The Panda 4x4 makes its debut in Frankfurt, equipped with the 1.3 Multijet engine that delivers 70 bhp (51 kW) at 4000 rpm and peak torque of 14.8 kgm (145 Nm) at 1500 rpm. This revolutionary turbodiesel engine, which respects Euro 4 limits, takes the car to a top speed of 150 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 18 seconds. In spite of this, fuel consumption is low: just 5.3 litres per 100 km in the combined cycle. The values for the other engine available are also excellent: the well-known 1.2 Fire engine delivers a power output of 60 bhp (44 kW) at 5000 rpm and peak torque of 10.4 kgm at 2500 rpm, enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 20 seconds, with a top speed of 145 km/h.

The introduction of the 70 bhp 1.3 Multijet engine now completes the range of the original four-wheel drive version that can tackle any situation and takes everything in its stride; as the advertisement says: 'Don't stop me baby'. The Panda 4x4 immediately conveys the desire to travel in perfect freedom, even in areas that are not really accessible to conventional cars. But this does not detract from the enjoyment of driving this car in the narrow streets of a city centre. The car is ideal for whoever wants both handling and stylistic elegance and 'off-road' qualities. The 2x4 model already has that touch of refinement that makes it a 'fashionable' car.

The range

The range comprises two engines (the 70 bhp 1.3 Multijet and the 60 bhp 1.2), two outfits (Panda 4x4 and Panda 4x4 Climbing), two interiors and eleven body colours. The Panda 4x4 Climbing is a small, elegant 'off-roader', capable of tackling any situation with an extra touch of refinement in the interior and exterior styling, ideal for a dynamic, extrovert public. The range is also offered in an 'entry level' version which maintains all the Climbing's functional features for a more down-to-earth approach, at a really competitive price. The merit goes to its amazing ability to tackle off-road itineraries, its viscous joint drive and high grip tyres. Both outfits have the same compact measurements (the Climbing is 357 cm long, 160 cm wide and 163 cm high) and excellent handling, and both are about five centimetres higher than the conventional model, which significantly enhances the already excellent visibility and the superb control of the road, even on difficult routes, thanks to a turning circle of just 9.6 metres. The car's 'off-road' personality is also the result of a road clearance (in standard A) of 165 mm on the Panda 4x4 Climbing. This impression is reinforced by a number of styling elements that also have a practical 'off-road' function: for example, the front and rear bumpers on the Climbing version include protective shields, and the large rubbing strips are coordinated with small shanks on the wings, and the shield under the engine.

Two different types of tyres are envisaged: the Climbing version is fitted with 185/65-14 (M+S) tyres which are suitable for all types of use, whereas the entry level version fits reinforced 165/70-14 (M+S) tyres with a tread designed for low grip surfaces.

The passenger compartment of the Panda 4x4 is well appointed and refined, and the special fabric upholstery is offered in two different two-tone combinations: grey/red and grey/yellow.
 

And the four-wheel drive version features a generous luggage compartment. With a one-piece or split rear seat, the loading volume extends from a minimum of 200 dm3 to a maximum of 855 dm3 (up to the roof). With the 'split sliding' rear seat, these values are 230 dm3 (with the seat all forward) and 780 dm3.

'Off road' qualities and driving comfort

The Panda 4x4 has a strong personality, able to cater for customers with different demands and tastes, including the growing number of people who love adventure and life in the open air. For them, the new version adopts a permanent four-wheel drive system with a viscous joint and two differentials which kicks in automatically when it is needed, getting the car easily out of any trouble. It is an extraordinary 'explorer' which is quite at ease on rough, difficult terrain, borne out by its 'ramp angle' values in standard A.

First of all, the 'approach' angle, which measures the maximum front angle that an off-roader can negotiate without touching the ground with the bodywork. The second is the 'departure' angle, which is the highest gradient negotiable in reverse, starting from a horizontal plane. The last is the 'camber' angle. i.e. the largest angle that a triangular (isosceles) camber can have before the car touches underneath. The Climbing outfit of the new model achieves the following values: 24° (front), 42° (rear) e 24° (camber), which become 26°, 44° and 23° respectively on the Panda 4x4 outfit. The maximum gradient negotiable is 55% (in standard B, starting on a slope) and 65% (in standard B starting from a level surface).

The four-wheel drive super-mini is extremely comfortable on the road thanks to the specially calibrated, well tested suspension system. There is an independent MacPherson system at the front with transverse lower wishbones anchored to an auxiliary crossbeam and a stabiliser bar connected to the damper. The rear suspension is also of the independent type, with longitudinal trailing arms connected to the subframe with a stabiliser bar.

Safety and equipment

And finally, the car fears no rivals where safety is concerned, starting from the excellent braking system: on the versions powered by the 1.3 Multijet engine, the front wheels fit ventilated discs 257 mm in diameter, with solid 240 mm discs at the rear (all the wheels on the Panda 4x4 1.2 Fire fit 240 mm discs, with ventilated discs at the front). The Panda 4x4 offers ABS with EBD as standard, including MSR (anti-slip control on deceleration) and Dualdrive electrical power steering. The different versions can be customised with several options, including the CONNECT Nav Plus info-telematic system, headlight wash/wipe, automatic climate control and an opening sunroof.