Test drive FIAT Panda 4x4 1.3 Multijet, maximum versatility in a small package

This week we have in our test section a true road titan, one of those with its own name and history behind it.

We are talking about the FIAT Panda in its 4×4 version, which, powered by a 95 CV 1.3 Multijet engine, becomes a true all-rounder.

Exterior design, robust and charming

We all have in mind the image of the classic FIAT Panda, that square, small “shoebox” made of four panels and little more. However, FIAT masterfully revitalised the model as early as the 2000s with the arrival of a new generation of Panda that revolutionised the market.

The current generation of Panda dates from 2012, and although several years have passed, the small Italian city car has held up very well over time thanks to an image intelligently developed by FIAT’s design team. The Panda 4×4 also adds certain aesthetic accessories that complement the Panda’s look to make it even more eye-catching.

The Panda with all-wheel drive is available in two versions: the aforementioned 4×4, which is the one we tested for this article, and the Cross, with an even more rugged approach. The 4×4 version more or less maintains the basic look of the standard Panda, something customers who don’t want to draw too much attention will appreciate.

The Panda’s styling is built around two geometric figures, the square and the rectangle, shapes we find wherever we look. The front stands out for its light clusters, large and square in shape, with a smaller light unit at the bottom for daytime running lights. This time the bumper is finished with textured plastic strips and a small silver moulding as protection.

The Panda 4×4 enjoys a striking, compact silhouette, in line with its segment
The 15-inch alloy wheels, finished in anthracite and fitted with 175/65 R15 mixed tyres, fill the wheel arches perfectly, which again have an unpainted plastic trim. The suspension is raised, making it easier to get in and out of the cabin. The Panda 4×4 keeps the “mini-MPV” look with five doors, a rather “square” structure and a very generous glazed area.

At the rear, the Panda 4×4 keeps the light clusters at the top of the wings, right in the corners, perfectly matching the small square lights set into the bumper for the fog and reverse functions. There is a bulky plastic moulding acting as a small guard, enhancing the sense of robustness of the whole.

The Panda is a vehicle with very compact dimensions, as it measures just 3.68 metres long by 1.67 metres wide. The height, at 1.60 metres, is quite tall and eye-catching.

Interior design, spacious and well built

The Panda’s interior is, above all, honest about its city car status. Let’s not kid ourselves: the Panda 4×4, although its equipment and technical specification might suggest otherwise, is based on a practical, economical city car. The cabin nonetheless offers plenty of positives.

Build quality is good, as the fit between parts is correct. No creaks can be heard, apart from one in the passenger door, quite annoying by the way, and whose source I could not track down, but the materials used are hard and, at times, not very attractive.

Although the fit is good, the materials are sometimes too humble
The black plastic that forms the basic structure of the dashboard and doors has a pattern with the letters of the model name “PANDA” forming a kind of word search, while the green -synthetic- trim on the front doors is padded. The grey moulding running along the front of the dashboard adds colour, but its feel is rough, similar to sandpaper and therefore somewhat unpleasant.

The seats are comfortable but their support is rather limited, and only the driver’s seat has height adjustment. There are no armrests either, which would make road journeys more pleasant. The driving position is typical of the FIAT group’s city cars, slightly higher than normal, with the steering wheel and pedals a little off-centre relative to the driver’s chest. However, the gear lever sits at a good height, very close to the hand, making gear changes easy.

The controls in general are well placed, and the instrumentation displays all the available information clearly, again through two large square-shaped dials and a central screen. The audio system and climate control are positioned high up to make them easy to use.

The Panda’s interior space is very well used. The cabin can accommodate four adults with reasonable comfort, although it is homologated for five occupants. Here the legroom and headroom are adequate, but the width works against it.

The Panda 4×4’s boot has a capacity of 225 litres, which is not a lot but is sufficient for normal use. This capacity can be increased if we opt for the folding rear seats, in which case the backrests can be folded in a 60:40 split.

Driving dynamics, very capable and thirsty for little

The Panda 4×4 is available with two engines, a 95 CV 1.3 Multijet diesel and an 85 CV 0.9 TwinAir. Our test car had the diesel engine, a well-known powerplant within the Italian grunt family, producing 95 CV and 200 Nm. It is mated, as standard, to a 5-speed manual gearbox.

With this engine the Panda accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 167 km/h. The homologated consumption figures are very tight, at 4.7 litres/100 km in the urban cycle, 4.3 litres/100 km on the extra-urban cycle and 4.4 litres/100 km on the combined cycle. In real life these figures are around 1.5 litres/100 km higher, so we will rarely exceed 6 litres.

The engine’s high torque makes it the most recommended option
This small engine, supercharged by a variable-geometry turbo, delivers strong pull in the first two gears. In any case, the gearbox, with rather short ratios, allows good in-gear acceleration in any situation up to 130 km/h, at which point the rate of speed gain slows noticeably.

In town it feels very comfortable thanks to very light power steering, compact dimensions and good visibility. On the road, sound insulation is adequate as long as we don’t exceed 120 km/h, beyond which the noise filtering into the cabin can become annoying on long journeys.

The Panda 4×4 is affected by crosswinds, although in normal conditions it has no stability problems. You will only notice the extra height of the bodywork in sudden manoeuvres, where the body sways noticeably. In any case, the ESP, fitted as standard and non-switchable, prevents any problems.

In the city we also have the help of the City Brake System, a preventive safety system which, using a laser emitter and receiver, is able to apply the brakes autonomously in the event of an imminent collision, in some situations even avoiding it if speed does not exceed 30 km/h.

The Panda 4×4 features a permanent all-wheel-drive system using an electronically controlled multi-plate centre differential. Under normal conditions this system sends 98% of the torque to the front wheels, and can split power 50/50 between the two axles.

Additionally, we have the ELD system (Electronic Locking Differential), which locks the split in the aforementioned proportion up to 50 km/h, and is also capable of braking the wheel without traction, sending the excess torque to the wheels with better contact with the ground. This system disconnects the ASR traction control to allow better progress in low-grip conditions.

The generous ground clearance, short wheelbase and small overhangs allow the Panda 4×4 to handle off-road with ease. Add to that the presence of M+S tyres and you have one of the most capable and versatile compact off-roaders on the market.

Range and versions: how much does the unit you see cost?

The FIAT Panda 4×4 Multijet has a starting price of €18,905. To our test car we must add extras such as the Verde Toscana colour (€340), the height-adjustable driver’s seat (€75), automatic climate control (€340), front fog lights (€170), darkened rear glass (€155) and the City Brake System (€290). The total price is €20,275, although thanks to current promotions it is priced at €17,400.

Standard equipment includes items such as air conditioning, on-board computer, central locking with remote control, multifunction steering wheel, front electric windows, 6 airbags, ESP, the Start&Stop system and tyre pressure sensor.

If you opt for the petrol engine, the starting price is set at €17,505, and if you want even more performance off the beaten track, the Cross version starts at €19,755 with the petrol engine and €20,905 with the diesel engine, prices without any promotion.