Hello Panda Folk,

I am new here, been following for a few months but decided to register at last. I don't own a Fiat and never have but I'm considering either a Panda Trekking or 4x4 for my next car.

My wife and mum both have VW UPs and they are excellent cars but I can't get on with the driving position and I want something a bit different. I also go on some unmade roads at times and like a raised driving position so the two rufty tufty Pandas appeal to me.

Anyway, really like the 4x4 (saw a red beauty in Malvern today) but keep thinking that a Trekking is going to do all I ever need and save me a packet in the process. If any of you haven't seen this impressive video of a Trekking off road then take a look. Sorry if it has been posted before.

Watch the use of Traction+ from about 3:30. Do we really need 4x4?

All the best,

Shrub

Just found out that you can't post a link until you have done five posts. Hold on...

Post 2

Post 3

Post 4, video coming...

Post 5, I'll be able to give you the link next...

Here you go then. As I say, impressive off road for a two wheel drive, from about 3:30...

did you see from under car all that space where the 4x4 bits would normally go

I did, and the bare seam sealant without any additional paint on top. I imagine that this must be ok although it would be more reassuring to see a layer of stone chip protector sprayed over it.

I agree, the trekking is 99.5% of the time all the car most would ever need.
It's really only when the snow comes that 4x4 would be missed.

I was of the same thinking as you, and I did order a trekking.
A few weeks later though I thought in for a penny and changed the order to 4x4.
I don't regret that decision one bit.

Oh, and btw, welcome to Fiat Forum


Ps, sorry if this seems disjointed, I was replying to post #1 and started writing this yesterday.

Thanks for the welcome. This seems like a good-natured forum, unlike some that are out there.

There is something about having the 4x4, even if it isn't needed, but saying that I am impressed by the fuel economy that some folks are getting out of the Twin Air Trekking. We'll see how things develop.

I spent some time looking at various cars, Vauxhall Adam, Citroen DS3, VW Up, Renault Zoe & Suzuki Swift Sport before finally going with the Panda Trekking Twin-air.

Couple of reasons, the extra ride height, good fuel economy, fun factor and my musical instrument fits in the boot

Had it now for 6-weeks and it has been great. Sometimes have trouble finding 3rd gear but think thats more of getting use to the gearing. Averaging 48mpg which is a mixture of town driving and dual-carridgeway.

I looked at the 4x4 but couldn't justify the extra £1500. Might well get the sat-nav though.