Long-term test review: Fiat Panda Cross - pictures

The Panda Cross has some annoying traits (mainly the infotainment), but it's a great car and one that we will really miss. 

Fiat Panda Cross 

Fiat Panda Cross 

Fiat Panda Cross 

Driving experience puts a smile on the face of anyone who gets behind the wheel.

If only Blue&Me infotainment set-up was more intuitive; Lesley has found it very frustrating and slow to respond.

Pairing phone to dash-mounted TomTom unit has proven tricky, and even if you hook up, you don't stay connected.

The Panda Cross is a breath of fresh air in the city car class, and its combination of chunky styling and fun handling mean it's a tempting alternating to models like Fiat's own 500. 

With its compact dimensions and punchy turbo engine, the little Fiat is nippy on the road, plus capable off it. 

You always know where your shades are thanks to handy sunglasses holder.

Rugged appeal extends to the practical, wipe-clean boot lining.

Despite its size, the Panda Cross is a versatile car; drop the split/fold back seats, and it serves up an 870-litre boot capacity. The rear is spacious, too. 

Headlamps are dismal, as they don't light up enough of the road. There's an adjustment button on the dash, but it doesn't make all that much difference.

Auto Express road tester, and first aider, Lesley lines up our Panda Cross with Fiat run by Community First Responder Gary Hammond, who's just as impressed with his car.

The South Central Ambulance Service now has a fully liveried and kitted out Panda Cross. 

There's plenty of space inside despite Panda's dimensions. 

Underbody protection hints at off-road ability - really useful for ambulance service in rural areas.