Skip advert
Advertisement

New Fiat Panda 4x4

We get behind the wheel of the all-new, third-generation Fiat Panda 4x4 for the first time

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Fiat Panda
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The new Panda 4x4 is a worthy range-topper to the city car range. And when combined with the TwinAir engine, it certainly offers a driving experience that’s full of character and just a bit different from the supermini norm. However, the four-wheel-drive system isn’t totally necessary unless you live in a field, so the 4x2 Panda Trekking, which has the same features but is front-wheel drive only, could be a better option. The cheaper, larger Dacia Duster also arrives in UK showrooms just in time for winter, too. But, that said, a Panda 4x4 would embarrass a number of much more expensive current SUVs both on road and off it.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It’s nearly 30 years since Fiat crammed a four-wheel-drive system into a supermini. Taking the latest Panda as its base, this third-generation Panda 4x4 can be had with Fiat’s small but mighty 84bhp TwinAir turbo two-cylinder petrol engine. Added together, the 4x4 promises to be Fiat’s most characterful car.

The more rugged bodykit worn by the 4x4 only helps to enhance the standard Panda’s looks. The blockier front bumper, chunky plastic side sills and 15-inch alloys that are specific to the model all stand out, while the off-road credentials are boosted by uprated suspension that’s 47mm higher than the standard car. There’s also a steel sheet underneath to protect from off-road lumps and bumps, and the engine’s air intake has been raised so you don’t drown it when splashing through deep water.

Fiat also claims that the approach and departure angles are better than those of a MINI Countryman or Nissan Qashqai. Although whether either of these cars ever sees anything more challenging than a grassy car park is a moot point.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Civic Tourer

2015 Honda

Civic Tourer

23,617 milesAutomaticPetrol1.8L

Cash £12,178
View Civic Tourer
Astra

2023 Vauxhall

Astra

11,209 milesAutomaticDiesel1.5L

Cash £21,199
View Astra
EcoSport

2019 Ford

EcoSport

16,963 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £10,495
View EcoSport
Grandland X

2020 Vauxhall

Grandland X

45,973 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £10,495
View Grandland X

The interior is relatively unchanged from the regular supermini, although, as the range-topping model, the 4x4 gets climate control, an MP3-compatible stereo, central locking and electric windows and mirrors.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The extra ride height helps the view out, too, only enhancing the already decent visibility of the standard supermini. And while the front seats and 225-litres of boot space are very good, adults rwill struggle for knee room in the back seats.

Turn the key and the TwinAir engine fuzzes into life, sounding more like a moped than a car. The steering, pedals and gearshift are all extremely light - if a little lacking in feel - but the chunky steering wheel and gear knob have a nice solidity to them.

The TwinAir engine is quite vocal and rasps away under the bonnet, even under light throttle loads. It’s not unrefined though, and is a decent performer despite its small size. The 4x4 accelerates from rest eagerly, thanks to a low first gear ratio for more control when off-roading, and easily keeping up with other traffic right up to the motorway limit. That said, at 70mph there’s a fair hiss of wind noise from the base of the A-pillars.

The Panda’s real strong point, though, is its comfortable ride. The extra suspension travel helps smooth out potholes, while off the road, the suspension strikes a sweet spot between absorbing the worst of bumps, while not being so hard that it throws you off line.

There’s very little that stops the Panda off road. Over 90 per cent of the 4x4’s power is fed to the front wheels most of the time, but you hardly even notice when the electro-hydraulic coupling sends power to the back wheels when you’re cornering hard on a wet roundabout, or splashing across a waterlogged field. At speeds below 30mph, you can switch on the electronic diff control, too, using a button behind the gearlever. The system brakes whichever rear wheel is slipping, and feeds power to the opposite wheel, to ensure you keep moving forward.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,571
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £16,811
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,886
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 grant for new EVs sold
News
15 Jul 2025