There is the normal Fiat Panda and there is the Fiat Panda 4×4. Now, for those who like the rugged and outdoorsy look of the 4×4, but don’t really need its capabilities, Fiat is introducing the new Panda Trekking. It looks like a 4×4, but is actually a front-wheel-drive car.

You still get plenty of ground clearance and also Traction+ technology, so it’s a bit more versatile than the normal Panda. Fiat calls this car a ‘City Utility Vehicle’.

Visually, the car inherits some of the 4×4 model cues such as the front and rear bumpers and thick moldings, while offering two new colors of Sicilia orange (pastel) and Toscana green (metallic). Inside the cabin, there’s a new green fascia variant frames the instruments and the large storage pocket, plus fabric seats in three colour options (green, beige, pumpkin) and eco-leather details.

Available engines for the Panda Trekking include 85 HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo, 80 HP TwinAir Turbo Natural Power and 75 HP 1.3 MultiJet II.

As for the Traction+ feature, it’s a normal traction control system tweaked to improve handling on difficult and slippery terrain. Think of it as an electronic 4×4 system. It is not just as capable as a real one, but it costs a lot less, and gets the job down 90 percent of the time.