Fiat Panda named Best Mini 4X4 in magazine awards

Fiat Panda named Best Mini 4X4 in magazine awards

The Fiat Panda has claimed the Best Mini 4x4 accolade at the 4x4 Magazine awards after excelling over an off-road course devised by the publication.

It dominated its own sector and even performed well against other larger category winners in the five-car shootout.

The model is powered by Fiat's award-winning 85hp TwinAir turbo petrol engine or in the diesel model, a 75hp 1.3-litre MultiJet II turbo-diesel engine.

Nigel Fryatt, editor of 4x4 Magazine, said that the performance of the Panda was one of the surprises of this year's awards.

"We used a test facility that was designed to demonstrate the abilities of far bigger - and much more expensive - vehicles. Allowing for limited ground clearance and power, we still managed to crawl the Panda over and through some significant obstacles."

Elena Bernardelli, UK marketing director at FGA, said that it is "remarkable" that the Fiat Panda 4x4 remains a bestseller and a favourite of the expert 30 years after its initial launch.

"That the FIAT Panda 4X4 can go toe-to-toe with so many luxury off-road vehicles proves that you don't have to sacrifice capability or practicality in order to reduce your running costs or to do your bit for the environment," she concluded.

Posted by Craig Salter