Fiat Panda 4x4 named Top Gear's SUV of the Year

Fiat Panda 4x4 named Top Gear's SUV of the Year

The winners of the 2012 Top Gear Awards have been announced, with the Fiat Panda 4x4 taking home one of the biggest honours.

Judges of the awards presented the latest four-wheel-drive version of Fiat's popular city car with the SUV of the Year honour.

According to the panel, the new all-terrain Fiat Panda stood head and shoulders above its rivals due to the thrilling ride and comfortable experience that it presents to motorists.

The fact that the car works just as well off road than on major routes also saw it receive even more applause, while a special mention was presented to the vehicle's award-winning two-cylinder 0.9-litre TwinAir engine.

With this motor, which drivers operate with a manual six-speed transmission system, the latest Fiat Panda 4x4 is able to achieve 57.6mpg on an official Combined Cycle, while limiting CO2 emissions to just 114g/km.

The Top Gear judging panel was also keen to note: "Traction on slopes is remarkable, partly because the tyres are suitable, and partly because the Panda is light enough that there isn't much gravitational pull to defy. But it's got other talents. Long motorway hauls aren't torture if you opt for the six-speed TwinAir version."

Elena Bernardelli, the marketing director of Fiat Group Automobiles UK, acknowledged that it was "fantastic news" to see the Fiat Panda 4x4 clinch "such an important award".

She added: "This is the third edition of an outstanding car that has sold more than 6.5 million examples, and the 4x4 version has always been an important part of the mix."

Drivers who opt to invest in the latest model of the Fiat Panda 4x4 will be pleased to find that the vehicle comes packed with a long list of standard equipment features.

A height-adjustable driver's seat ensures comfort no matter the duration of a road trip, while climate control, ESP stability control and ELD locking differential units are all handy systems.

Driver, passenger and window airbags makes sure everyone in a vehicle is protected, with in-car entertainment assured through a radio/CD/MP3 system.

Posted by Louise Clark