LOOKING FOR A new car that has four-wheel drive and is a bit of a bargain to boot? Well, we’ve got two cars that we think tick all those boxes.
This 2017 Fiat Panda Cross for €22,150 is a great car if you need something rugged that will get you off-road yet still has city car practicalities. It is small and compact, perfect for urban driving yet it is very capable in the rough stuff too.
The Cross is a reworked version of Fiat’s small Panda 4×4, but it is comes with big front and rear bumpers with protective skid plates, protective side moldings, roof bars and a chrome-plated exhaust. It rides on dark metal 15-inch alloy wheels and is fitted with larger mud and snow tyres, which increase its ride height.
This particular model is powered by a 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel engine making 95hp and 200Nm of torque. It is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox and features start/stop technology. It has a claimed combined fuel consumption figure of 4.5 litres/100km (62.8mpg) and it costs €200 to tax a year.
It comes really well specced and features niceties like Bluetooth, dual air-con, electric mirrors and windows and heated seats. The boot can hold 225 to 870 litres.
Dacia Duster 4×4
Need something with a bit more space? Then check out this 2016 Dacia Duster for €21,615.
The Dacia Duster is bigger and more practical than the Fiat Panda Cross and it is a bit more comfortable and more refined too – but it isn’t a charming or economical as the Panda nor is it as good to drive around the city streets.
However, the 4×4 Duster is a competent off-roader.
This particular model comes in Signature trim and is powered by a 1.5-litre dCi four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, borrowed from parent company Renault, which makes 110hp and 240Nm of torque. It is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and has a claimed combined fuel consumption figure of 5.0 litre/100km (56.5mpg). It costs €225 to tax a year.
It features remote locking, electric front and rear windows, air-con, cruise control, an on-board computer and Bluetooth. It is fitted with alloy wheels and roof rails and the boot holds a good 475 litres or 1,636 litres with the rear seats folded.
So, if you want a charming little car that is economical, great for city driving and good in the rough stuff too then maybe the Fiat Panda Cross is the car for you. If you need something with a bit more power, a roomier cabin and a bigger boot then maybe the Dacia Duster 4×4 is the car for you.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say