Top 10: Cheapest new 4x4s
For most parts of the UK, snowfalls are a rare occurrence. However, when they do happen, traffic generally grinds to a halt and general chaos ensues.
Those few days of really harsh winter weather each year can be enough to convince some drivers that they must have an all-wheel drive vehicle, even though winter tyres, chains or even snow socks might actually be a better solution…
But do the benefits of 4x4 traction automatically come with an exorbitant price tag and scarily high fuel costs? The answer is not necessarily, as these ten candidates for cheapest 4x4 demonstrate:
1. Dacia Duster - from £10,995
£8,995 might be the headline price for the Duster, but that amount only buys a front-wheel drive version. To enjoy the advantages of all-wheel drive, at least £10,995 is needed for the Access 4x4. Nevertheless, it’s still the cheapest 4x4 car currently on sale in the UK.
Its petrol motor produces a middling 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS), resulting in a 12.8 seconds 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time and a top speed of 99 mph (160 km/h). But don’t expect great economy as compensation for the missing performance, because the combined cycle consumption figure is a disappointing 35.3 mpg (8.0 l/100km). Even worse are the carbon dioxide emissions of 185 g/km.
Better efficiency is promised by the diesel versions, which both manage 53.3 mpg (5.3 l/100km) and 137 g/km. However, they are also considerably pricier.
In terms of specification, you get what you pay for with the entry-level Duster Access. It does have electric front windows and remote central locking, but there’s no air conditioning or audio system. It’s also worth remembering that the only colour on offer is white, although the bumpers and door mirror caps are left unpainted.
2. Suzuki Jimny - from £11,995
A recent facelift is a good indication that the fifteen-year-old Jimny is going to soldier on for a while yet.
+Front+Side.jpg "Suzuki Jimny (2013) Front Side")
All versions are powered by a 1.3 litre petrol engine that develops 83 bhp (63 kW / 85 PS). Unsurprisingly, such a modest output means the little Suzuki is not quick. The manual-gearbox model completes the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) dash in a leisurely 14.1 seconds, before struggling on to a top speed of just 87 mph (140 km/h).
On the plus side, average fuel consumption of 39.8 mpg (7.1 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 162 g/km aren’t too bad.
3. Fiat Panda - from £13,950
This latest incarnation of the Panda 4x4 is an appealing mix of city car and off-roader. At its heart is a ‘torque on demand’ all-wheel drive system that’s supplemented by an Electronic Locking Differential. The baby Fiat looks the part too, courtesy of its raised ground clearance, skid plates, roof rails, black wheel arches and side mouldings.
£13,950 buys the TwinAir-powered model, which features an 83 bhp (62 kW / 85 PS) two-cylinder petrol engine. Capable of 103 mph (165 km/h), it delivers an impressive average fuel consumption of 57.6 mpg (4.9 l/100km) with carbon dioxide emissions of just 114 g/km.
The diesel might be slightly more economical but, because it’s slower and produces more CO2, it’s hard to justify the extra expense over the TwinAir.
4. Suzuki SX4 - from £15,899
Because all-wheel drive is only available with the range-topping SZ5 trim grade, the prices for 4x4 versions of the SX4 are high compared to other models in the range. Equipment levels are fairly generous though, as the spec includes six airbags, electric windows front and rear, cruise control (but curiously only on the diesel), automatic air conditioning, 16” alloy wheels and rear privacy glass.
+Side.jpg "Suzuki SX4 SZ5 (2010) Side")
The 118 bhp (88 kW / 120 PS) 1.6 litre petrol engine is sprightly enough, accelerating the SX4 from rest to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 11.5 seconds and giving it a top speed of 109 mph (175 km/h). It’ll also manage 43.5 mpg (6.5 l/100km) on the combined cycle, while CO2 emissions are 149 g/km.
Unless huge mileages are going to be covered, the case for the 133 bhp (99 kW / 135 PS) diesel is weak. It might achieve 53.3 mpg (5.3 l/100km) and emit 139 g/km of CO2, but it’s barely any quicker than the petrol version and it carries a significant £1,800 price premium.
