Four-wheel-drive Fiat 500 spied in Italy

Here’s prove that Fiat is developing a 4x4 variant of the 500. Spied by an eagle-eyed reader in Catania, Sicily, Italy, this mule was attracting attention left, right and centre.

The 500 4x4 will target those who want a compact, fashionable 4x4 without the associated running costs and price-tag. The newcomer will likely to be sold with 5-doors and will underpin the current Panda 4x4, giving the 500 4x4 genuine off-road ability.

Shaft and rear differential

All engines, transmissions and 4x4 hardware will be taken off the current Panda 4x4, although, Fiat will be launching the all-new Panda in 2012, itself with new engines, transmissions and a new platform. That said, we can expect the 500 4x4 to sport the all-new 0.9 litre TwinAir (both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged), 1.2 69bhp, and the 1.3 litre 90bhp turbo-diesel MultiJet. Both 5 speed, 6 speed manual and 6 speed automated Dualogic transmissions will be offered. Prices may start around £13,000 for the entry-level model, rising to £16,000 for the range-topping models with the turbocharged TwinAir engines.

According to plans submitted to unions and the Government, Fiat is looking to launch the 500 4x4 sometime in 2012, alongside the restyled 500 and all-new Panda city-car.

Via Alvolante