Fiat Panda Cross

By Mark Nichol

13th August 2008

This Panda might be cross – but its owners shouldn’t be! Fiat has given its popular supermini a rugged makeover to create the Panda Cross – and at £11,995, it will officially be the UK’s cheapest diesel 4x4.

The tough-looking urban runabout – based on the existing all-wheel-drive car – has an all-new bodykit with revised headlights and contrasting side panels.

Roof bars, restyled tail-lamps, 15-inch alloy wheels and a fresh Rain Dance Green paintjob complete the look. The cabin features two-tone trim, while optional equipment includes air-con and an MP3-compatible stereo with steering wheel-mounted controls.

Despite its compact dimensions, the Cross should prove capable off-road as it has a permanent four-wheel-drive system with electronic differential lock. Power comes from a 70bhp 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine, so the budget-friendly Cross is frugal, too. It’s capable of 54.3mpg on the combined cycle, and emits a relatively sparse 136g/km of CO2.

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