Spy
photos of a prototype Fiat Panda 4x4, seen during
cold-weather testing in Scandinavia, have emerged this
week, as the first derivative of the new A-segment Panda
model counts down to its debut in Geneva before arriving
in the showrooms later this year. The new set of photos
come from Italian magazine Quattroruote.
The four-wheel drive Panda has always been an integral
part of the citycar’s range. Both first- and
second-generation models sported 4x4 versions, which
were very highly regarded as immensely practical,
off-road-capable machines, despite their diminutive
stature. The third-generation model aims to continue
this legacy; with its world première slated for the
Geneva Motor Show in March, it will hit Fiat showrooms
in Italy towards the end of the year. That would keep
its launch schedule broadly in line with the outgoing
Panda 4x4, which arrived in the dealerships in September
2004, almost exactly a year after the base model
debuted. (The previous model also spawned a highly
distinctive SUV derivative of the 4x4 version a year
later, known as the ‘Cross’.)
The third-generation Panda is an evolutionary beast, and
much the same applies for the new 4x4 variant. The new
model used a revised platform based on the outgoing
model, with an emphasis on improved safety, and will
carry over the tried-and-tested mechanicals of the old
4x4, including the viscous coupling, drivetrain and
independent rear suspension. The engine options will be
the carryover 1.3 16V Multijet turbodiesel (now with
second-generation Multijet technology), or the new 85 CV
900cc TwinAir. There will also be an addition variant
known as the ‘Hiking’, which will combine the aesthetic
details of the 4x4 with front-wheel drive and Fiat’s
Traction+ electronic traction control system. This
system, also fitted to the Qubo, aims to simulate the
presence of a limited-slip differential and give the
Hiking an extra degree of capability compared to a
regular front-drive Panda.
The spy photos, from Italian magazine Quattroruote, show
the new Panda 4x4 will retain a raised ride height. Also
like the outgoing model, it gains new body parts that
give it a thoroughly pumped-up, ‘butch’ feel compared to
the standard Panda. These new parts consist of new front
and rear bumpers, plastic wheel arch trims and
protective sill covers. At the front, drawing influence
from the old 4x4, the bumper features a new, large and
slightly protruding protective centre section, with
lower plastic covers on either side that wrap around the
wheelarches (and incorporate housings for foglamps on
high-end versions). At the rear, there is a similar
design feature which extends up onto the bumper, with
the rear foglamp and reversing light on either side, as
in the standard Panda. Added protection comes in the
form of door rubbing strips, which are carried over from
the basic version.
The new Panda 4x4 will be the first niche version of the
new Panda. It will also, crucially, give Fiat a strong
weapon to fight the challenge on the horizon posed by
VW’s new up!, which seriously threatens the Panda’s
pre-eminent position in A-segment for the first time.
With Fiat known to be worried about the forthcoming
competition in the showrooms posed the up! (which has
beaten the Panda to the market and forms the basis of
further competitively-priced derivatives from Skoda and
SEAT), this gives the Panda greater strength again this
German model. It can be expected that VW will offer its
own series of niche versions in time; at last
September’s Frankfurt IAA, the German carmaker showed
off the cross up! concept, based on the standard hatch.
It offered a more rugged design and 15mm rise in ride
height compared to the standard up!, giving an insight
into VW’s thinking about a possible production
‘all-terrain’ version.
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