10 Jun 09
Fiat Panda 1.2 4x4
Price: £10,400;
0-62mph: 20.0s;
Top speed: 90mph;
Engine capacity: 1242cc;
Power: 60bhp at 5,000rpm;
Emissions: 155g/km;
Average fuel consumption: 42.8mpg;
Boot capacity (min/max): 206/861 litres
As nice as it is to own a high-riding small 4x4, we simply cannot see the point. The Panda 'Cross' has the same performance as a beard follicle yet it pumps out 155g/km of carbon dioxide.
Low on power, high on fuel consumption and a distinctly average-sized boot - this Panda is not very cuddly at all. You have to be a dedicated small 4x4 owner to even consider this an option.
To top it all, it's pricey and among the slowest in this collection of snail-blazers.
Nissan Micra
Nissan Micra 1.2 Auto
Price: £9,595-£12,345;
0-62mph: 17.9s;
Top speed: 90mph;
Engine capacity: 1,240cc;
Power: 80bhp at 5,200rpm;
Emissions: 159g/km;
Average fuel consumption: 42.8mpg;
Boot capacity (min/max): 251/584 litres
Nissan Micras are cannon fodder, aren't they? There's loads of them about and their main selling point is that they'll keep going, even if you mistreat them.
A good friend of 4Car owns a red one and she hasn't cleaned it during seven years of ownership - there's algae growing on the bonnet. Still, it always starts.
The Micra will go when you turn the key and for that alone, it makes senses as reliable mode of transport.
