A city car with genuine off-road ability, the new Panda 4x4

In a new press release Fiat are promoting the arrival of their new third generation Panda 4x4, which will be available purchase to this month. The latest Fiat Panda 4x4 with an all-wheel drive system is successor to the previous best-seller that first appeared over 29 years ago. Fiat say, " it’s a smart solution for drivers who want city car features without trading the passenger room and comfort of a five-door, or the go-anywhere ability of a full SUV."

Despite having a compact five-door car like shape, this version of the Panda will offer buyers the convenience of a smaller city car with the versatility and ability of a full sized SUV. Fiat also reminds us that there is another vehicle to consider which sits between the Panda 4x4 and the regular two wheel drive option, Panda Trekking, the world's first CUV or City Utility Vehicle. This version features the Panda 4x4’s raised ride height but combines front-wheel drive with an improved traction control system to enhance its abilities over slippery surfaces. Both the Panda 4x4 and the Trekking will share the same shape as the regular Panda but with include design accents to convey the impression of a multifunctional SUV.

Panda 4x4 and Trekking versions will offer a choice between 875cc TwinAir Turbo and the 1.3-litre MultiJet 2 turbo diesel. Both engines come with Start&Stop and a Gear Shift Indicator (GSI) which suggests to the driver the optimum point to change gear in order to achieve the best economy. Panda 4x4 and Trekking feature the regular model’s Dual drive electric power steering with ‘City’ function to make manoeuvring simple. There are six airbags, four of them standard, ABS anti-lock braking, and ESP (Electronic Stability Program) as standard. The Panda 4x4 and Trekking also feature the option of City Brake Control, a low speed collision mitigation system usually found only on much bigger cars. This ‘reads’ the road ahead and when it detects an obstacle in the car’s path it applies the brakes automatically.

The Panda 4x4 and Trekking have an independent MacPherson strut suspension at the front and interconnected wheels with a torsion beam layout at the rear. Compared with the semi-trailing arms of the previous generation model, the new rear suspension is lighter and provides better ride and acoustic comfort with no deterioration in off-road performance. The MultiJet 2 version of the Panda 4x4 sits 16cm above the ground while the TwinAir’s ground clearance is a still generous 15cm. The maximum angle of gradient that the Panda 4x4 can approach without any part of its bodywork touching the ground is 20 degrees (MultiJet). The maximum departure angle, or angle of gradient from which it can drive away without touching the ground, is 36 degrees (TwinAir) and its break over angle at the top of a hill is 20 degrees.

To ensure maximum grip on any surface the Fiat Panda 4x4 features specially developed 175/65 R15 84T M+S tyres. On board every Panda 4x4 and Trekking there’s air conditioning, Blue&Me multimedia system, ESP, a CD/MP3 radio, 15-inch alloy wheels with Mud and Snow tyres, electric heated door mirrors, central locking with remote control, and rear head restraints. Options include large car features such as City Brake Control, a sliding rear seat and Blue&Me TomTom2 LIVE.

For a small SUV, the Panda 4x4 is full of fun features and practical functionality. No longer considered old fashioned, this will be a great a little vehicle for anyone looking for the economy of a small car with the abilities that come with an off-roading 4x4. Now if only the Panda 4x4 came priced in line with that of a small car, it would be Panda Perfect, but currently the Panda Trekking will start from £12,450 and the 4x4 will come with a starting price £13,950 with the same engine.