With Europe’s economies currently in the doldrums, Fiat’s move to expand its Panda range with two affordable crossover-like models in the A-segment, the Panda 4×4 and Panda Trekking, couldn’t have come at a better time for the struggling automaker as many consumers are changing their preferences to smaller, cheaper and more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Fiat describes the new Panda 4×4 as the “only genuine ‘pocket’ 4×4 car” in the European market and a “Jack of all trades” capable of tackling “mountain mule tracks and the urban jungle” with the same ease.
The Panda 4×4 rides on a jacked up suspension that offers a higher ground clearance over the regular 2WD model, while rolling on 15-inch wheels wrapped in 175/65 R15 84T M+S tires developed specifically for this model.
It gets permanent all-wheel drive that is managed through a “Torque on demand” system with two differentials and electronically controlled coupling, while also featuring an ESC (Electronic Stability Control) system with ELD (Electronic Locking Differential) function as standard.
The Panda 4×4 is available with two engine options, an 84hp (85PS) 0.9-liter TwinAir Turbo petrol and the 74hp (75PS) 1.3-liter MultiJet II diesel, both with fuel saving Start&Stop tech and a six-speed manual gearbox with shortened first gear.
A subtle styling kit that adds chunky door sills with matching black mouldings around the wheel arches and the bumpers that also house silver-colored skid plates, completes the transformation.
The Panda Trekking was designed as a more economical but less capable alternative to the 4×4.
While it keeps the same looks and higher riding suspension of the Panda 4×4, the Trekking ditches the all-wheel drive system for a front-wheel drive configuration and instead relies only on a standard traction control system to improve its performance on low-traction surfaces.
It is offered with the same engine and transmission choices as the 4×4 – albeit without the shorter first gear.
2013 FIAT PANDA 4×4 
2013 FIAT PANDA TREKKING 
