The Fiat Panda celebrates its 40th birthday with a special series

While the equipment is hardly different from that of a lambda Panda, the styling changes are numerous

To celebrate its fortieth birthday, the Fiat Panda is being offered a special series, pending the arrival of a fourth electric generation. Based on the Panda 4×4, the 4×40° Limited Edition is adorned with deliciously retro details inspired by the first iteration of the Panda launched in 1983. A little nostalgia.

Old-fashioned

To ensure a successful nod to its ancestor, the 4×40° Limited Edition starts with a single colour, an ivory white found on the small 15-inch wheels. Like the Panda Cross, this model is wrapped in raw plastic and protective skis to protect its bodywork. But that’s where the similarities end, as the 4×40° Limited Edition features 4×40° lettering on the B-pillars and side strips. There’s also the silhouette of the first Panda under the left-hand rear quarter panel and that of the third Panda under the right-hand rear panel.

The story is repeated on board, with an ivory-white dashboard accompanied by specific details. The front seats, for example, are in grey fabric with red stitching. Unsurprisingly, they bear the inscription 4×40°. The driver’s seatback features the year 2023, along with the silhouette of the latest Panda. On the passenger side, the design of the first Panda harks back to 1983. For the rest, the 4×40° Limited Edition remains a pure Panda, with equipment that is simple but not indecent.

The essentials in terms of equipment

For safety, there are LED daytime running lights and fog lamps. The black roof bars ensure the crossover look so dear to the Panda 4×4. In terms of comfort, the 4×40° Limited Edition features a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Automatic climate control, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers and rear parking sensors are also standard. A little luxury: the rear windows are tinted.

Limited to just 1,983 units, the Fiat Panda 4×40° Limited Edition is expected to be powered by an 85 PS Firefly three-cylinder with a six-speed manual gearbox and, of course, all-wheel drive. This special edition will only be available in France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. Fiat has not yet confirmed a price or launch date.