I've owned my Panda 4x4 for approx 14 years & have simply loved owning this unique looking car that everybody in the village recognises!- but now I need a bigger car. Serviced Annually-FSH. Economical to run. It laughs in the face of Snow & Ice.At under 88k miles, it significantly BELOW average mileage. MOT is until November. Extracts from Honest John Review - check out the entire very favourable review on his website. The Fiat brand has been synonymous with Europe's most affordable 4x4 since a basic all-wheel-drive system was fitted to the first Fiat Panda in 1983. The model's mechanical simplicity, durability and off-road abilities quickly found universal favour, particularly with utility companies across Europe. As we'll point out in our Fiat Panda 4x4 review, however, none of them could hold a candle to the Italian car's mud-plugging prowess. The second-generation Fiat Panda 4x4 built on the mechanical simplicity of its long-serving predecessor with a variable torque distribution, permanent all-wheel-drive transmission system capable of automatically transferring up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels. Employing front and rear differentials and a central viscous coupling, this robust, low-maintenance drivetrain is completely automatic and entirely mechanical, requiring neither driver input nor electronic control, and imbues the Fiat Panda 4x4 with outstanding ability off-road and in severe weather. Combine this foolproof all-wheel-drive system with improved wheel articulation, a ground clearance of 165mm, short front and rear overhangs, and a weight of well under 1000kg even in its heaviest guise, and the Fiat Panda 4x4 proves all but unstoppable in even the most vile conditions. Its light weight ensured it trundles happily over snow and mud that heavier 4x4s inevitably get bogged down in. In August 2008, the Fiat Panda Cross was launched. This features even chunkier styling and a bespoke front end, but most importantly is fitted with a 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel engine, which is much preferable to the standard 1.2-litre petrol unit. The comprehensive standard equipment package featured electric front windows, central locking, Dualdrive electronic power-steering, twin front airbags and a Blaupunkt stereo radio cassette. Unlike most of today's overweight, over-complicated, electronically nannied 4x4s, the Fiat Panda 4x4 is immensely appealing to drive off road - properly involving in an old-fashioned mechanical way, and great fun.