In fairness to the guys at M Stewarts, they would only be briefed on UK Spec cars so few of them would know about the Cross, although I did bend the Managers ear long enough about one before deciding on the Climbing.

There are no plans to bring either the Cross or the diesel 4x4 to the UK anytime soon.

If you wanted to convert a Cross to make it UK legal you would have to change the complete front to look like a Climbing, all because of the lights.

There are only 7 4x4 Climbings in N.I and dealer doesn't stock any demos. They usually borrow mine if someone is interested in buying one.

Never been off road in mine but in the snow we had earlier it drove up the M1 as if there was no snow.

Mines for sale by the way as I need money to extend the garage.

http://maranellohouse.com/panda4x4.html

The Panda will be available with the 1.3 diesel Multijet around august september. Don't think we'll be getting the Cross. The 0-60mph is 18 seconds on the diesel so 2 seconds quicker than the petrol however it has loads more torque so should be more impressive off road. Don't forget that they made a Panda Cross limited edition over here with Ducati and it was about 15 grand but featured loads of luxury kit. Look it up - it's amazing.