Fiat is in the process of developing a “Panda XL” crossover if one of the recent reports is to be believed.
Not much detail is available currently about the model, but Autobild says it will be based on the same platform that underpins the Fiat 500X and the upcoming entry-level Jeep. Both of those models will be built at Fiat’s Melfi plant and production is expected to begin early next year 2014.
It is not very clear if the Panda XL will be larger than its platform mates but Fiat has previously said that the Small Wide architecture can be easily adapted to produce even vehicles of larger sizes. The company also hinted the Melfi plant will build four different models, so it’s easier to assume and believe that the Panda XL will be built alongside the entry-level Jeep and the Fiat 500X.
Detail about power is not available as of now, but they should be offered with an optional all-wheel drive system.