18 May 07
1: Fiat Panda 4x4 (2005-)
Fiat's tiddly Panda is surprisingly roomy and capable, so don't overlook it if you're in the market for a budget 4x4. Its torque-on-demand four-wheel drive system is front-drive under normal conditions, with torque sent to the rear wheels if conditions get slippery, which helps it reach places other small cars cannot go. With its roof rails, raised suspension and protective body cladding, it looks the part too.
Its 1.2-litre, 60bhp petrol engine is just about enough for the Panda's 980kg, making the Panda 4x4 a practical rural runaround. It's a shame, though, that we can't get the Panda 4x4 in right-hand drive with the 1.3 MultiJet diesel engine.
Driven: Fiat Panda 4x4/1.3 Multijet diesel
Driven: Fiat Panda 4x4
