Fiat Panda 4x4 (2012 - 2023) Cross 4x4 0.9 TwinAir 85hp 5d Owner Review

I haven't stopped smiling since trading in my top of the range 2018 Vitara for this cute little Tonka toy. I wanted a new Suzuki Jimmy but import restrictions have meant that unscrupulous dealers are pre-registering them and then charging more than RRP. So I picked up this little gem instead with a £2800 reduction deal and am so glad I didn't waste my money on an over priced Jimmy. It may have its roots in the humble Panda but the badge is where the Cross 4x4 similarity stops. It's like taking Italian herb sub roll and then stuffing it with meatball marinara. Everything about it feels just right for the right audience. Its not laid back smooth and relaxing, it's bumpy and engaging and just yearns to be thrown down a mud caked flooded back lane where it's miniscule dimensions can relish the pot hole slalom. It's twin air engine growls from a standing start but then becomes surprisingly brisk and refined at cruising speeds. In the golf club car park it can turn and weave into the tightest spots leaving the Range Rover/Volvo behemoths green with envy. The cabin is plastic, utilitarian and functional and feels it will outlast the faddy and impractical soft touch materials that most car critics seem to think is the panacea. If you want soft fabrics, stay in bed! It reminds me of my first car, a brand new 1984 Suzuki SJ410 jeep. It was small light and would go places a defender could only dream of. 37 years later I am back where I started, enjoying engaging motoring again, not bothered about keeping up with the Jones' but quietly reassured that come the winter I will be waving to them as I trudge past their stranded 30k 'SUV's. Am I happy with my Panda Cross 4x4? What do you think?