Lilliputian 4x4s

Why the comparison?

There isn't really much choice out there for those wanting a small 4x4 car. This pairing come in at under £10,000 though, and also have tiny dimensions. So if you're after a small, capable four-wheel drive and don't need a huge off-roader then this duo are available at sensible money and bring the surefootedness of all-wheel drive traction. First up is a four-wheel drive version of Fiat's Panda, the tiny Italian contender taking on the Suzuki Jimny - a tiny 4x4 that looks like it's been shrunk in the wash. We look at which offers the best all-round choice.

How are they similar?

Key to both cars here is that they both offer four-wheel drive. Indeed, they're the only two new cars in the UK offering all-wheel traction with a sticker price under £10,000. They're surprisingly capable performers in the muck too, simple but effective 4x4 systems keeping them moving where two-wheel drive cars wouldn't dare. They're both simple to drive, neither requiring any messing around with 4x4 transfer systems to engage drive to all wheels. Economy for either is impressive thanks to relatively low weight and small engines, the Suzuki managing a combined consumption figure of 39.2mpg and the Fiat 42.8mpg. They might be 4x4s, but they're not gas-guzzlers.

How do they differ?

The Panda and Jimny might both offer near identical pricing and four-wheel drive capability but that's where the similarities end. The Fiat is based on the Panda hatchback, though gains higher suspension and drive to the rear wheels. The Jimny was always designed as a 4x4 and looks more like a mini off-roader than a modified hatchback. The Jimny is a three-door compared to the Fiat's five-door as well, the Italian car the more practical choice if you're intending on using the rear seats. The Fiat feels more spacious and sharper to drive thanks to its newer underpinnings and hatchback shape; in comparison the Jimny feeling bouncy and low on grip on the road.

The Suzuki counters with far better performance, its 1.3-litre engine powering it to 62mph in 14.1 seconds - that's a quite remarkable 5.9 seconds quicker than the painfully slow Fiat. Even so the Fiat is the more enjoyable car to drive, feeling far more agile and alert in the bends and riding better than the Suzuki, too. The Fiat's interior is a more pleasant place to be than the Suzuki's, with a more modern design and better feeling materials. It's more spacious inside the Panda too and the boot is also a better shape than the Jimny's. As capable off-road as the Panda is the Jimny is the more rugged performer; so if you're using your tiny 4x4 as a proper off-roader then the Jimny is the better bet. Equipment levels on each are pretty basic, but the Panda is the slightly better equipped of the pairing - even so it remains pretty basic.

So which one would we have?

Chances are, if you're looking at either of these cars then you really need the additional traction their four-wheel drive systems give them. The Suzuki is more traditional in its off-road approach, which does mean you pay on road with poor refinement, ride and less than inspiring handling. The Fiat might be massively slower but it's a far crisper road drive and is remarkably capable off-road. It's the more practical choice too, with five doors and a more spacious interior. Add the Fiat's nicer driving environment and it would be the Fiat dealership we'd be visiting if we needed a small, inexpensive and capable four-wheel drive car.

Kyle Fortune