Playing second fiddle to the PanDAKAR on the Fiat stand in Bologna was the Panda Tanker concept car, a stripped out, back-to-basics Panda.

The design of the Tanker concept was carried out in co-operation with Dainese and is therefore biased towards sports use, such as carrying ski, snowboard or climbing gear. The young models accompanying the car indicate that this car is aimed at a youthful market, though in its no-nonsense three-door body we see the makings of a new commercial vehicle that would go down a storm in Italy, especially with the four-wheel drive hardware and increased ground clearance offered by the Panda 4x4 platform.

Of course, the Tanker show car isn't quite bare metal and cheap seats. Like all modern concept cars, every detail has been styled to obsession. The paintwork is satin-effect matte grey and the exterior features titanium in places, such as the underbody protection at the front and rear. Titanium also forms the rigid shell for the sports seats.

In place of rear seats, the Tanker features an organised load area for sports equipment and the like. The boot floor also conceals a number of integrated containers for carrying smaller items. It is unlikely that the Panda Tanker will be make it to the showroom, but the three-door body looks ready for production, so maybe a Panda van is on the way, though sales in Britain would be minimal.