What's the news?

Fiat UK has announced the prices for the new Panda 4x4 and Panda Trekking. The front-wheel drive Panda Trekking starts from £12,450; and Fiat is asking an extra £1,500 for the Panda 4x4 at £13,950.

Exterior

Bodywork changes for the Panda 4x4 include '4x4-style' front and rear bumpers with an aluminium skid plate, large protective strips down the side, a higher ride height and roof rails on top. The Panda's standard wheels have also been replaced by 15-inch alloy rims with a dark paint finish; which sit inside black wheel arches. Trekking models get the same upgrades as the 4x4 version; although the skid plate sports a black finish and the alloy wheels are of a lighter colour.

Interior

Both models come with the same dashboard layout as the standard Panda; although Fiat has added twin-coloured seats, a coloured dashboard and coloured door panels for these variants. The instrument surrounds now also come in gloss black.

Mechanicals

Both the Panda 4x4 and Trekking come with a choice of either the 0.9-litre TwinAir engine or the 1.3-litre 16-valve MultiJet diesel unit. Equipped with the 85hp TwinAir engine the Panda 4x4 manages 57.6mpg, emits 114g/km of CO¬¬¬¬2 and goes on to a top speed of 103mph. Although the more expensive MultiJet engine is slightly slower, the official fuel economy figure is higher at 60.1mpg. The Panda Trekking manages better performance and economy figures across the board compared to the 4x4 thanks to its lighter two-wheel drive only layout.

Anything else?

Order books are open for both cars now across the Fiat dealership network, with first deliveries expected early next year.