The Fiat Panda 4x4 arrives in South Africa with a big reputation as the 2004 European Car of the Year, and a funky, vibrant character that is set to redefine recreational motoring.

That tradition of innovation and bringing unique products to cater for extraordinary market demands is something Fiat has always done well, especially in South Africa. And the Fiat product offensive continues with the introduction of another all-new model to the line-up.

“Fiat cars address some of the most important issues currently facing the South African market: they are reliable and innovative, but above all they are affordable,” says Giorgio Gorelli, managing director of Fiat Auto SA. “The Fiat Panda 4x4 is a totally unique product in South Africa with no direct competitors. What’s more, it has a strong mechanical core that makes it safe, respectable off-road, completely useable on-road and with a typically fun Fiat character.”

INNOVATION, APPEALING DESIGN, CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY

The Fiat Panda 4x4 bristles with clever solutions to make on-board life simpler and better. These values are written into the DNA of the Fiat brand and the newcomer combines them with a distinctive personality and a desire to get away from it all. The new car immediately conjures up a wish to travel in complete freedom, even to places that are inaccessible to conventional vehicles. But, this does not detract in any way from the driving satisfaction the car offers when navigating the narrow streets of suburbia. It is the ideal car for customers who seek handling and exterior charm in addition to off-road attributes.

The Panda 4x4 is as an out-and-out off-roader or a fun car able to weave its way with ease through town traffic. This is, in essence, a car with a dual personality that conveys an immediate impression of freshness and fun backed by solidity and sturdiness. The whole package is also marked by a touch of pizzazz and style one has come to expect from Italian passion and Fiat cars.

Fiat has led the compact vehicle market for more than 70 years, building up an enviable technical and design heritage during that time. While Panda is a new concept for South Africa, it is a well-established icon in Europe and with changing customer profiles in mind, has been developed as a modern, technically advanced and fun car.

”The Panda 4x4 is a small, stylish off-roader able to tackle any situation with an extra touch of sophistication inside and out; an ideal car for extroverts on the move,” says Gorelli. “The Panda 4x4 is a car of huge personality that will be able to satisfy customers with different needs and tastes, including the growing number of drivers who seek adventure and an open-air life.”

TREKKING AND CLIMBING MODELS

Two models of the Fiat Panda 4x4 are now available in South Africa. The baseline Panda 4x4 is called the Trekking while the more upmarket model is known as the Climbing.

The Fiat Panda 4x4 may be a compact car, but it is not short of appointments to make it comfortable and practical for its intended purpose. The Trekking model includes air conditioning, electric windows, headlight adjustment, a heated rear screen with its own windscreen wiper, intermittent wipers, eight-speaker stereo pre-wiring (including speakers), key-operated central locking, and electric DualDrive* power steering with a height-adjustable column as standard equipment. A foldable rear seat, three cup holders, courtesy lights and a headlight-on warning are also standard.

The Climbing model adds a CD front loader, a cigarette lighter, 50/50 split rear seats (with headrests), remote central locking and audio controls on the steering wheel to the Trekking’s list of standard comfort features. Climbing models are immediately distinguishable from the Trekking thanks to colour-coded bumpers and door handles, roof rails and alloy wheels. The Climbing also gets a leather-covered gear lever.

Comfort options for the Trekking model include a radio/CD front loader, front fog lamps and metallic paint. The Climbing model can be enhanced with a CD changer and amplifier, front fog lamps, metallic paint and a sunroof.

Not only is the Panda 4x4 well appointed from a comfort point of view, but its safety levels are also exceptionally high. ABS with EBD is standard across the range, as are driver and front passenger airbags.
 

There is a high-level brake light, 3-point seatbelts for all four passengers and side impact protection bars. The Panda Climbing model in addition adds side airbags to the standard menu.

COMPACT AND FUNKY

The Panda 4x4 is a true off-roader with the ability to weave confidently in and out of city traffic while being completely fashionable at the same time. It is a car with a dual soul that is fresh and appealing, solid and strong. But above all, it is funky and vibey, and the most affordable 4x4 on the market today.

Both Trekking and Climbing models have excellent manoeuvrability thanks to their compact dimensions. The Climbing is just 357cm long, 160cm wide and 163cm high, nimble enough in traffic or off the beaten track, while commanding a high seating position for excellent all-round visibility. Those compact dimensions also allow a turning circle of just 9,6 metres; convenient for congested city driving or on difficult terrain. But despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Panda 4x4 remains surprisingly spacious inside. There is a minimum of 200 litres of luggage room, but by folding the rear seats, up to a massive 855 litres (measured to the roof) can be liberated.

PERMANENT 4X4

The Panda 4x4 is a car with a strong personality that fits the needs of customers with different needs and different tastes, including a growing number of adventure-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Panda 4x4 has a permanent four-wheel viscous drive system and two differentials that are activated automatically when needed to overcome any situation confidently.

And with 160mm of minimum ground clearance in the Trekking (the Climbing has a ground clearance of 165mm) the Panda 4x4 is at home on rough and difficult terrain. There is an approach angle of 26 degrees for the Trekking (24 degrees for the Climbing), a departure angle of 42 degrees (44 degrees for the Trekking) and a breakover angle of 24 degrees (23 degrees for the Trekking). The steepest gradient that can be tackled exceeds 50 percent.

The super-compact "four-wheel drive" boasts excellent driving comfort, thanks to the tried and tested layout of its specifically gauged suspensions. There is an independent front suspension by MacPherson struts with bottom crosswise rocker arms anchored to an auxiliary cross-member and a stabiliser bar connected to the shock absorber. The rear suspension is also separate for each of the two wheels, with longitudinally stretched arms blocked to a specific frame with a stabiliser bar.

LIVELY DRIVETRAIN

Both Trekking and Climbing Panda 4x4 models are powered by the tried and tested 1 242cc four-cylinder petrol engine developing 44kW at 5 000 r/min and 102Nm of torque at just 2 500 r/min. This engine meets Euro 4 standards. Mated to a five-speed manual transmission, the Panda 4x4 accelerates from rest to 100km/h in 20 seconds and reaches a top speed of 145km/h.

When it comes to safety, the new Panda 4x4 will stand up to any comparison, starting with its excellent braking system. There are 240mm disc brakes all round, the fronts being ventilated. Standard equipment also includes ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and incorporating Fiat’s advanced MSR function that prevents wheel spin when changing down gears.

The Panda 4x4 Trekking runs on 14-inch steel rims with 165/70 R14 tyres. The Climbing benefits from handsome 14-inch alloy wheels shod with 185/65 R14 tyres. Both models feature a space saver spare wheel.

AFTERSALES CARE

The Fiat Panda 4x4 will enjoy full after-sales backing in South Africa thanks to a comprehensive parts inventory and trained technicians at 40 Fiat dealerships countrywide. “We are taking our aftersales duties very seriously,” says Gorelli. “We want Fiat ownership to be as easy as possible so that customers can spend more time enjoying their Fiat, rather than concerning themselves over maintaining it.”