General A Grande Panda 4x4 after all?

[benmac]

After initial statements that there wouldn't be a 4x4 as the Stellantis platform it's built on didn't accommodate 4x4, apparently they're working on it. I do hope it's not one of those where it's a case of "oh the bits we need for it to be 4x4 go where the steering column should be in a RHD car so none for the UK". For my use case an EV 4x4 one of these would be perfect.

Panda 4x4 reborn! Fiat wants to launch a 4WD version of the new Grande Panda | Autocar

Fiat CEO Olivier François says he is "committed" to a revival of the fan-favourite off-roader

www.autocar.co.uk

 

[boozyjay]

Awful thing. It's a Stellantis mash up, and no doubt will be fitted with that unreliable Peugeot 1.2 engine.

Stellantis have ruined every car brand they own. I think they will eventually go bankrupt.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

And on that heartening note

 

[StevenRB45]

After initial statements that there wouldn't be a 4x4 as the Stellantis platform it's built on didn't accommodate 4x4, apparently they're working on it. I do hope it's not one of those where it's a case of "oh the bits we need for it to be 4x4 go where the steering column should be in a RHD car so none for the UK". For my use case an EV 4x4 one of these would be perfect.

Panda 4x4 reborn! Fiat wants to launch a 4WD version of the new Grande Panda | Autocar

Fiat CEO Olivier François says he is "committed" to a revival of the fan-favourite off-roader

www.autocar.co.uk

The stuff already exists for them to make a hybrid given it's a very similar platform to the Jeep Avenger 4XE so very possible. Given the level of parts share whether or not a business case can be made for kicking the 4XE in the shins from in house would probably be the issue. All electric you'd imagine would be a reasonably simple job if the chassis already has provisions for a powered rear axle and electric ones are front drive.

Perhaps it may end up being region specific for that reason if nothing else...i.e. Going to areas where the 4x4 sold well traditionally.

In terms of "that unreliable Peugeot engine" all Fiats get the revised version with different cylinders and a timing chain...weirdly ours has never failed to proceed on the basis I changed the timing belt before it disintegrated..(wild idea I know) and has never used oil as it's been correctly serviced (again another wild idea that has yet to gain traction).

 

[porta]

The avenger set up is petrol front wheel drive and electric rear…I tried the set up in a compass and it actually works, but not that a demanding situation at the time

 

[The Panda Nut]

Awful thing. It's a Stellantis mash up, and no doubt will be fitted with that unreliable Peugeot 1.2 engine.

Stellantis have ruined every car brand they own. I think they will eventually go bankrupt.

Her's hoping!

 

[SB1500]

Usually the 4x4 is announced a year or so after the 'new' main model is it? (with the 169 and 312 Panda's)

I can't see 4x4 on the new model being anything like the previous generations, at best, I fear it's going to be one of those silly little 'wheels kick in to help you drive safer around a wet bend', as opposed to something that could get us another Fifth Gear video of the Panda taking on a Land Rover :-(

 

[JayAre]

I can't see 4x4 on the new model being anything like the previous generations

Can’t see how it could be. One of the Panda 4x4’s best features was always its dinky size which helped its ability to surprise + delight. The new one (in the UK from June) is sooo much bigger - a foot longer and 14” wider - that it will become ‘just another’ small/medium wannabe off/soft roader, or just a small family car with a 4x4 ‘feature’ with, potentially, its only quirkyness being the method Fiat choose to drive the rears…