YOU no longer need a vehicle as a big as a garden shed to enjoy the benefits of four wheel drive and a higher driving position, thanks to Fiat.
Once an endangered species, the Panda 4x4 is back with a vengeance and is on sale from the beginning of February with an entry price of just £9,195.
Not exactly a so-called Chelsea Tractor, the newcomer offers the reassurance of full-time four wheel drive nonetheless, which gives extra grip all year round.
It enables the versatile Panda to be taken where two wheel drive vehicles fear to tread, making it ideally suited to those who enjoy leisure pursuits in the great outdoors.
Initially there is a single model powered by a 60bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine, with a 1.3-litre diesel option expected to follow at a later stage.
A former European Car of the Year, the Panda is an extremely versatile small hatchback to which the 4x4 layout is particularly appropriate.
It is a rival for the likes of the Daihatsu YRV and Suzuki Jimny, with a bias towards life on tarmac although it is surprisingly able off-road.
It looks the part too, with a more purposeful stance, greater ground clearance and chunky tyres.
The 4x4 version is the latest addition to the growing Panda range, which also now includes the new 1.3-litre diesel at £7,895.
Despite the low prices, equipment levels are generous, and include two front airbags, central locking, electric power steering, adjustable steering column, 'Follow Me Home' headlights, RDS radio/cassette with four speakers, 'Intelligent' windscreen wipers, and electric front windows with driver's 'One Touch' facility.
The 1.2 8v Dynamic version costs £6,895, and the additional equipment includes a rev counter, trip computer, body-coloured bumpers, multifunctional display, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, and brake assist.
At the top of the pile of the non-4x4 versions is the Eleganza at just over £8,000, which boasts 14-inch alloy wheels, electric heated door mirrors, black aluminium roof bars, stereo radio/CD player, automatic climate control, a rear folding split seat, and remote central locking.
Even base models with a fixed rear bench offer reasonable leg and headroom for four adults and up to 775 litres of luggage space.
Higher trim models have rear seats that split, fold, slide and recline. These offer up to 860 litres of space, depending on the seat configuration.
All models hold their values quite well, with the 4x4 and diesel versions likely to be the best of the lot because of their desirability on the second-hand market.