The Evolution of 4x4s: A New Challenger Emerges
We all know what 4x4s look like, they're robust, square-jawed, big, and this is one of the biggest, the Range Rover, it's 2 and a half tons on 20-inch alloys. But in comparison to the Rangy, it's like a toy, and just about big enough for real people now. You might think that a four-wheel drive Panda is nothing more than a gimmick, it's a glorified ride-on lawn mower, more suited to trotting across somebody's wet lawn, but you'd be wrong because this is a feisty Little David ready to slay off-road goliaths in fact, it's spoiling for a fight according to Fiat.
This car can tackle greater changes of slope than the mighty Range Rover. To find out whether the fat really can walk the walk, we thought we'd put it to the ultimate test. This is Deol Slate Quarry, the nearest thing we could find to an asteroid strike, so which of these two is going to be able to dig their way out first? We'll start each car down here and see which is quickest to the top.
First up went the Range Rover to set a benchmark time. It didn't take long to see why it's established itself as the king of off-road with a low-range gearbox activated at the flick of a switch, it crushes obstacles and sped over the line in just 90 seconds. Time for the Panda under £10,000 versus £60. The Panda comes with a 1.2L 60 horsepower petrol engine, and no that's not the bottom of the range, that is the range. But you can have six airbags, parking sensors, an electric sunroof, climate control, and a CD player just like on the £60 Grand Range Rover. Normally, the Panda works in front-wheel drive, but if you lose traction, oil heats up in a special differential gearbox, this makes some friction plates expand and rub together engaging the rear wheels, evella four-wheel drive. No buttons, no levers, just clever mechanics, brilliant.
The Range Rover might be a bit quieter and a hell of a lot less bouncy, but I actually think that the Little Panda is going to be cool now mainly because it's just flying around it's so much more maneuverable. Oh go, but then disaster struck in the incline that the Range Rover crushed the panda was found wanting. The Range Rover's trick four-wheel drive system offers better traction, that last turdle cost us 10 seconds and victory, but remember the Panda cost just over £9,000 and with its high driving position, nimble handling, and roughy toughy personality, the Panda 4x4 is ideal for tackling the poth-holed crater-filled surface otherwise known as your typical Inner City Road.
The Range Rover's larger size might give it an advantage in terms of overall capability, but the Panda's smaller stature belies its own unique strengths. The Panda's four-wheel drive system may not be as flashy or complex as the Range Rover's, but it gets the job done, and it does so with a level of maneuverability that makes it incredibly fun to drive.
One of the most impressive things about the Panda is how it handles on road. It's surprisingly agile and responsive, making it feel like a whole different car from its larger sibling. And yet, despite its smaller size, the Panda is still capable of handling some seriously challenging terrain. Whether it's tackling steep inclines or navigating tight corners, the Panda shows that even the smallest cars can pack a punch.
But it's not just about how well the Panda handles on road - it's also about how well it performs off-road. And here, the Panda really comes into its own. While the Range Rover may be able to dominate the landscape with its sheer size and power, the Panda is happy to play a more subtle game. It uses its four-wheel drive system to carefully navigate treacherous terrain, never pushing itself too hard but always making progress.
So which of these two cars will emerge victorious in our ultimate test? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure - both the Range Rover and the Panda are incredibly capable machines that are well worth considering. Whether you're looking for a car that can tackle the toughest off-road terrain or just want something fun to drive on the road, these two cars are definitely worth a look.
In conclusion, the evolution of 4x4s is an exciting one, with new challenges and opportunities emerging all the time. The Panda may not be the biggest or most powerful car in its class, but it's certainly one of the most interesting, and its unique strengths make it a compelling option for anyone looking for a reliable and capable off-road vehicle.