Many families are turning to the small 4x4. The small 4x4 still offers a high driving position and the sense of capacity for all the family kit. But they are cheaper to run than the big 4x4s and they don’t make the drivers look like eco-monsters.
This will soon be great news for families on a budget, because the demand is driving car manufacturers to provide more options in this sector. While there was a time that your choice basically a Toyota RAV4 or a Land Rover Freelander, you are now spoilt for choice on the nearly new market. Here are three others think about:
Nissan Qash Qai
The QashQai is the definition of a modern family car for people that don't want an old-fashioned estate or MPV. It is built to a price, but depreciation seems steady.
Most economical: 1.5 dCi 54 mpg
Best used buy: 2.0 Acenta 4WD
UsedCarExpert.com checks: N/A
Used Car Expert magazine price guide: A 2007 2.0 Acenta with 16,000 miles on the clock can be yours for around £11,794. A saving of at least £5,000 over a new car.
Suzuki Grand Vitara
Rugged and stylish with plenty of room inside with lots of safety kit as standard. Not the most refined of off-roaders and the diesel engine is better suited than the petrol units. Few around in the marketplace which keeps prices firm at the moment.
Most economical: 1.9 DDiS 37mpg
Best used buy: 1.6 Petrols
UsedCarExpert.com checks: 8
Used Car Expert magazine price guide: A 2007 1.6 with 13,385 miles on the clock can be yours for £8,000. A saving of at least £3,000 over a new car.
Ford Kuga
A credible and capable alternative to the Toyota Rav 4 and Land Rover Freelander. If you want a small 4x4 that genuinely handles like a car, this is must test.
Most economical: 2.0 TDCi 44 mPG
Best used buy: 2.0 TDCi Titanium
UsedCarExpert.com checks: N/A
Used Car Expert magazine price guide: Launched in 2008, even the earliest Kugas have less than 5,000 miles on the clock. Average price for a 2.0 TDCI from 2008 is £18,323, but you can haggle that to £16,000.