5. Suzuki Grand Vitara - from £15,995
Yet another Suzuki. This time it’s the Grand Vitara, which is most affordable in three-door SZ3 form.
+Front+Side.jpg "Suzuki Grand Vitara 5-Door (2013) Front Side")
Featuring a 105 bhp (78 kW / 106 PS) 1.6 litre petrol engine, it won’t quite crack 100 mph and a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 14.4 seconds can’t be described as quick. Unfortunately, efficiency is distinctly unexceptional too, as CO2 emissions are 195 g/km and average fuel consumption is 34.5 mpg (8.2 l/100km).
Nevertheless, the Grand Vitara SZ3 comes with a decent specification that includes roof rails, 16” alloy wheels, an electronic stability programme, reclining front and rear seats, automatic air conditioning and a four-speaker radio and CD player.
6. Vauxhall Mokka - from £18,200
Prices for the Mokka range start from £15,995, but that sum isn’t enough for all-wheel drive.
The least expensive 4x4 offering is the Tech Line variant powered by a turbocharged 1.4 litre petrol engine. Developing 138 bhp (103 kW / 140 PS), it achieves a very creditable 44.1 mpg (6.4 l/100km) in the Mokka while producing 149 g/km of carbon dioxide.
Tech Line models come fitted as standard with electric windows all-round, satellite navigation, USB connectivity, cruise control and 18” alloy wheels.
7. SsangYong Korando - from £18,785
The SsangYong brand might not be particularly well known in the UK, but among the Korean firm’s offerings is the neat-looking Korando crossover. Prices start at £18,785 for the SX 4x4 although, like many of the other vehicles listed here, cheaper front-wheel drive versions are also available.
+Front+Side.jpg "SsangYong Korando (2012) Front Side")
Power comes from a 2.0 litre diesel engine that’s connected to a six-speed transmission. Developing 146 bhp (110 kW / 149 PS), it delivers a top speed of 116 mph (186 km/h) and 45.6 mpg (6.2 l/100km) on the combined cycle. Carbon dioxide emissions are 157 g/km.
The Korando SX features a decent level of kit, with 16” alloy wheels, six airbags, an electronic stability programme, cruise control, rear parking sensors and a six-speaker audio system all fitted as standard.
8. Škoda Yeti - from £18,825
The Yeti continues to be one of the most desirable members of Škoda’s current line-up. While less expensive front-wheel drive models are available, the £18,825 ‘S’ is the starting point for the 4x4 selection.
+Front+Side.jpg "Skoda Yeti Sochi (2013) Front Side")
Its 2.0 litre diesel engine delivers 108 bhp (81 kW / 110 PS), which is enough for a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 12.2 seconds and a top speed of 108 mph (174 km/h). Modest performance then, but the trade-off is a decent 46.3 mpg (6.1 l/100km) average fuel consumption figure and CO2 emissions of 159 g/km.
Standard equipment isn’t overly abundant, although the Yeti S comes with 16” alloy wheels, front and rear electric windows, air conditioning, a trip computer and roof rails.
9. SsangYong Rexton - from £19,995
Unlike anything else in this top ten, the Rexton boasts a seven-seat interior. It’s quite a bit larger too, measuring 4,720 mm (15’ 6”) long with a kerb weight of over two tons.
+Front+Side.jpg "SsangYong Rexton (2012) Front Side")
That’s a lot of bulk to drag around, so the Rexton uses a five-cylinder, 2.7 litre common-rail diesel engine that produces 162 bhp (121 kW / 165 PS) and 340 Nm (250 lb/ft) of torque. On the combined cycle it achieves a respectable 32.8 mpg (8.6 l/100km), although CO2 emissions of 229 g/km are predictably high.
The ‘S’ trim grade misses out on side airbags, but an electronic stability programme with rollover protection, hill descent control, cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity are all included in the price.
10. Nissan Juke - from £20,495
Apart from the high performance Nismo version, just one Juke model is available with all-wheel drive. And, unluckily for cost-conscious buyers, it’s based on the Tekna trim grade which pushes the cost up to £20,495.
+Front+Side.jpg "Nissan Juke Nismo (2013) Front Side")
Arguably, it’s still good value for money though, as the standard specification includes Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, climate control, rear privacy glass, a colour reversing camera, heated front seats, leather upholstery and 17” alloy wheels.
