General How good is the 4x4 Cross?

[crossman]

Hello there, I have recently purchased a 60 plate 4x4 Cross but up to now it has not seen any real snow etc. I have driven a few 4x4's before and knew their capabilities, so I'm just wondering how good they are in the snow and off road (not that I'll probably do much off roading).
I would appreciate any feedback as my wife drives it as well to give her some re assurance.

 

[R1NGA]

I would suggest doing a search if this forum for "4x4" plus "snow" and you'll get heps of reasons why they are utterly fabulous (4x4 and lightweight basically). Use "Search this Forum" option on the top of the threads section, not the main SEARCH option on the top.

As there's so much snow around now, I'd suggest finding some and trying for yourself though...!

Phil

 

[crossman]

Thanks for that mate, will do

 

[doctorchris]

I've just completed a round trip over from Sunderland to Carlisle and back, about 150+ miles. I deliberately chose snow-covered minor roads as I've just had Vredestein Quatrac 3 tyres fitted to my Cross and wanted to evaluate them.
Absolutely fantastic performance. Best fun was overtaking some big Audi thingy, on snow, which was doing about 20mph. I was doing 50-60 mph and not in the least worried.
Attached pictures show a road surface that I was happy to cruise on at 60 mph.

 

[Coolcarbon]

Having a real blast in ours in the snow, amazing how well it performs!

There are a few video clips on YouTube that show the Cross strutting it's stuff, just put in a few key words and you'll soon fnd them.

 

[crossed up]

Mine's been excellent in the snow & ice down here...
Like Dr Chris I've been purposely traveling via the back roads & have not once felt that I might get stuck. The combination of all season tyres, 4 wheel drive, light weight & the traction control effectively locking all differentials make it hugely impressive. I prefer to drive the cross in the snow to my wife's Discovery - it really is that good.

 

[gwat74]

I'll echo what has already been said, it's perfect for snow. I'm not far from you, over in Sheffield, and have had my cross since may. This lot of snow was my first test in it and I loved it! Got me everywhere I needed to and plenty of places I didn't need to go too!!

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

I have to add that the Cross's lesser brother (the petrol 4x4) is equally as good in the snow (that ELD doesn't really affect things when all the wheels are on the ground, and the petrol version is not as heavy...)

 

[crossman]

Hello everyone, just got back from in laws in Warwickshire, they still had 6-7 inches of lying snow out in sticks where they live. This was ideal for putting the Panda to the test, I have to say it felt absolutely spot on even with ice covered roads on small tracks and narrow lanes. So now I have alot more confidence in the car, really impressed with its performance

 

[panda4x4x4x4]

what tyres are you on crossman?

 

[DraigFlag87]

I did a 24 hour (340 mile) test drive a few years back, on and off road in Wales! Read my review here:

Panda Cross review

 

[crossman]

It came with Conti's winter tyres.

 

[fsmr]

You will see a few posts from me including a youtube clip about the virtues of the cross
I got a very low mileage 09 plate demo for my elderly parents over the Xmas break last year due to them being house bound down a steep ice packed lane and its been a godsend and of course, its stilldoing it now. The perforamance of the cross is outstanding due to its size and tyre choice and size and of course electronic trickery. Unless you were grounded on deep snow or mud, you will have traction on most inclines. And i have a "real" 4x4 in a series Landrover so speaking from experience
Of course the electronics and 4x4 also means that you dont get stuck pulling off onto muddy grass verges on narrow lanes either so good choice in rural areas
Expect 45-55 mpg
And of course, they are rarer than a Rolls Royce so always gets attention

 

[PaulD]

I've had my Cross for nearly 2 years now and it is a really capable car. The best thing I can say about it is the confidence it inspires in snow and other tricky conditions. I just don't worry about going out in it. I live in a rural area and several times in the snow both this year and last year have had to make detours across verges and fields in order to get past other vehicles which were either stuck or had been abandoned.

I've had big Audis, small Audis, VW's and most recently an Alfa GT. Crazy I know but I prefer the Cross. The diesel is willing, smooth and quiet unless it's pushed, the driving position is nigh on perfect, the build quality is first class without any rattles even after 40k miles and the styling grows. The panels might not be to every ones taste but they do a great job of protection in car parks!

I'm seriously looking for a second Cross.....anyone got an orange one for sale?

 

[DraigFlag87]

anyone got an orange one for sale?

Try the RAC

 

[Pinball]

Nice to hear about so much interest and use of the Cross! I've owned numerous 4x4's over the years and driven them militarily as well as sport wise. The cross is a fantastic little vehicle - under advertised and undersold in the UK I believe - spoke to several Fiat dealers about this - one told me, "there's little call for them here" - WHAT?! Maybe after this winter they will change their minds, I just hope that Fiat don't end production before they catch on here further. Here are a few tips for those of you who do venture off road with them to bear in mind - if you do end up scraping the belly on deep rutted tracks be aware that the under engine protetion plate is open towards the rear and if you do any back/forwards shunting it can act like a big shovel, so make sure that you check and clean it out afterwards. Similarly, although the centre prop coupling has a protection guard it all protudes to a small degree, so travel at an appropriate speed if there is the chance of grounding out. Lastly (for now!) Take note that if you are shunting in difficult terrain and stall the engine, when you restart, the ELD may have disconnected and if you don't notice this (I didn't!) you aren't using all the vehciles capabilities. Happy 4x4ing

 

[PaulD]

Re demand for the Cross 4x4, I recently got a letter from my local dealer asking if I was prepared to trade mine in. They indicated they had a buyer and would guarantee a top notch price! I guess the recent bad weather might have spurred interest in the Cross. I have absolutely no intentions of selling mine and am planning a nice trip to the Arctic in it this year.