Fiat Panda is a cult! In 1980, the Italians presented the first generation of the small car. With a surprisingly simple yet ingenious concept: no design frills, angled and straight lines that save money in production on the one hand, and take up a lot of space at just 3.41 meters short and 700 kg light, which Panda brings on the other.
From 1983, the switchable all-wheel drive small box was presented by supplier Steyr – it was supposed to be a success story. The second Panda generation from 2003 also includes a 4×4 option that engages automatically via a viscous coupling (power transmission via viscous oil). The Panda 4×4 is fascinated not only by mountain farmers and mountain pastures, but also by renowned car experts: in 2004, the Fiat Panda was officially named European Car of the Year.
Smallest all-wheel drive ever
The third generation, which is still relevant today and was released in 2011 and is significantly rounder, safer and more comfortable than its predecessors, finally received the automotive award: together with the presenter Jeremy Clarkson (62), the British cult television series “Top Gear” chose the panda 4×4 From 2012 to SUV of the year – nothing more is possible. In the years that followed, Fiat launched other variants of the Panda, such as the Cross, which was designed for lifestyle but retained none of its practicality. No wonder: Not even 1200 pounds in narrow beams, the Panda was for a long time the smallest all-wheel drive vehicle. Turning radius: 9.7 meters – with a wheelbase of just 2.30 metres. Today, only all-wheel drive small car specialist Suzuki’s micro SUV Ignis comes close to these values.
The reason why the Panda 4×4 became a mega-success was, of course, always its price: The latest mini all-wheel drive vehicle with an 85-horsepower two-cylinder turbo petrol engine was offered for around 20,000 francs – less. any other four-wheel drive competitor on the market. The Panda 4×4 was, and still is, popular as a diesel, producing a strong 95 horsepower from a 1.3-liter displacement. In the used market, well-maintained models are often given price tags close to or even higher than the original price.
Electric panda coming?
In November, Fiat quietly and secretly stopped production of the iconic all-wheel drive. Like so many things at the Italian automaker, it’s unclear what its successor will be. At the Geneva Motor Show in 2019, Fiat presented the Centoventi study, which gives an insight into the all-wheel drive panda of the future: all-electric with smart space utilization and individual style. Blick’s verdict at the time: “The e-cube looks really cute and we can just as well imagine it as the e-panda of the future.”
Therefore, the chances of one day observing a pure 4×4 Stromer in the mountainous regions are not bad at all – with a second electric motor on the rear axle, all-wheel drive can also be easily realized. Because of the thick battery packs, the old lightness will likely end.