Choosing a 4x4

4x4's have been on the market for the public to buy since the US Army sold off a huge number of surplus Jeeps at the end of WWII. Initially for agricultural and woodland use, even the British equivalent, the Land Rover, wasn’t very attractive to the average driver.

Traditionally, 4x4's were slow, unwieldy and very basic. Then the Range Rover was released in the 1970's, bringing style and comfort with serious off road capabilities. While many people buy a 4x4 simply for the elevated driving position, famed safety record and comfort, there are those who want to be able to handle whatever the road throws at them.

Modern 4x4's offer stylish alternatives to estate cars. With comparable handling and fuel efficiency this blurs the lines between what a traditionalist would refer to a 4x4 and a large car. Even smaller cars can be (technically) a 4x4, the Subaru Impreza Hatchback is a four wheel drive vehicle, as is a large chunk of the Audi range of cars.

So you have the benefits of a 4x4 without looking like you are driving a brick. A 4x4 really comes into its own if you are looking at towing anything, especially caravans or boats. Staycations are growing in popularity in the UK and to handle towing your load to the more scenic (and hilly) areas of these isles can demand the additional grunt that is only available from a 4x4.

4x4's, like every section of the market, are quite diverse. There are simple, straightforward entry level models which are perfectly respectable considering the budget price. Then there are luxury models, from known marques which come with comparable price tags.