THE new Fiat Panda 4x4, a four-wheel drive version of Fiat's multi-award winning European Car of the Year, goes on sale here tomorrow.

The Fiat brand has been synonymous with Europe's most affordable 4x4 since a four-wheel drive system was first installed in the Panda in 1983.

This model's off-road abilities quickly found favour, notably with rural communities, postal services and telephone and electricity utilities across continental Europe. Now it is the UK's turn to put this new version to the test.

Building on a design which combines the elevated driving position of a small SUV with the space and practicality of an MPV, the new Panda's permanent four-wheel drive transmission system is capable of automatically transferring up to 50 per cent of engine torque to the rear wheels.

With increased ground clearance of 50mm, the new 4x4's short front and rear overhangs, together with a sump guard, make it suitable for most off-road conditions, with approach, departure and breakover angles (the maximum angles of incidence that may be undertaken without the body touching the ground) of 24, 42 and 24 degrees respectively. It will also readily climb gradients in excess of 50 per cent.

The Panda provides a variable torque distribution four-wheel drive system, with anti-lock brakes incorporating electronic brakeforce distribution, together with a fully comprehensive array of both active and passive safety features.

It is the first car in its class to offer up to six airbags.

Priced at £9,195 on-the-road, and fitted with Fiat's own FIRE 1.2-litre, eight-valve, 60bhp engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, the new car will be available in a unique trim designation.

Power at 60bhp comes in a 5000rpm, while the 75lb.ft of torque is reached at 2500rpm. Acceleration from nought to 62mph can be clocked in 20-seconds.

Fiat figures show that in-town driving returns 35.8mpg, out of town 48.7mpg, with a combined figure of 42.8mpg. The CO2 emission figure is 156g/km.

Specification includes electric front windows, remote central locking, Dualdrive electric power steering, twin front airbags and a Blaupunkt stereo radio/CD. Moreover, the availability of up to six airbags, automatic climate control, parking sensors, a Sky Dome electric sunroof, steering wheel audio controls and a stereo CD with MP3 player, provides the new model with an extremely high level of on-board equipment not always found in a car of this level.

The exterior dimensions of the new car are 1.60m wide, 1.63m high and 3.57m long, with a wheelbase of just 2.30m.

Cabin storage includes a glovebox, door pockets, centre console cup holders and a removable rear parcel shelf.

The new 4x4 offers a choice of three rear seating solutions; one piece with two places, fitted as standard, and the option of either 50:50 split/sliding with two places or one piece with three places. All variants come with a one-piece cushion, and a fully folding backrest for increasing the load carrying capacity.

Dealer: Peter Chapman Motors, Thornton Road Industrial Estate, Pickering YO18 7HZ (tel 01751 474488)

Updated: 08:45 Friday, March 04, 2005