08 Feb 05
Sure, it's got more than average ability for a tiny off-roader, but that's because in Italy, Panda 4X4s are bought much more commonly as pure black-bumper, zero-spec utility vehicles. They have to be able to haul a few bales of hay and maybe the occasional sheep up a Tuscan hillside.
Presented with a UK-spec Panda 4X4, your average Italian would fall over in shock. Standard equipment includes power steering, electric windows, central locking, alloy wheels, a radio cassette, immobiliser and driver and passenger front airbags. The one thing that you can't have at any price, though, is air conditioning.
That's probably just as well, because the Panda's only engine option in the UK is a 60bhp 1.2-litre petrol that generates just 75lb ft of twisting torque. And air-con would rob even more power. Even with a kerb weight of just 980kg, the little Panda needs a glacial 20 seconds to reach 62mph. To put that in some sort of perspective, a BMW M5 can reach 100mph twice in the same time. For the record, the Panda's top speed is 90mph and timing how long that would take probably requires a calendar. And with that higher ride height and four-wheel drive setup, the Panda 4X4 feels a good deal less agile than its regular two-wheel drive sibling.
