The Panda 4x4 has returned: this is Fiat's Grande Panda 4x4 concept

Fiat has revived its indestructible little mountain goat for the electrified era. This is the Fiat Grande Panda 4x4 concept, and yes, steel wheels make everything better.

It’s apparently a “direct heir” to that classic Eighties workhorse, which are metaphorically mighty shoes to fill: the tiny 1983 classic was a beloved little terrier, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound.

The new one will obviously do it with the help of electricity, though this being a concept, Fiat is being a little coy on details. The new Grande Panda is currently available as a fully electric small car, or an £18k hybrid – which marries a three-pot 1.2-litre turbo petrol to a 21kW e-motor – all spun off Fiat’s new global ‘Smart Car’ chassis.

No idea what’ll power the front axle, but Fiat said this new Panda 4x4 concept gets an “innovative” electrified rear axle. What innovation it ushers in hasn’t yet been divulged. Rocket speed? Unlimited power? Time travel?

All we’ve been told about this new four-wheel-drive version is that such innovation on the rear axle allows for “impressive performance in urban settings and on more demanding terrain”. Fiat can’t afford to get the whole ‘demanding terrain’ bit wrong, here: the original car was rightly praised for its ability to go literally anywhere and outlast the apocalypse. The new one can’t just be a show pony.

Though, it does look quite excellent. Fiat has painted the concept in a maroon livery that apparently calls back to a “popular limited edition version of Panda 4x4”, fitted steel wheels, added beige detailing and bolted on a set of lamps on the roof rack.

“With its eyes set firmly on the future, the new Grande Panda 4x4 project is destined to be a manifesto for a fresh vision of sustainable mobility,” said Fiat. “A vision rooted in innovation, in line with current dictates, while maintaining the characteristics that made it a global cult favourite.”

Like we said, metaphorically mighty shoes to fill. Excited for the Panda 4x4’s return?