A SEISMIC shift in attitudes towards the sort of vehicles we buy during the next few years could be the aftermath of one of the worst winters in living memory.
As millions of motorists feared to venture on to snow-covered roads in their conventional cars, those with the much-maligned SUVs and smaller 4x4s were able to go about their daily lives largely unaffected.
Predictions that climate change could make such severe winters more prevalent is said to be prompting motorists to consider switching to vehicles with year-round capabilities.
Subaru says that during the last month of severe weather the number of daily visitors to its website increased by 45 per cent compared to the same period last year.
Mid-January saw the greatest increase when visitor numbers soared by 155 per cent.
Subaru UK marketing director, Kenyon Neads, says: 'People understand that in slippery and icy situations there is no substitute for an all-wheel drive system and that is why our website has been receiving so many hits.'
During the recent Arctic blast several Subaru dealers even took demonstrators to the homes of potential buyers who were snowed-in throughout the North-East so that they could experience the go-anywhere abilities of the cars for themselves in the worst of conditions.
The potential switch to 4x4s comes as an increasing number of manufacturers are introducing them, including a wholesale move towards the new generation of crossovers.
The latest to join the fast-growing line-up is Mitsubishi's new ASX model, which will premiere as a compact crossover at next month's Geneva Motor Show.
It will come with a high-efficiency 1.8-litre turbocharged diesel engine, six-speed manual transmission and stop/start fuel-saving technology.
Also due to be unveiled at the Geneva show will be a similar model from Nissan, called the Juke, which will be made alongside the 4x4 Qashqai and Qashqai+2 models at Nissan's Sunderland plant.
Meanwhile Skoda has this week introduced its new Superb Estate 4x4, which is also claiming go-anywhere abilities thanks to the extra grip of its four wheel drive system.
Available with 1.8-litre and 3.6-litre V6 petrol engines plus a 2.0-litre turbodiesel the company says: ``The Superb Estate 4x4 can tackle the sort of slippery conditions that would leave its two-wheel drive competitors stranded.
``The system transfers torque to whichever wheels have the most traction by taking signals from the ABS sensors, greatly increasing driving safety in the type of snowy and icy conditions that have gripped the UK this winter.''
Another advantage is that in the summer months the 4x4 technology will ensure that pulling trailers and caravans is easier and because drive to the rear wheels is disengaged when not needed there is little overall effect on economy.
Prices start at £22,420 for the Superb Estate 1.8 TSI 160bhp 4x4 SE.