(T) Difference between Panda 4x4 and Panda 4x4 Climbing?

Silly question, but anyone know difference between MK2 Panda 4x4 and Mk2 Panda 4x4 Climbing? In the books the overhang front and back is an inch or two longer, wheelbase the same, surely they didn't make longer bumpers? Why is one model longer than the other?

Here in the UK they only sold the Climbing model. In other parts of Europe there was a more 'basic' 4x4 model. This had steel wheels with 165/70x14 tyres (which reduced the ground clearance by 5mm or so compared to the Climbing), and didn't have the extra black 'offroad' panels on the bumpers. I guess the longer overhangs quoted for the Climbing include these.

Here you go...

'Basic' 4x4 photos that show the less deep bumpers and steel wheels:

Front view - http://www.italiaspeed.com/new_model...allery/026.jpg

And back: http://www.italiaspeed.com/new_model...allery/027.jpg

Mine hasn't got the "Climbing" mark on the rear, but it's totally different than the one above

In the UK the mk2 climbing was never sold, only the mk3. Is this in the wrong section or just the wrong mk used

To MEP: many on this forum see the 'original' Panda (and its later facelift) as 'the mark 1', and the Nuova Panda (post 2003, and post 2005 for the 4x4) as the Mark 2. This may not be a correct description for 'those in the know', but the question clearly refers to the 'current' (although now discontinued) 4x4 models -- previous posts from Hollister refer to him owning a 2005 4x4 model.

To see all the various updates and facelifts, take a peek here:
To Batfalcon: your photo does indeed look like the UK 'Climbing' model: alloy wheels, wide black side rubbing strips and the extra panels in the bumper all key identifiers. I've seen one or two here in the UK which also don't have the Climbing badge, but which definitely are. There was also a recent 'special edition' (again, mainland Europe only) called the Adventure. This did a sort of mix-and-match between the basic and the Climbing, and included wipe-clean seats and rubber floor mats. I think it was only available in 'army green'

My 2005 Climbing Panda was a Climbing in all but rear sticker, had to order one from the dealer. There was some talk on here about the very early 4x4 Climbings not being brought over to the UK, and in small numbers when they did, so I had to order mine factory built. Had climate, slidey rear seat, Skydome - but no danged Climbing badge. HN55 XSF if anyone owns it.

The majority on here see the 2003-2012 Panda as the mk3, as it correctly is. Ask the Classic Panda lot and even some of the resident mk3 owners.

As we all know Wikipedia is a wealth of information, but isn't always the most accurate

The mk1 and mk2 share nothing in common apart from their shape. Even the chassis had more changes done to it that that between the mk3 & mk4. As a result it's referred to as a different mk due to undergoing more than just a face lift.

Referring to Mk1 & Mk2 as Classic Panda will cause some confusion now that there is the 2012 "Panda Classic" which is the continued production (not old stock) of the Mk3 alongside the Mk4...
RHD there is only basic Active spec 2012 "Panda Classic", but LHD get a full range.

Thanks for all those informative replies and very interesting to see the pic of the 'basic' 4x4 sold in Europe but not here. That certainly explains the difference in length/overhangs.

I realised after I'd posted that I confused the Mk2/3 models. For the record I currently own two Mk3 4x4's. A 2005 'Climbing' in Guacamole Green and a newer model (no 'Climbing' badge, but basically the same with the bumper additions) in Rock and Roll Blue (pretty much Navy blue, I'd say).

What really excited me was seeing the UTube clip of the Portugese 4x4 Club fording a stone river crossing in the older model Pandas. That's real 4x4'ing! I love those little machines.

The 4x4 mk2s are incredible machines. Mine certainly impressed a lot of my defender owning friends off road.

One day when they come down in price I'd like to own a mk3 4x4 and have some fun off roading in it

Sadly (for you) the prices seem to be going up, not down, since Fiat stopped selling the 4x4 here. (Conversely, good for us that own them as depreciation is not a worry :-)

I think the 4x4 mk3 bubble has finally burst. I see "the dealer" has knocked thousands off the prices of his very old stock now.
It's funny to see most of the private sellers asking "the dealer" prices too, but even the sensibly priced ones aren't selling. Only the cheap ones are moving.

I may buy one myself when the sun comes out again and values slide even further. I suppose once the new model 4x4 is launched is the right time though.

I'd beg to differ. I won't deny they hold their price well, but they're far from aprechating. A certain dealer has tried to artificially increase their price along with some sellers but I think they're all finding out the hard way that theyre only worth what someone is willing to pay - not what ever you decide to price them up at.

I'm looking for the "Climbing" badge in the web, but it seams impossible to find. Is it available in the UK?