Fiat is launching its first four-wheel-drive since the Panda 4x4 – a considerably larger, heavy-duty mud-plugger to be sold under its Iveco commercial vehicles brand name.

The Iveco Massif has been developed and produced in a joint venture with Spanish 4x4-maker Santana. It is based on the chassis of the Iveco Daily 4x4 van, a model supplied for military use and other hardcore activities, and has an old-school body-on-frame construction.

Styled by Giugiaro, it nods to Fiat’s earlier Campagnola, a 4x4 supplied to the Italian army and clients including the police, fire services, forestry services and utility companies.

Engines for the range are 146bhp/258lb-ft and 176bhp/295lb-ft versions of a 3.0-litre diesel (Euro IV-compatible), with six-speed manual transmission and selectable rear-wheel/four-wheel drive with low-ratio transfer box. Freewheeling front hubs are optional.

The Massif will be offered as a short-wheelbase three-door, long-wheelbase five-door station wagon (which can be configured to seat up to seven people), or as a pick-up truck. A range of upholstery, equipment and trim options will be available, from ultra-utilitarian to leather-upholstered. Initial ‘All Black’ special edition models, with black paint and graphics to celebrate the marque’s sponsorship of the NZ rugby team’s upcoming fixtures, will kick off the launch.

Left-hand drive models will be launched first, with right-hand drive versions arriving in the UK in January 2009. They will be sold through Iveco dealerships, though other distribution outlets (not Fiat franchises) are under consideration. There’s no word yet on UK pricing, though the Massif is expected to be priced to rival the similar-in-ethos Land Rover Defender.

Tip:

Engine Bay Protection<br> Placing a tarp across the front of the 4x4 minimizes water entering the engine bay by creating a bow wave, provided forward momentum is maintained. The result is less water for the radiator fan to spray over the ignition system, less chance of water entering the air intake and less likely for the fan to propel its way up to and through the radiator. Diesel 4x4 's are usually better for water crossings as you do not have the ignition system to worry about. Water in the ignition system usually results in a stalled engine and not actual engine damage, though this is of little comfort when you find yourself stuck in the middle of a crossing. Depending on the water depth, its advisable to climb out of your window rather than open the door and flood your carpets. To minimize stalling from a wet ignition, it's a good idea to spray all the ignition system with water repellent beforehand.