Got your eye on the new Porsche Cayenne diesel, to be launched in February 2009? Then save your pennies and opt instead for the plucky Fiat Panda Cross, which has just scooped 4x4 of the year from a specialist 4x4 magazine.

At about a quarter of the cost – the diesel Cayenne (pictured right) will be priced from £40,250, the diesel Panda a mere £11,950 – the Fiat manages an impressive 54.3mpg on the combined cycle. And in enticing colours like Goa orange and Raindance green, who could resist?