In normal conditions the Panda’s engine drives just two wheels but when needed the car automatically engages all wheel drive. Viscous coupling (sounds a bit rude!) and two differentials help split the torque between the front and rear axles to the optimum level. On the open road the Panda needs to be given the whip a bit, especially on the motorway, but feels nippy enough for most town use. The four-cylinder petrol engine produces 59 bhp and runs out of puff at 145 km/h (90mph) while a sprint to 100 km/h is more of a leisurely stroll, taking 20 seconds. Off road the Panda 4x4 can climb a 60% slope and has impressive approach and departure angles. Fuel consumption is good with an average of 6.6 L/100k (42.9 mpg). If you drive like an angel 5.8 (48 mpg) is achievable.
The standard two-wheel drive Panda (which starts at a very affordable €11,695) has been beefed up with a raised chassis and chunky, tough looking front and rear bumpers. It also has roof bars for all that outdoor equipment you’ll have to buy to really look the part.
Inside the 4x4 you’ll find a high driving position, which really suits the car.
The centre dash console is very functional as it houses not only the gear lever but also the window switches, air con controls, and CD stereo that features steering wheel mounted controls. The dials for the driver are simple and clear with a speedo on the left and rev counter on the right. As with most Fiats there is the ‘City’ button. When pressed the steering lightens at slow speed thus making any manoeuvre easy peasy. Fiat call it ‘Duel Drive’ power steering.
Most four-wheel drives cost well over thirty grand but the diminutive Fiat can be yours for just €15,695. Or to look at it another way, it’s roughly €100,000 less than a 4.4 HSE Range Rover!
This little car is silly but very cute at the same time. It is a hoot and when push comes to shove it can venture further off road than any two-wheel drive car would dare. If you never intend to mount a kerb take a look at the Climbing’s diesel sister the ‘multijet’ Panda. This two-wheel drive version has the pulling power of U2! The clever multijet engine is tiny at less than 1.3 litre yet has the torque output of a 1.8 litre petrol engine. Just do the math - lightweight car plus loads of power equals great poke. Fiat globally may be in a financial mess but they do make good ‘small’ cars. I am sure if the Italian giant stuck to making just Pandas, Puntos and the odd Doblo van it would do alright. Check out the Panda range, it is a great little car.
Michael Sheridan