The Tekna’s reasonably rapid too, thanks to the 187 bhp (140 kW / 190 PS) 1.6 litre petrol engine which can take it from standstill to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 8.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 124 mph (200 km/h). However, the downside is mediocre average fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of 38.2 mpg (7.4 l/100km) and 169 g/km respectively.
Those few days of really harsh winter weather each year can be enough to convince some drivers that they must have an all-wheel drive vehicle, even though winter tyres, chains or even snow socks might actually be a better solution…
But do the benefits of 4x4 traction automatically come with an exorbitant price tag and scarily high fuel costs? The answer is not necessarily, as these ten candidates for cheapest 4x4 demonstrate:
1. Dacia Duster - from £10,995
| Duster Access 1.6 litre 16V 105 petrol 4x4 | £10,995 |
| Duster Ambiance 1.5 litre dCi 110 diesel 4x4 | £13,495 |
| Duster Lauréate 1.5 litre dCi 110 diesel 4x4 | £14,995 |
£8,995 might be the headline price for the Duster, but that amount only buys a front-wheel drive version. To enjoy the advantages of all-wheel drive, at least £10,995 is needed for the Access 4x4. Nevertheless, it’s still the cheapest 4x4 car currently on sale in the UK.
Its petrol motor produces a middling 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS), resulting in a 12.8 seconds 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time and a top speed of 99 mph (160 km/h). But don’t expect great economy as compensation for the missing performance, because the combined cycle consumption figure is a disappointing 35.3 mpg (8.0 l/100km). Even worse are the carbon dioxide emissions of 185 g/km.
Better efficiency is promised by the diesel versions, which both manage 53.3 mpg (5.3 l/100km) and 137 g/km. However, they are also considerably pricier.
In terms of specification, you get what you pay for with the entry-level Duster Access. It does have electric front windows and remote central locking, but there’s no air conditioning or audio system. It’s also worth remembering that the only colour on offer is white, although the bumpers and door mirror caps are left unpainted.
2. Suzuki Jimny - from £11,995
| Jimny SZ3 | £11,995 |
| Jimny SZ4 | £13,295 |
| Jimny SZ4 Auto | £14,195 |
A recent facelift is a good indication that the fifteen-year-old Jimny is going to soldier on for a while yet.
+Front+Side.jpg "Suzuki Jimny (2013) Front Side")
All versions are powered by a 1.3 litre petrol engine that develops 83 bhp (63 kW / 85 PS). Unsurprisingly, such a modest output means the little Suzuki is not quick. The manual-gearbox model completes the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) dash in a leisurely 14.1 seconds, before struggling on to a top speed of just 87 mph (140 km/h).
On the plus side, average fuel consumption of 39.8 mpg (7.1 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 162 g/km aren’t too bad.
3. Fiat Panda - from £13,950
| Panda 4x4 0.9 litre TwinAir petrol | £13,950 |
| Panda 4x4 1.3 litre MultiJet diesel | £14,950 |
This latest incarnation of the Panda 4x4 is an appealing mix of city car and off-roader. At its heart is a ‘torque on demand’ all-wheel drive system that’s supplemented by an Electronic Locking Differential. The baby Fiat looks the part too, courtesy of its raised ground clearance, skid plates, roof rails, black wheel arches and side mouldings.
£13,950 buys the TwinAir-powered model, which features an 83 bhp (62 kW / 85 PS) two-cylinder petrol engine. Capable of 103 mph (165 km/h), it delivers an impressive average fuel consumption of 57.6 mpg (4.9 l/100km) with carbon dioxide emissions of just 114 g/km.
The diesel might be slightly more economical but, because it’s slower and produces more CO2, it’s hard to justify the extra expense over the TwinAir.
4. Suzuki SX4 - from £15,899
| SX4 SZ5 1.6 litre petrol 4x4 | £15,899 |
| SX4 SZ5 2.0 litre DDiS diesel 4x4 | £17,699 |
Because all-wheel drive is only available with the range-topping SZ5 trim grade, the prices for 4x4 versions of the SX4 are high compared to other models in the range. Equipment levels are fairly generous though, as the spec includes six airbags, electric windows front and rear, cruise control (but curiously only on the diesel), automatic air conditioning, 16” alloy wheels and rear privacy glass.
