There’s barely a hillside in Sicily that hasn’t benefitted from the attentions of Fiat’s legendary Panda 4x4 – an unlikely jacked-up tiny hatchback that could crawl happily up through the steepest of orchards. Now that 1980s brilliance has been remade into the concept you see here: Fiat’s Grande Panda 4x4, a somewhat bigger version that the Italian automotive conglomerate isn't yet committing to production. If this concept’s capabilities match up to the rugged looks, we’d say Fiat should press the go button.
The Grande Panda 4x4 Concept has a lot to live up to. Its much-loved 1980s predecessor was based on the brilliance of the minimalist design of Giorgetto Giugiaro and Aldo Mantovani for ItalDesign. The original Panda was basic transport designed to be as utilitarian as a pair of jeans, and which became just as accidentally fashionable. The 4x4 variant - the first transverse-engined 4x4 hatchback - was an instant hit with Italy’s farmers, with a by-product of cult status arriving later.
And so to the appealing chunkiness of the Panda 4x4’s 21st century successor. Place the first Panda next to this one and the word “Grande” looms large in your mind. Will it fit in the orchard? Basis is the newly-launched - and much-lauded - standard Grande Panda, available in both electric and mild hybrid versions, and itself a rugged looker. Fiat say the all-paw concept is a "potential true symbol of versatility, reliability and freedom”. You don’t want to break down up a hill.
Grande Panda 4x4: Utility the Italian way
Styling is an amplified echo of the ItalDesign masterpiece. Roof rack is sturdy enough to carry agricultural implements, your tent or just the excess shopping. Underbody skidplate shows serious off-roader intent, and the neat stamped Panda lettering to each side is outlined in black, above bodyside mouldings. Steel wheels emphasise utility.
Key to all of this show of utility will clearly be the powertrain, which Fiat are still being just a little coy about. There’s reference to an “electrified innovative rear axle” but no news on whether this would be part of a hybrid powertrain or not. Platform is from parent Stellantis and underpins the Citroen C3 and Vauxhall Frontera, not that Fiat are advertising that.
Both full fossil fuel and full electric are possible from versatile underpinnings, so there’s a choice for the 4x4 version, should it reach production. Those farmers wanting to know the Grande Panda 4x4’s abilities will have to wait a while. Will it rival a Land Rover Defender? Certainly not, but for design kudos on a rainy day on the school run it’ll do well at looking the part.
You’ll be wanting the know the cost, just in case you’re keen on hill farming lemons for yourself. Since production has yet to be announced there’s no official pricing. But since the base Grande Panda retails at around £20,000, we’d suggest you put aside £25,000 or so for the upcoming 4x4 version. And we’ll join you in the orchard for sundowners.
Next up: The 10 best AWD sports cars.
