Auto Express have a review of the new Fiat Panda Cross. It appears to be an improvement on the standard Panda 4×4 by including a differential in the 4×4 allowing it to handle better off-road.

Aside from the chunky body panels and lurid colours, the biggest difference between the Cross and the standard 4×4 is underneath the car and takes the form of an ingenious differential unit.

I used to have a standard Fiat Panda many years ago and it was quite possibly the worst car I’ve ever owned. At that time my mate had the 4×4 Panda and it was on exactly the same level. Handling, performance, spec, build quality, reliability were all utterly dreadful. I’m sure FIAT have improved things a bit since the 80’s but you won’t catch me buying one ever again. I remember a description that was very apt at the time - "A loose collection of parts all travelling in roughly the same direction". I hope owners of the new Panda don’t have to resort to similar descriptions.

It’s been a long time coming. I used to be a fan of the old VW Jetta. I know it had crap boot seals and looked a bit lada-like compared to the Golf but there was just something comforting about the VW Jetta. Well now VW are launching a new Jetta and it appears to be rather up to date. The specs look great and as far as prices go, Top Gear report that:

From the £14,635 starting price, the Jetta range goes all the way to £19,240 for the 2.0 TDi 138bhp turbodiesel with DSG ‘box.

 It will always be known as the Golf with the Boot, but I for one am glad the VW Jetta is back.

Top Gear reports that Volvo are due to launch a new turbo deisel engine for the V50 next June - I didn’t realise there was that much of a waiting list on Volvos. That’s so far in advance it’s practically concept.

"The Volvo V50 is set to gain a potent new 180bhp turbodiesel engine.

The five-cylinder unit has 258lb ft of torque to help it move from rest to 62mph in 8.8 seconds when attached to Volvo’s Geartronic automatic gearbox. "

I’m a big fan of modern Volvos, and though many consider them still to be a bit boxy, I prefer descriptions like tank-like and bombproof. A deisel with that kind of speed might be worth looking at though - especially if you have a family and need to cut down on those school-run fuel bills a bit.