• Summary

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What does this car say about you?

    Individual, and different not one of the herd. One of the most economical 4X4 vehicles you can buy so it's greener than the car it replaced (Mitsubishi Pinin 1.8 3 door), has 5 doors and has a much bigger boot.

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    They all think it's great. Colour is Glam Sand - a colour somewhere between gold and bronze and the same as in the stock picture attached to this review.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Yes, good value for money.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Anywhere that offers a good deal whether it's a Franchised dealer, private seller or auction. Would buy Fiat again they are good value and the build quality is now excellent.

  • Buying experience

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchise

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £10,700

    When did you buy the car?

    November 2006

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Yes, a good deal. Would not have paid the full price but we bought a pre-regd car with 60 miles on the clock. 6 months old but as new.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    4X4 with 5 doors in a neat package with a good sized boot. Pre-regd and at a better price than the similar Suzuki SX4 4Grip. My wife preferred the more rugged appearance of the Fiat with the black lower trim detail.

    What was the dealer like?

    We bought from Wentane in Stockton on Tees. They have an excellent service dealership there and it is worth travelling the 45 miles to get a better deal on purchase and service than at our local dealer in Pickering, North Yorkshire.

  • Driving it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Good handling for a car with higher than normal ground clearance, quite a sporty ride. Engine feels like it needs more revs to get the best performance but it rarely needs to go over 4000 rpm. It doesn't need to - it isn't a sports car and does not pretend to be one.

    What's it like to park?

    Easy with a good steering lock.

  • Living with it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Nothing apart from a trim rattle somewhere in the centre of the dashboad which we hope will be put right on the first service. We have now done 3500 miles in the car.

    What's most practical about your car?

    4X4 when you need it, selected via a switch. The transmission can be locked for more extreme weather conditions or the 4X4 will come in when required, or as used most of the time in normal front wheel drive.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Plenty of useful storage