best cars for winter

When the Dacia Duster was launched in 2010, it changed our perception of just how cheap a budget SUV could be. Sure, the Duster has a few rough edges, but for the money, its hard to beat. Theres a choice of petrol and diesel engines, but the powerful and economical diesel is better suited to genuine off-roading something the Duster is more than capable of. Back on the road, the Dacia leans a bit in corners (but not excessively) and manages to be pretty comfortable. The interior is basic, but its spacious and high-spec models have plenty of equipment.

Price ?9,495 - ?15,495

PROS

Great value

Comfortable

Lots of space

CONS

Dull interior

Entry-level car is basic

Noisy diesel engine

The BMW 3 Series is one of the most accomplished cars on sale in the UK and its now available with xDrive four-wheel drive. Although expensive compared to mainstream models such as the Ford Mondeo, the 3 Series offers superb build quality and an excellent range of engines. Out on the road, it makes long motorway journeys easy, but find a twisting back road and the BMW is more entertaining than any of the competition. Adding four-wheel-drive makes the 3 Series sure-footed on slippery roads, although these models are also more expensive to buy and run than the normal car.

Price ?23,555 - ?43,685

PROS

Great to drive

Upmarket image

Low running costs

CONS

High list prices

Expensive options

Firm suspension on M Sport models

Despite its looks, the Mazda CX-5 is more of a crossover than a rugged SUV, but it can still be fitted with four-wheel drive for extra grip. It doesnt feel like a big SUV from behind the wheel in fact, it even reminded our road testers of the sporty Mazda MX-5 roadster at times. Mazda has also given the CX-5 an excellent range of petrol and diesel engines, which provide plenty of power while returning strong fuel economy. Inside, theres lots of space for passengers and luggage, making this an excellent family car.

Price ?21,895 - ?29,895

PROS

Attractive and distinctive styling

Powerful and economical engines

Good ride and handling

CONS

Interior storage space isnt great

More at home on the road than off it

Four wheel drive versions are less fun to drive

The TT is very much a sports car, but it can be specified with Audis quattro four-wheel-drive system, which makes it better at tackling slippery roads than rivals such as the Porsche Cayman. The new TT looks sharper than the old car, but the real revelation comes inside. Cars costing ten times as much dont feel as high quality as this Audi, and the stunning 12.3-inch ?virtual cockpit display is something were likely to see in many more cars before long. As before, theres a great line-up of petrol and diesel engines, with the Ultra diesel striking a particularly good balance between strong performance and excellent fuel economy..

Price ?29,770 - ?40,270

PROS

Stylish image

Diesel is cheap to run

Comfortable and fun to drive

CONS

Expensive to buy

Cramped back seats

No four wheel drive diesel

Nissan can argue that with the original Qashqai, it invented the crossover a model that mixes the characteristics of a normal car with the looks and practicality of an SUV. The new model has grown up a little bit, but sticks to the same formula. Its not quite as enjoyable to drive, but it is quieter and even cheaper to run. It has a big boot, plenty of passenger space and useful cubbyholes dotted around the interior, making it perfect for family life. Choosing four-wheel drive doesnt convert the Qashqai into a rugged off-roader, but it does make it more capable in slippery winter conditions.

Price ?18,265 - ?28,500

PROS

Great all rounder

Excellent build quality

Low running costs

CONS

Rear visibility could be better

Rear seats can feel cramped

Expensive top spec model

The Range Rover Sport is more than ?10,000 cheaper than the full-sized Range Rover, so it could be argued that it offers good value despite its hefty list price. High performance and a luxurious interior are combined with proper off-road prowess, and while the petrol models cost a fortune to run, the basic diesel comes close to matching the MPG figure of a petrol saloon car. Out on the road, the Range Rover is extremely comfortable, and more fun to drive than youd expect. Off-road, sophisticated technology means the Sport is almost unstoppable.

Price ?61,250 - ?93,450

PROS

Luxurious interior

Comfortable and quiet ride

Good grip in corners

CONS

Expensive to run

Uncertain reliability

Less boot space than the old model

The Skoda Yetis breadth of talents made it an instant hit when launched, but its started to show its age recently, despite a facelift. Theres still plenty to like, though: the boxy looks translate into a spacious interior and Skodas Varioflex system offers a wide variety of seating configurations to choose from. The Yeti has a strong engine range and when specified with four-wheel drive ? is a surprisingly good off-roader, as well as being the perfect tow car. The Yeti is actually good fun to drive on-road, too, with much less body lean in corners than youd experience in a traditional SUV.

Price ?16,715 - ?27,840

PROS

Enjoyable to drive

Versatile seating

Inexpensive to own

CONS

Removing seats takes effort

Harsh ride on poor road surfaces

Dull interior styling

Dont be put off by the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross dull looks, because underneath lurks an extremely capable crossover. Fitted with the 1.6-litre diesel engine, its economical yet also fun to drive. Add four-wheel drive and you get a car thatll be very capable in winter weather and can also turn its hand to light off-roading. Avoid the CVT automatic gearbox, though it makes the engine noisy and reduces fuel economy. The boring exterior styling continues inside, but the Suzukis cabin is quite spacious and it has a bigger boot than a Volkswagen Golf.

Price ?15,499 - ?23,549

PROS

Good value for money

Economical engines

Large and flexible boot

CONS

Engines are noisy

Cramped rear seats

Dull styling

The Skoda Octavia Scout is one of the most well rounded cars you can buy. The regular Skoda Octavia Estate is a top performer in almost every area and the Scout version adds four-wheel drive to the formula. That means you get a spacious and practical family car thats well built, competitively priced and enjoyable to drive. You can choose from two diesel engines, both of which offer enough power to tow up to 2,000kg (200kg more than the standard car) without the car feeling sluggish. On the downside, the Octavia Scout is more expensive to buy and run than the standard car.

Price ?25,315 - ?27,990

PROS

Well built and spacious interior

Four wheel drive excellent for towing

Diesels engines are powerful and economical

CONS

Expensive compared to normal Octavia

Four wheel drive hurts fuel economy

Only available as an estate

The Fiat Panda 4x4 formula of a low list price and good off-road ability is reminiscent of the Dacia Duster, but the similarities end there. The Panda is a lot smaller than the Duster, but feels like a higher-quality product and its appeal goes beyond the fact that its cheap to buy. Its cheekily styled inside and out, and while interior space is limited by its compact dimensions, the Fiats cabin is still impressively practical. Its engines are very economical on paper, but weve found it difficult to match the TwinAir petrols claimed MPG figure in the real world, so the diesel is probably a better bet. Surprisingly given its cute looks, the Panda 4x4 is very impressive off-road.

Price ?14,295 - ?16,945

PROS

Impressive on and off Road

Well equipped

Economical engines

CONS

More expensive than standard Panda

Limited rear legroom

4x4 system increases running costs