For the fourth year running, the Fiat Panda has fought off tough competition, in an ever growing sector, to be crowned the Best Crossover. Judges praised it for its off-roading capability, engaging drive and fun philosophy.
Alan Kidd, editor of 4x4 Magazine, commented, “The Panda Cross just keeps on winning its class in our awards. The Crossovers category is a very wide one, and the opposition comes in many shapes and sizes, but there’s just nothing else to match its combination of point-and-squirt road manners, funky looks and remarkable off-road ability.
“People in countries where winter means something, or who live at the end of an Alpine track, buy vehicles like this because off-roading is a way of life, not a hobby. It might be small, but the Panda has loads of traction and incredible manoeuvrability – and the TwinAir engine makes a lovely noise as well as dishing out more torque than you’d believe possible.
“Basically, the Panda Cross is a really cool car-about-town that’s ready to turn into a cross-country hero in the blink of an eye. I don’t want to sound like a gibbering fanboy but, quite simply, we love it.”
The 4x4 Magazine is the UK’s only dedicated 4x4 and pick-up magazine and its 4x4 of the Year awards have been defining the segment for more than 25 years. A team of experienced 4x4 specialists assess the now broad spectrum of vehicles that make up this class, covering everything from comfort, quality, off-road performance, and purchase and ownership costs.
This impressive win joins the Fiat Panda’s long list of accomplishments including being the first city car to feature 4WD technology, the first city car to climb to an altitude of 5,200m and reach the Everest base camp as well as being the first natural gas fuelled city car to be produced on a large scale.
The Fiat Panda range starts from £11,895 OTR for the 1.0 mild hybrid 70hp variant, while the award winning Fiat Panda Cross starts from £17,995 OTR.