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FIAT Panda 4X4 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 3
First production year: 1986
Engines: Gasoline, Diesel
Body style: Hatchback
FIAT Panda 4x4 photo gallery

Fiat introduced the third generation of the Panda 4x4 at the Paris Motor Show in 2012. It was the only all-wheel-drive vehicle in its segment.

The Italian carmaker introduced the Panda lineup in 1980, but it wasn't until 1986 when it launched the 4x4 version for its small-class vehicle. That version proved successful, and the carmaker decided to introduce all-wheel-drive Pandas to the following generations. That said, in 2012, the third generation of the all-wheel-drive Panda was ready to face the snow and tracks.

Fiat built the Panda 4x4 on the same platform as the 500 and the Panda. Unlike its siblings, it featured a higher ground clearance and specific design parts, such as the black underbody protection on the front bumper and the plastic moldings on its sides. The designer continued the same theme on the rear bumper. A silver plastic shield was introduced on the car's bottom to further enhance the car's off-road ability.

Inside, the design was modified when compared to the 4x2 versions. It featured a new green fascia variant around the instrument cluster. The car featured specific fabric seats with a special design and eco-leather details. A high console over the central tunnel added a further storage compartment to the 14 already present on 4x2 versions.

The technical side was the most important part of the little Panda 4x4. Its all-wheel-drive system was based on a Haldex center differential and the ESP system, which braked the wheels without traction and sent the torque to those with a better grip. The gasoline engined vehicles featured a very low range first gear so the car could cope better with steep ramps.

full description and technical specifications
FIAT Panda 4X4 photo gallery

After a lot of hesitations, struggles, and gallons of coffee spilled by the engineering team, Fiat finally brought the second generation of the Panda in 2003.

This time, the Italian carmaker did the right thing and offered the 4x4 version right from the start. It wasn't an easy task, though, since the engineers had to work on a platform that could cope with the all-wheel-drive system right from the start. That might be one of the reasons why Panda's second generation was delayed, and Fiat kept the first generation on the market for twelve years.

Centro Stile Fiat was responsible for the Panda's second-generation look. It all started from scratch, and the design team didn't take anything from the previous generation. While it still used the boxy-proportions, it didn't have any sharp corners or straight-cut lines. Only the headlights and the grille sported a rectangular look. The bumper featured a black center area. It mimicked a plastic shield to protect the underbody, but it was just a design thing. From its sides, the black molds on the doors and wheel-arches induced some off-road capabilities.

Inside, Fiat installed the same cabin as in any other Panda, with some color changes and upholstery options. Due to the tall greenhouse, there was enough room for four adults, with bucket seats at the front and a profiled, split-folding bench in the rear.

Fiat drastically improved the technical platform over the Panda MKI. It sported an electronically controlled center differential, and an ESP tuned especially for slippery surfaces. That helped the little car climb on snowy or muddy surfaces easier than many other respectable off-road vehicles.

full description and technical specifications
FIAT Panda 4X4 photo gallery

The first series of Fiat Panda revolutionised the Italian industry and became one of the Italy’s legends.

The 4x4 Panda’s history started in 1983 when the Austrian company Steyr-Puch developed a four-wheel drive specially for the mini car.

The model released in June, 1983, was equipped with a 965 cmc engine developing 48 hp. The aesthetics of the Panda was completely refreshed in 1985.

In 1986, the 4x4 Panda got not only visual, but mechanical revisions as well. The engines were replaced by slightly bigger ones, a 769 cc with 34 hp instead of the old 1985 652 cc, and a 999cc with 50 hp instead of the 965 cc with 48 hp.

In April 1986, the Panda got a new 1301 cc engine developing 37 hp that was mated with a 5-speed manual transmission.

The body of the car was strengthened and also, due to their tendency to rust, Fiat decided to fully galvanise the models.

A van variant was also introduced in 1986, changes including removing the rear seats and replacing the rear windows with plastic blanking panels. To keep the car’s original shape, meaning minimising costs, the rear of the van had a black steel extension with side hinged doors.

The Panda 4x4 was designed for the people that lived or needed to go to rural areas in Italy that were not easily accessible.

The small segment car could be named the first Italian crossover with a 4x4 driving system, pretty much like the German’s Golf Country.

full description and technical specifications