General Soon to be new Panda Cross 4x4 owner

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General Soon to be new Panda Cross 4x4 owner

PaulD

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Feb 8, 2009
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Location
Norfolk
After 18 months I'm trading in my Alfa GT Q2 for a new 'raindance' green Panda Cross. This might seem a drastic change of direction. The truth is the Alfa has been faultless, a joy to drive but ill suited to the state of UK roads. I feel as though I'm driving on an obstacle course slaloming my way between pot holes.

I'm sure the Panda will have as much character, albeit very different to the Alfa, and will feel far more secure in the present winter conditions.

I look forward to being part of the forum and sharing my experiences.
 
Great review. It also matches my on-road driving experience. Bearing in mind the engine in the Cross I tested had just 14 miles on the clock I found it to be reasonably responsive and flexible, though I did have to change down several times to maintain forward momentum. The suspension was firm, but also compliant over poor road surfaces, and body control on corners was good. I liked the seats, driving position and general ergonomics. Road noise was moderate, probably due to chunky tyres.

I have little to compare the Cross with, except delving back into my memory banks and my brief flirtation (6 months) with a series I Freelander turbodiesel. The Cross was far more refined! Yes compared to my GT there was a complete lack of urgency and overtaking grunt. However I'm comparing apples with oranges here. I wouldn't take the GT off-road! On the plus side the Cross is easy to get in and out of, has bags of character and I'm looking forward to an opportunity to go off road.

All in I'm pleased and very happy with my decision. What's more it's not the end of my new 'love afair' with Fiat. We need to replace our high mileage (180,000 mile) Skoda Octavia TDi estate. The Qubo looks to be the perfect replacement. Funky, especially in fluorescent, metallic 'disco green', economical with the mjet, plenty of space, high driving position and above all a flat, low loader at the back with no awkward sill to lift stuff over and then drop into the boot.

What was a cursory glance at the Fiat dealership may see us with 2 new Fiat cars...both full of character if a little idiosyncratic!
 
After approx. 2,000 miles the engine on the Cross loosens up a bit and I felt it had a bit more power but, more importantly, it gave better fuel economy.
Don't try to use 5th gear until you're doing almost 40 mph, the car doesn't like it and fuel economy is no worse in 4th.
 
p.s. Penycoed Hall looks delightful. Maybe we'll pay a visit, bring the Cross too!
Awesome thanks! The Qubo also appeals to me, although as i have no family (yet) and virtualy no friends, it's versatile space would be a bit useless to me! Quite fancy the idea of the dualogic semi auto 6 speed box with the MJ engine, should be super economical! I've started to look at the Alfa Brera diesel now, for some reason, must be mad...
 
You must have a passion for cars that are distinctive and different! I like the flexibility of the Qubo and the fact that it has a very low and flat loading bay. With 2 kids at university it will be ideal for the journeys backwards and forwards carrying bikes, guitars, amps and a terms clothes washing!

The Brera diesel is a very good car, 210 bhp and quick, but if you need rear seat space and a boot then you'll find it a tight fit!

I pick the Cross up on Sunday...will post pictures as soon as I can. Just a pity that the snow has all gone, not that we had very much here. Perhaps I should move to Norway, Sweden, Switzerland....or even Hertfordshire in the search for snow.
 
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