24/12/2010 09:48
Fiat has had its excellence rewarded again, with the Panda Cross being given the budget 4x4 of the year accolade by an industry publication.
The 4x4 Magazine put the all-terrain small car at the top, beating off a list of competitors, including entries from Suzuki and Lada.
"Panda Cross is easily distinguishable, thanks to its distinctive body mouldings, two-tone paintwork, fat wheel arches and large 15-inch alloys. Besides the funkier looks, standard kit includes air conditioning, a plusher interior as well as the greater economy of a 1.3-litre diesel engine," said Hils Everitt, editor of 4x4 Magazine.
He went on to explain that the full-time 4x4 system, which shifts torque to the wheels with the most grip, will be enough all-terrain capability most owners ever need.
The Fiat Panda Cross also has a number of safety features, with ABS brakes and EBD technology, which distributes the stopping power across all four wheels and is especially useful in testing road conditions.