Fiat Panda 4×4 1.3 JTD 75 CV, test drive (Exterior design, interior and boot)

These days the star of our test section is the Fiat Panda 4×4, a small off-roader capable of tackling tricky terrain and difficult access that many of the SUVs now filling our roads cannot. We have tested the little Italian with its only available diesel engine, the 1.3 JTD 75 CV paired with a five-speed manual gearbox.

In the first part of the test we analysed the diesel engine’s performance, the Panda 4×4’s off-road capabilities, and the car’s handling and fuel consumption. Now, in the second part, we turn to design: an exterior design that sets it apart from the conventional Panda, and an interior that is identical to the traditional Panda’s.

Exterior design

Outwardly, the Panda 4×4 is recognised by its height, taller than a conventional Panda, and by various elements that give it a rugged touch. As well as being taller, it also features plastic protection along the lower part of the bodywork and a more aggressive, 4×4-style front end.

At the front, the oversized bumper stands out. On the sides, the lights continue (split in two: the dipped beams on one side and the daytime running lights on the other), and at the bottom sit the fog lamps (which have no protection of any kind, something we would recommend).

From the side, the added height is evident, along with black protective cladding bearing the “4×4” logo that differentiates it from the non-off-road version. Alloy wheels come as standard on this version, measuring 175/65 R15, and it is shod with M+S tyres.

At the rear, the bumpers with protective trim again signal that this is the Panda 4×4, while the rest of the design remains unchanged, with the typical side lights and some lighting functions in the bumper across two separate lamps.

Interior design, roominess and finishes

Inside, the Panda 4×4 is just like a conventional Fiat Panda; nothing sets it apart. The interior is carefully designed, although the materials are largely hard plastic, though the fit and finish are good.

The design shows throughout, though. Those squares with rounded edges appear everywhere, from the gear lever knob to the instrument dials and the air-conditioning controls and radio buttons (you can tell that, although it does not stand out for quality, the interior design is genuinely “Made in Italy”). Curiously, the hard plastic of the dashboard has “Panda” written all over it like a word search, a pity that there are no higher-quality areas.

On the dashboard, the colour strip matches the exterior bodywork colour, and the driving position stands out for its height, although an armrest is missing and the headrest is quite firm. There are no headroom issues for taller occupants, though legroom is adequate but no more, and the seats offer little lateral support. On the plus side, the gear lever sits high in a comfortable position.

At the back, access, despite its four doors, is not very good, because the rear wheel arch takes away space for getting in. The rear seats offer room for two people; three will be very tight, although there is headroom. A detail that could be improved is the manual windows in the rear seats.

Storage and boot

In terms of storage, the standout is the double glovebox, one closed and the other an open compartment in front of the passenger (a woman’s handbag just fits). There are also two cup holders in the centre console and another in the rear seats. In the rear, the door pockets are small, deep but not very wide.

The boot has a capacity of 225 litres, that is, it is small but quite practical. For comparison, a Ford Fiesta offers 290 litres, a Citroen C1 139 litres, and a Mini 190 litres. The boot also has a compartment underneath for small items.

In the third part of the test we will discuss the equipment of this Climbing 4×4 version, our overall assessment, and the price of the Fiat Panda 4×4.

Photos | Test equipment