Best Cars for Winter

1. 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 .....

BMW 3 Series saloon

2. 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 .....

Mazda CX 5 SUV

3. 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 .....

Audi TT coupe

4. 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 befor .....

Nissan Qashqai SUV

5. 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 .....

Range Rover Sport SUV

6. 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 .....

Skoda Yeti SUV

7. 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 pe .....

Suzuki SX4 S Cross SUV

8. 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 .....

Skoda Octavia Scout estate

9. 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 c .....

Fiat Panda 4x4 hatchback

10. 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 ve .....

Audi A4 3 Point 2 Quattro

11. For 2009, Audi attempts to better their previous efforts with an updated A4. In most every way, theyve succeeded. About the only way to have more fun with a German car in the snow is to throw winter tires on a Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and then, good luck stuffing the kids and groceries into it. Serious enthusiasts may take issue with the steering, which feels vague when pushed hard on dry roads. However, for the rest of us, and as a winter car, the .....

Subaru Outback

12. With more attention devoted to the more SUV minded Tribeca and Forester redesigns, the Outback is in danger of becoming the forgotten Subaru. Too bad, because its one of the best winter cars in the pack always has been. Yes, we did just sing the WRXs praises earlier, but our wannabe rally driver instincts were having a partial say in the matter. For sane, drift less driving, the Outback is the Subie to consider. It has greater ground clearance t .....

Volvo XC70

13. Lest you think Volvos true sport ute, the XC90, outshines the XC70 wagon, drive both before you cast your final verdict. You might be surprised to discover the XC70 is the real winter car champ. Its all a matter of consistency. The XC90 always seems to feel numb and disconnected, regardless of conditions. On the other hand, the XC70 inspires confidence with a more secure driving experience overall. And with standard features like front and rear s .....

BMW 535xi Sports Wagon

14. BMWs SUVs sorry, SAVs (theyre Sport Activity Vehicles, were adamantly reminded) are drifting toward the absurd. One look at the X6 is all the evidence you need. Yet for ample room, great traction and an engaging drive, the 535xi Sports Wagon should not be overlooked. It doesnt quite behave like an M5, but the 535xi does have surprisingly decent responsiveness. It also has the sure footedness of the X models without the shortcomings. For the driv .....

Saab Turbo X

15. Just when you think GM has irreparably screwed Saab, the resilient Swedes go and do something like this. Based on the 9 3 Sedan and SportCombi wagon, the limited run Turbo X represents a strong initial foray into all wheel drive cars, with the fun factor as standard equipment. Thats pretty well evident from the first time you drive one. Yet these are Saabs, so the whole winter car capability thing just comes naturally. And so it is with the Turbo .....

Subaru WRX

16. Logic dictates we could include several Subarus in our review of great winter cars, and we do spotlight the Outback wagon here as well. However, neither it nor any other new Subie is as fun as the WRX. You really dont even need to bother with the STI to have a great winter car; the base WRX is really the way to go. Its all wheel drive package never seems to miss a beat, and the ride is tuned for more forgiveness. And if you drive on frost heaved .....

Ford Flex

17. Though some may consider the Ford Flex a crossover, its really just a funky wagon. Not since the original Scion xB have those two words adequately described a vehicle. And while the xB got flabby and soulless, the larger yet tidy Flex is a credible effort for Ford plus all wheel drive is offered. Yet, unlike the trillions of Explorers littering the roads, the Flex doesnt shout its status as a winter car with hiked up ground clearance and knobby .....

Mercedes Benz E550 4MATIC

18. While Mercedes finally blended small and good with their latest C Class and introduced a bigger, bolder S Class, their middle child was doing brilliantly all the while. The E Class is spacious, but not ponderous, graceful yet mature. It becomes a dark horse of a winter car when you select the all wheel drive option. Aside from that moment and the occasional glance youll cast at the 4MATIC chrome emblem on the trunk, you might give much thought to .....

MINI Cooper

19. The original MINI was a small wonder on the racing circuit even during winter rallies. Todays car manages to impress as well, not with all wheel drive but by making the most of its front wheel drive, light weight and electronic aids. Beyond the obligatory antilock brakes, those most helpful include All Season Traction Control (ASTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC a real help in reducing understeer). Even if al .....

Suzuki SX4 Crossover

20. It may be a little ambitious of Suzuki to call their wagon with a tall greenhouse a crossover, but at least this version of the SX4 line is a cheap way to get a new vehicle with three mode all wheel drive. Its even offered as an option on the $15,000 base model. And some will be perfectly fine with the lower stance and taller cabin of this winter car, especially commuters whod rather not spend nights stuck in the office with every moderate snowfa .....