins the centre of both bushes) is inclined in space in order to stabilise the wheel for safe roadholding under critical stability conditions.

A torsion bar is fitted and connected to the tie rods by means of ball joints that give the suspension extra rigidity and stabilise it during rolling for safer performance on bends.

Compared to the Panda 2WD, the size of the springs on the four wheel drive version has been selected to give the vehicle a raised ride (ground clearance). The position of the shock absorbers, angled under the floorpan as on the two wheel drive version, has been optimised to increase the system filtering capacity over ground roughness.