Fiat Panda 4x4 (2005 - 2010) 1.3 Multijet 4x4 Cross 5d (2010/60) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That we have done our research and found the best 4x4 money can buy in terms of balancing all wheel drive capability with a small car, with an economical engine.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They loved us / it when they were snowed in and we could get provisions to them. They were impressed with the 'go anywhere' capability and many did not know that Fiat offered these small, rugged little vehicles assuming all all wheel drive cars were big Jeeps.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes - absolutely. The car is a great balancing act: cheap to buy, cheap to run, cheap to service, cheap to tax, cheap to insure. Genuine all wheel drive ability, practicality of five doors, reasonable quality of mechanicals and switchgear.

What are you likely to buy next?

Unlikely to replace the car until it has completed (read exhausted) its useful working life: certainly not within the next ten years. As such making a comment about 'what are you likely to buy next' is difficult.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£13,500

When did you buy the car?

October 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

Car is specialist / niche - no exceptional deals were available. However I am confident we got the best deal we could. We travelled nationally to achieve the best price / package.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Required an economical all wheel drive vehicle

What was the dealer like?

Pleasant and professional

What's it like to drive?

In the context of what the car is (Fiat Panda 1.3 Diesel 4x4) it is superb: hugely economical, composed ride, reasonable road noise, super for town parking, comfortable and confident at all U.K. road legal speeds. Clearly it is not as powerful / fast / refined as a Range Rover, however it is extremely capable and reliable at 'getting you there' whatever the weather or road surface.

What's it like to park?

In brief, if you cant park a Fiat Panda with 'City' mode (boosted power-assisted steering) you shouldn't have a driving licence. The car has excellent visibility: a short nose, super mirrors and the back windscreen is where the back of the car is.

Have you had any problems with the car?

100% trouble free motoring at present - although the car is only six months old.

What's most practical about your car?

The all wheel drive of this 'Cross' model is top drawer. As good as a Subaru at quietly getting on with it and ploughing through deep snows and muddy fields and leaving the Range Rover / Green Welly brigade wondering what the badge on the front of the bonnet says. Not to be confused with the 1.2 Petrol 4x4 which is perfectly respectable: however, this 'Cross' model with the locking differentials, elevated ride height, sump guards, and uprated specification is really a little mountain goat.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The lights on the car are incredible. The combined forces of sidelights, headlights, floodlights and front fog lights brings daylight to any dark wild back-road / mountain track.