Maybe we’re only noticing this because we’re still in the muggy, dog days of summer, or maybe automakers are responding to global warming in a very clever way, but we seem to be in the golden age of winter-themed special editions. BMW continues to put out Frozen edition after Frozen edition of M3s and 6-series, Cadillac “frosted” its outgoing CTS, and Jeep has a Polar-inspired Wrangler at the Frankfurt show. Now we’re being treated to Fiat’s Panda 4×4 Antarctica in celebration of the Panda’s 30th birthday.
As is only logical for a winter-themed Panda, Fiat has finished the Antarctica’s exterior in white, complemented by a black roof and accented by orange on the wheel hubs and mirror housings—the orange treatment continues on the interior, too. Windows have been darkened and fog lights added to amplify the special edition’s Great White North credentials. The 4×4 rides on gray diamond-finish 15-inch aluminum wheels fitted with 175/65 snow tires that Fiat claims doesn’t harm fuel economy.
Fuel is consumed by a choice of a gasoline-drinking 0.9-liter turbocharged two-cylinder rather at 85 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque, or a 1.3-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel cranking out 75 horses and 140 lb-ft. Regardless of engine choice, a six-speed manual transmission handles shifting duties and a stop-start system comes as standard.
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The Panda 4×4 Antarctica will go on sale in European markets closer to the end of the year. Even though this limited edition won’t ever set tread on American soil, we continue to hold out hope that this admirable little off-roader will serve as the foundation for Jeep’s upcoming B-segment offering.
Source: CarAndDriver
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