Skip advert
Advertisement

Fiat Panda 4x4 1.3 Multijet

We get behind the wheel of the rugged new Fiat Panda 4x4 as it arrives on British roads

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 Fiat Panda 4x4 isn't the most refined or sophisticated of city cars, but the addition of four-wheel drive adds a real charm to the Panda. On the road it’s nothing special, but the little Fiat’s off-road abilities are astounding.

The cult Fiat Panda 4x4 has already impressed us with its competent off-road abilities and comfortable ride, but how will it fare in its first test on UK roads?

Advertisement - Article continues below

This time we’ve opted for the 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel engine, rather than the 0.9-litre TwinAir we drove previously, with Fiat expecting the sales split to be 50/50 between the two.

As with previous Panda 4x4 models, the most notable difference between this and the standard car is the addition of rugged-looking plastic cladding. Not all of this is for purely aesthetic reasons, though. The bumpers help to protect the front and rear overhangs and the 15-inch wheels come with standard-fit winter and snow tyres.

The interior is similar to that of the standard Fiat Panda, but the 4x4 does get a higher centre console to add a 15th storage compartment. It comes with the same standard kit as the range-topping Lounge trim, which means you get stability control, steering wheel controls, stop-start and the firm's Blue&Me Blutooth connection as standard.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Crossland X

2020 Vauxhall

Crossland X

25,044 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £10,525
View Crossland X
Focus

2017 Ford

Focus

36,460 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £7,700
View Focus
Polo

2026 Volkswagen

Polo

29,654 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £16,100
View Polo
Kona

2023 Hyundai

Kona

16,271 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £15,500
View Kona

The 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel engine is a little noisy, both at idle and when you’re getting up to speed. It’s more sluggish than the TwinAir version, too, with just 75bhp it takes 14.5 seconds to go from 0-62mph compared to the little petrol engine’s 12.1 seconds.

On the road, the Panda 4x4 is more ordinary than entertaining. The added suspension travel helps soak up bigger potholes and bumps, although it can feel a little unsettled over more constant rough surfaces. The steering is light and ideal for negotiating tight situations and the chunky gearknob and steering wheel means it doesn’t feel flimsy.

Despite few Panda 4x4 models ever likely to see more than a wet field, let alone some real challenging off-road terrain, this is where the little Fiat really excels. We put the Panda through some challenging conditions and not once did it let us down once, proving itself to be a genuinely capable SUV.

However, the Panda 4x4's biggest problem is its price. At £14,950, the diesel model is expensive for a small SUV, particularly when you consider that a mid-level Dacia Duster Ambience with four-wheel drive comes in at just £13,495. So if four-wheel drive isn't a must for you but you love the Panda 4x4's charm, you might want to consider the Panda Trekking, which is front-wheel-drive only but gets the same rugged styling and costs £2,000 less.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,274 off RRP*Used from £10,395
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,050
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,794 off RRP*Used from £6,320
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,541 off RRP*Used from £12,599
* 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
Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 Electric Car Grant for new EVs sold under £3…
News
18 Jul 2025
Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake - front action

Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop

The second of Merc’s new-era EVs is here in the form of an attractive estate with a huge range
News
14 Jul 2025