It may interest HJ forum members to know that the scarcity of used Panda Crosses, and a belated surge in interest in them, has driven used prices to ridiculous levels.

By way of example, Thames Fiat Slough got a black one in a few days ago, 9K miles, with a sticker price of....drum roll......£13995. And it sold in 24hrs for £13995. I spoke the salesman, he received upwards of 30 phone calls about the car on the morning it was published on Autotrader. It sold early afternoon. Not suprisingly, he wishes he had 20 of them!

Funny how these cars barely shifted when they were in the showroom, with some dealers getting rid for well below list price. And now, after two hard winters, and spiralling motoring costs, their's a frenzy for a used one.

With retrospect, what's not to like about the Panda Cross. A small, economical diesel car, with proven mechanicals and amazing off-road ability, plus nice big plastic bumpers to fend off the supermarket dings. Bring it back, Fiat!

I don't think it's street cred that's driving such keen interest, and amazing price appreciation.

More so, it's a small, economical, but very practical car which looks ready to stand upto our ever-worsening road conditions. The main negative that was laid at the Panda Cross' feet was it's lack of performance. However, many people, myself included, see outright performance as a bonus, but ultimately of little use if you live in urban and suburban areas. Round my way, (Surrey/Hants) to have the opportunity to drive at a steady 60mph on permitted A-roads mp would be nice!

Makes me think if Nissan gave the diesel Juke a 4x4 drivetrain, that could shift a few too.

The Dacia Duster, when it finally arrives, will be one to watch too.