Micro Panda Cross

Overview

Micro being the first ever locally manufactured brand of the country is immensely popular among other foreign brands. Micro introduced Panda a small compact hatchback which became the favorite of all amongst other small city hatchbacks in no time. The car was given enchanting looks which was so much praised and liked by the people that the brand introduced its Crossover version Micro Panda Cross which has got looks and features like an SUV along with an inherited stance of the Panda hatchback. The Crossover comes with a 1.3 litre 4 cylinder petrol engine which delivers a maximum output of 63 kW @ 6000 rpm along with a maximum torque of 110 Nm @ 5200 rpm. The Crossover's mileage delivery is 13.8 kmpl and it accelerates from a standstill to 100kmph in 14 seconds. Overall the Crossover delivers a fine performance and the mileage and acceleration figures are also descent according to its weight and design. The looks of the car are inherited from the hatchback Micro Panda but they are modified and given a suitable design for an SUV. The front and the rear of the Crossover are given skid plates which have made the car look uplifted from the base and the enchanting look is transformed into a bold look along with black front and rear strong bumpers. Like the Panda hatchback, the crossover also has a broad front grille with the logo and the combination Headlamps in a circular shape. A similar appearance from the front is given to the crossover while keeping in mind the necessary boldness required for an SUV look with additional features like the black side moldings and the carrier. From the inside, the Crossover has got all features in a circular shape and appearance. This appearance is rarely found in any other Crossover or an SUV. The centre console and the side AC vents are round in shape and the car has a fine grey-black dual tone interior finish. Boot volume of the crossover is 200 litres and the rear seats can be folded into a 60:40 split. In terms of safety the crossover has ventilated front disc brakes and ventilated rear drum brakes with Vacum Booster, ABS with EBD, High Mounted brake lamp, Front & Rear Fog Lamps, Rear Demister, Optional Driver & Passenger Air Bags and an Electronic Anti-Theft System. Overall sufficient safety features are equipped according to the size of the Crossover.

Mileage and Fuel economy

The Crossover manages to deliver a fine mileage of 13.8 kmpl with the help of the 4 cylinders. The performance of the car can be called appropriate according to its shape and size and the 1.3 litre petrol engine.

Power

The Crossover offers a 1.3 litre 4 cylinder DOHC petrol engine which delivers a maximum output of 63 kW @ 6000 rpm along with a maximum torque of 110 Nm @ 5200 rpm. The crossover has got a powerful engine according to its size and features and is apt for providing a smooth ride.

Acceleration & Pickup

Micro Panda Cross accelerates from a standstill to 100kmph in 14 seconds with a top speed of 160 kmph which are fine figures for a 5 speed manual transmission crossover and because not much of features are added to it except the look of an SUV, it is an acceptable duration.

Exterior

Micro gave the hatchback Panda a very adorable appearance which was praised by the audience. The Cross version of the hatchback is not given a completely different stance but certain necessary changes required in the appearance of a Crossover are executed while designing the car. Yet the looks of the crossover are inherited from the hatchback Micro Panda. The front and the rear are given a bold stylish stance with silver Skid plates and strong black bumpers. The Headlamps and the front grille are the major distinctions made in every design of the Micro that makes the car stand out from the crowd. A distinct round design of the Headlamps and a broad grille with the Logo makes the front of the Crossover catch all eyes. The sides have strong black moldings and distinguishing character lines on the doors with body colored door handles. A rusty look is given to the crossover with the black window panels. From the rear the crossover is broad looking with triangular shaped tail lamps and rear fog lamps. The tail gate has the perfect shape like an SUV with body colored handle and a mounted spare wheel without cover. Overall the Crossover has got tough looks and the elegance is firmly transformed into bold rough appearance.

Exterior Measurements

The Micro crossover stands on 3815mm x 1648mm x 1530mm (L x W x H) dimensions and offers a Wheelbase of 2340mm which gives sufficient legroom and cabin space to the car.

Interior

From the inside the crossover has adequate space for seating of 5 occupants with a wide cabin space. The crossover possesses a fine grey-black interior finish with leather seats and also the overall interior combination is grey-black like the side doors from the inside have grey-black finish on the power window and door handle panel with chrome plated inner door handles. The centre console has a round design with the centrally mounted control panel in a round shape along with the side AC vents. Chrome is also used on the 4 spoke steering wheel giving it a classy finish along with Self-luminescent MID panel. The dashboard has a smart black finish and the 2 DIN audio unit has FM, CD/MP3 player, USB Support and optional Bluetooth with Navigation support. The Crossover has round designed elegant interiors with chrome finish adding to its elegance.

Interior Comfort

The floor centre console has cup holders with the gear box. Seating wise the car is comfortable with head rests at front and rear with foldable rear seats into a 60:40 split. The seats have decent thigh support and adjustable head rests. Optional Bluetooth with Navigation support is provided to the infotainment unit and it has power windows with all controls with the driver as well, power steering wheel, Power mirrors, Rear defogger and A/C with pre-filter.

Interior Measurements

The Boot volume of the Crossover is 200 litres with foldable rear seats that provides sufficient storage space to the car and descent legroom space is also available due to the fine length wheelbase.

Engine and Performance

The Crossover offers a 1.3 litre 4 cylinder DOHC petrol engine which delivers a maximum output of 63 kW @ 6000 rpm along with a maximum torque of 110 Nm @ 5200 rpm. Performance wise the crossover has a fine delivery of power and mileage but for a 5 speed manual transmission, the acceleration could have been better.

Stereo and Accessories

The Panda Crossover offers a 2 DIN audio unit with FM, CD/MP3 player, USB Support and Bluetooth with Navigation support in the optional range. There are 6 high quality speakers delivering soothing sound and entertainment for the passengers which can make a long journey full of fun and joy.

Wheels

Micro Panda Cross possesses 6 spoke 15 inch Alloy wheels with a tire size of 175/65 R15. These Alloy wheels also add to the tough look of the car and while off-roading maintains the smoothness in the ride.

Braking and Handling

The Crossover offers powerful ventilated front disc brakes and ventilated rear drum brakes with Vacum Booster, ABS with EBD and a Power Assisted Steering. Not much of new technology breaking controls are equipped in the crossover but descent ventilated breaks and easy tiltable steering wheel help control the car and maintain the efficiency.

Safety and Security

Safety has not been neglected while providing a unique design to the crossover. The brand has not let down its audience in terms of securing them with safety features like Energy absorbing steering column, ABS with EBD, Remote central door locking, Rear defogger, High Mounted brake lamp, Front & Rear Fog Lamps, Rear Demister, and an Electronic Anti-Theft System. However Driver & Passenger Air Bags are provided as optional.

Pros

Unique Design
Adequate Safety features
Impressive performance

Cons

Lacks Engine options
Lacks additional breaking controls
Average Infotainment system