Number of wheels driven is rarely(if ever infact) the issue.
I think in the specific instance of getting a caravan out of a wet site it probably is, rather than actual off-roading.
I have not yet encountered this problem with the Merc but it may actually be better than the Passat due to extra weight over the rear wheels and the fact I could get the family to sit in the boot to add more 🙂
They did a 4-matic version, which would have been good.
‘Rancho’
They did look good, but iirc the engine was the same as fitted to a chrysler alpine.
Not a great engine, always sounded tappety.
Yep when I was a fledgling next door had one and wow it just sounded totally knackered.
The bagheera 3 seater was pretty thou
Skodas Roomster!
If you want a 4wd something like a Dacia Duster or Suzuki Vitara.
Of course they are not "up to modern standards for A roads" :):):)
So bloody what?
A Mini 850 van was big enough to take 4 people with winter climbing and camping kit to the Caringorms from the FoD.
New Jimny is over priced tech load hairdressers car.
The small 4x4 of choice in these parts is probably the Duster or Vitara, plus a smattering of Pandas, Yetis and RAV4s - narrow, singletrack roads with passing places and soft verges means that bigger vehicles with poor clearances are at a disadvantage. Chunkier tyres and bigger clearances help when you’re confronted by some throbber in a Range Rover sporting 20inch rims, low profile tyres and a latent inability to engage reverse for a passing place they’ve just blown through - 2 wheels on the gravel and you’re away. I have a Vitara and the 1.4 turbo engine is surprisingly good with reasonable economy - far better that the heavier, thirstier engine in the Duster. Tyre choice is important - I replaced the road tyres on my Vitara after 3 punctures in 4 months with Avon AX7s and they coped well on the occasional snowy days. I only drive motorways now a few days a year.
Outdoor adventure car of choice in Norway is a Toyota Avensis. OR actuallly just about any estate or SUV car, but you never see these small 4x4's
Just go for it!:
I really like the Panda. After owning a Fiat 500 with a 1.4 100HP engine I really wanted a Panda with the same engine but they stopped making it. The Twin Air was a deal breaker. It's as fast as the 1.4 but as other have said, used more fuel. It's only more economical if you have a very light foot and don't use the turbo much.
I had one, as I thought it would be suitable for going MTB, rallying etc However, after a year, I traded it in. Probably didn't help I'd come from the Abarth 595, and it felt a bit pedestrian - and as others have said, it wasn't exactly frugal. I always wondered why they never put the 100BHP engine in it....the Panda Sporting was a great little car.
I think it's a perfect car if you live, or have a holiday home in Snowdonia/Lake District, however, as the main car, it didn't really work for me. There is a reason they're all over towns/villages in the Alps....
