With winter fast approaching many new car buyers are once again considering the benefits of a 4×4.
There’s a plethora of different models on sale, from mainstream manufacturers as well as 4×4 specialists, with prices to suit a variety of monthly budgets.
So, to help you narrow down the search, we’ve narrowed the list down to five we recommend and have identified the ones to go for in each range.
Could one of these 4x4s be your next company car?
Fiat’s Panda might be a diminutive 4×4 but don’t underestimate its potential for dealing with rougher terrain and slippery weather conditions. Sure, bigger off-roaders can tackle more challenging terrain but if you only need a small car but with the ability to go off the beaten track it’s unrivalled.
Not only is it easy to park and manoeuvre in urban environments, it’s tough and practical too with additional unpainted body cladding to cope with the rigours of city and off-road life.
We go for the characterful 0.9-litre TwinAir petrol engine over the diesel option. It’s more powerful, economy isn’t far off the diesel’s pace and it’s less expensive to run as a company car.
We recommend: 0.9 TwinAir 4×4
Fuel economy: 57mpg
CO2 emissions: 114g/km
P11D value: £13,940
Monthly cost*: £33
The Yeti has been a huge success for Skoda since it was introduced in 2009, with significant facelift appearing in time for the start of 2014 to keep it fresh.
A proven range of petrol and diesel engines are available, driving either the front or all four-wheels depending on the model chosen.
Practicality is a Yeti strong point with lots of flexibility in its spacious five-seater cabin. Equipment levels and build quality are strong points too. It’s distinctive, comfortable, surprisingly nimble to drive and proves to be a very satisfying choice. We’d plump for the 138bhp 2.0-litre diesel in well-specced Elegance trim as the best all-rounder.
We recommend: 2.0 TDI CR (140PS) Elegance Outdoor 4×4
Fuel economy: 48mpg
CO2 emissions: 154g/km
P11D value: £23,620
Monthly cost*: £98
Mazda shook-up the popular crossover market in 2012 with its CX-5. Not only did it look athletic and interesting, it brought in a number of efficiencies under the ‘SkyActiv’ banner.
Not only are the petrol and diesel engines more economical and greener, the whole car has been designed with weight-saving in mind. The lightness gives the CX-5 greater agility making it feel quite sporty, yet it remains comfortable and spacious as a family car.
It’s not as practical as other 4x4s but it’s very well-built, generously equipped and is satisfyingly good to drive. The 2.2-litre diesel SE-L Nav AWD gets our vote.
We recommend: 2.2D SE-L Nav AWD
Fuel economy: 54mpg
CO2 emissions: 136g/km
P11D value: £25,515
Monthly cost*: £94
Volkswagen’s second generation Touareg has been on sale since 2010 but still looks contemporary and imposing alongside newer rivals.
This is the sister car to Porsche’s Cayenne, but what the VW loses out on in terms of driving dynamics and exclusivity, it gains in terms of value for money. Don’t think of the Touareg as the poor relation though.
Even entry level SE trim is generously equipped with leather seating, climate control and an eight-speed automatic gearbox with steering wheel paddles if you prefer changing ratios yourself.
We’d go with the least expensive SE spec Touareg with the 201bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine.
We recommend: 3.0 V6 TDI SE
Fuel economy: 40mpg
CO2 emissions: 184g/km
P11D value: £41,720
Monthly cost*: £216
Land Rover’s imperious and stately Range Rover was renewed at the start of 2013 with a cutting-edge aluminium construction and up-to-date yet still familiar styling being the main talking points.
Seemingly physics-defyingly capable off-road, the Range Rover possesses Rolls-Royce levels of comfort on it, yet with its tall estate-car body and split tailgate it remains practical as well as opulent.
A range of diesel and petrol engines are available but in terms of reducing running costs, we’d suggest the new hybrid model is the one to go for. It comes at a price though – so far it’s only available in conjunction with flagship Autobiography specification, but it remains at the summit of 4×4 desirability.
We recommend: 3.0 SDV6 HEV Autobiography
Fuel economy: 44mpg
CO2 emissions: 169g/km
P11D value: £98,090
Monthly cost*: £458
* Quoted monthly costs are based on what a 20 percent tax rate payer would have to budget in 2013/14 for a car with no extra-cost options fitted.