The new Fiat Panda Cross, has scooped its first major off-roading honour – 4x4 of the Year 2009.
The award comes from the specialist magazine 4x4 and MPV Driver, whose panel of expert judges put the new all-terrain Panda at the top of a list of extremely capable, and more expensive, competitors.
The judges praised the Panda’s off-roading capability, style and affordability but particularly highlighted the car’s brilliant 1.3 16v MultiJet turbodiesel engine – previously unavailable in a right-hand drive Panda 4x4.
"The Panda Cross rewrites the rulebook for baby 4x4s in most areas, emerging as a capable all-rounder at a time when small is increasingly beautiful. We say it is the best new 4x4 launched in the past 12 months."
