Test Drive Fiat Panda since 2003 Hatchback

All photos Fiat Panda since 2003

Hidden traction

All-wheel drive model in a small classroom phenomenon is rare, especially in our market.
Fiat Panda 4x4.

In 2003, a succession appeared at the first generation panda, the all-wheel drive version saw the light a year later. In Russia, the 4x4 panda is sold only in the clip of climbing with a 1.2 liter engine.
Engines: gasoline 1.2 liters (60 hp), diesel 1.3 l (75 hp).
Gearbox: 5-speed manual. Transmission all-wheel drive.
Completenment: glimbing, cross.
Price in Russia: from 515,000 rubles. ($ 19,400).
Test car: 1.2 l, 60 hp, 5-speed manual box, complete set of climbing plus options.

The real blizzard swam the city and built multi-kilometer traffic jams. For the capital, a small catastrophe, but the random for the panda with a four-wheel burden. If only to get out of Moscow, I thought, banging in barely creeping car snake.

The Military Medshound feels good in the urban setting, as if it was born here. Despite not the most outstanding indicators, the 1.2-liter motor confidently and stopily lucky with low revolutions. Friendly practicing, the engine is easily spinning, allowing you to start moving even on the second gear.

You have to switch frequently. But it does not make it easy to find the necessary transmission, and the lever is located right at hand. A few hours of continuous operation of a soft and obedient clutch of the leg took absolutely painlessly. Employed weightless brakes have passed a lot of time before the little Fiat has ceased to nod others when stopping.

Compactness indisputable plus in urban cramped. But the visibility leaves much to be desired. Because of the small mirrors, it is necessary to rest for confidence; Part of the mirror overlaps the front right rack. Left when turning causes to bow the windshield.

Bringing out to the will, Panda put out the appeal and other disadvantages. On the snow-covered road, the bear turned out to be far from a manual animal. Because of the short base, it is necessary to constantly twist and play gas to keep the car on a straight line. The error can get sideways (in the literal sense!). Fighting with the leaving prevents overly lightweight and vague steering, forcing the driver to guess where the wheels are currently looking. It is worth a gaze in turn, the car falls into a deep skid. Such exercises will definitely give pleasure somewhere outside public roads.

Cooked and with sharp braking on slippery coating Panda, despite the braking ABS, jumps to the side, causing to let go of the pedal and adjust the behavior of the car with the steering wheel. Perhaps this is a defect of a particular car?

But the start from the scene in the snow triumph panda 4x4. Stripping all the wheels, it easily leaves the back of powerful rivals. True, it is necessary to enjoy the victory for a short time for 100 km / h, the car becomes sluggish, then it is extremely reluctant to accelerate, and on overtaking requires reduced gear. In addition, aerodynamic noises are added to the engine growing.

Bears do not claim the role of the fastest and quiet animals. But pandas are well closed on the trees, and some breeds can roll from the hill, hiding behind the pursuers. Not in vain, this car was called Panda on the slings climbs no worse than the tar. It would be necessary: \u200b\u200ba trap motor, a wonderful geometric permeability due to short scenes and database, worthy of a passenger model of the road clearance of 160 mm and metal protection under the engine. And, of course, a four-wheel drive with the electronic imitation of the rear differential lock.

Although, if possible, I would choose a hard forced connection of the rear wheels (here this connection is given to the spooky of the Vussophhite allowing the slip). But according to the ideology of Panda 4x4, a small all-day, and not a charged car with a powerful engine, whose strengths need to constantly distribute wheels.

And one more thing does not prevent the price tag. Almost 20 thousand dollars for a small Italian car, let it look cute, let all-wheel drive in my opinion, are too many.

Did you like all-wheel drive panda? Perhaps, still yes. At least she does not leave indifferent, she has his own face, his character. Would you buy? Probably not. I already have a panda soft toy, I do not need a soft toy.

FIAT PANDA 4X4 car with good passability. She is a toy, dear heart and pocket.
+ Practical engine, clear box, pretty interior design and exterior, excellent geometric permeability.
- noisy motor, vague steering and brakes, dance, high price.

For the same money
Volkswagen Polo.
$ 13 86819 520
For the price of the all-wheel drive panda, you can buy a German in one of the most expensive complete sets. There is no full drive in the polo, but the salon is spacious and the motor will be almost twice as powerful.
SP, 2006, № 4

Suzuki IGNIS 4x4
460,000 thousand rubles. ($ 17 350)
The only one near the price and ideological classmate (all-wheel drive Suzuki-Swift is not available yet and is unknown, whether there will be). Completeness of the richer Italian, in addition, you can still have options for the amount missing to the cost of Panda.
SP, 2006, № 5