Should you buy one?

If you want a compact car with all-wheel drive, the Panda 4×4 is a good option. It has its flaws, admittedly, but very little combines true off-road capability with pleasant on-road manners, good practicality and sensible running costs in the same way that the Panda 4×4 does.

A previous-generation Suzuki Jimny, for example, is much less refined and handles far worse than a Panda – and a Jimny will often cost a lot more, too, and then promptly dissolve in front of your eyes. And while alternatives such as the Suzuki Swift 4×4 do drive better than a Panda, they don’t have the same rugged off-road nature or charm.

The distinctive Panda is subsequently well worth putting on your shortlist if you want or need a small hatchback with off-road credentials. It’s easy to drive, easy to handle, easy to live with, and it comes into its own when the road and conditions gets challenging. It’s also remarkably practical and comfortable for a small car.

Buyers who like the concept of the Panda 4×4 but don’t need its all-wheel-drive capabilities should consider the Trekking, though. This two-wheel-drive version of the Panda looks practically the same as the 4×4, and does have some traction-boosting technology, but it’s cheaper to run, less complicated and performs and handles a little better than its all-wheel-drive sibling.

What we like

There’s a lot to like about the Panda 4×4, ranging from its characterful nature to its small yet practical packaging. Those traits, coupled with its all-wheel drive and additional protection, help make it a fab little rugged runabout that can tackle an awful lot. The TwinAir engine option also adds to the Panda’s charm and serves up good performance and efficiency.

What we don’t like

The biggest gripe with the Panda 4×4 is that relatively little changed during its long production run. This means it doesn’t have the modern safety features needed to earn it a good Euro NCAP rating, and that it might not have the technology you want. If you want factory-fit cruise control, for example, you’re flat out of luck. And, for some buyers, issues such as weak headlights and an overly glossy dash finish, both of which can result in poor forward visibility, might prove too annoying.