+Side.jpg "Suzuki SX4 SZ5 (2010) Side")
The 118 bhp (88 kW / 120 PS) 1.6 litre petrol engine is sprightly enough, accelerating the SX4 from rest to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 11.5 seconds and giving it a top speed of 109 mph (175 km/h). It’ll also manage 43.5 mpg (6.5 l/100km) on the combined cycle, while CO2 emissions are 149 g/km.
Unless huge mileages are going to be covered, the case for the 133 bhp (99 kW / 135 PS) diesel is weak. It might achieve 53.3 mpg (5.3 l/100km) and emit 139 g/km of CO2, but it’s barely any quicker than the petrol version and it carries a significant £1,800 price premium.
5. Suzuki Grand Vitara - from £15,995
| Grand Vitara SZ3 3-door 1.6 litre petrol | £15,995 |
| Grand Vitara SZ4 3-door 1.6 litre petrol | £16,685 |
| Grand Vitara SZ3 3-door 2.4 litre petrol | £16,705 |
| Grand Vitara SZ4 3-door 2.4 litre petrol | £17,330 |
| Grand Vitara SZ4 3-door 2.4 litre petrol auto | £18,405 |
| Grand Vitara SZ4 5-door 2.4 litre petrol | £19,290 |
| Grand Vitara SZ5 5-door 2.4 litre petrol | £20,970 |
| Grand Vitara SZ5 Auto 5-door 2.4 litre petrol | £22,045 |
| Grand Vitara SZ5 5-door 1.9 litre DDiS diesel | £23,275 |
Yet another Suzuki. This time it’s the Grand Vitara, which is most affordable in three-door SZ3 form.
+Front+Side.jpg "Suzuki Grand Vitara 5-Door (2013) Front Side")
Featuring a 105 bhp (78 kW / 106 PS) 1.6 litre petrol engine, it won’t quite crack 100 mph and a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 14.4 seconds can’t be described as quick. Unfortunately, efficiency is distinctly unexceptional too, as CO2 emissions are 195 g/km and average fuel consumption is 34.5 mpg (8.2 l/100km).
Nevertheless, the Grand Vitara SZ3 comes with a decent specification that includes roof rails, 16” alloy wheels, an electronic stability programme, reclining front and rear seats, automatic air conditioning and a four-speaker radio and CD player.
6. Vauxhall Mokka - from £18,200
| Mokka Tech Line 1.4 litre petrol 4x4 | £18,200 |
| Mokka Tech Line 1.7 litre CDTi diesel 4x4 | £18,990 |
| Mokka Exclusiv 1.4 litre petrol 4x4 | £20,200 |
| Mokka Exclusiv 1.7 litre CDTi diesel 4x4 | £20,990 |
| Mokka SE 1.4 litre petrol 4x4 | £22,700 |
| Mokka SE 1.7 litre CDTi diesel 4x4 | £23,490 |
Prices for the Mokka range start from £15,995, but that sum isn’t enough for all-wheel drive.
The least expensive 4x4 offering is the Tech Line variant powered by a turbocharged 1.4 litre petrol engine. Developing 138 bhp (103 kW / 140 PS), it achieves a very creditable 44.1 mpg (6.4 l/100km) in the Mokka while producing 149 g/km of carbon dioxide.
Tech Line models come fitted as standard with electric windows all-round, satellite navigation, USB connectivity, cruise control and 18” alloy wheels.
7. SsangYong Korando - from £18,785
| Korando SX | £18,785 |
| Korando EX | £21,445 |
| Korando EX Auto | £22,995 |
The SsangYong brand might not be particularly well known in the UK, but among the Korean firm’s offerings is the neat-looking Korando crossover. Prices start at £18,785 for the SX 4x4 although, like many of the other vehicles listed here, cheaper front-wheel drive versions are also available.
+Front+Side.jpg "SsangYong Korando (2012) Front Side")
Power comes from a 2.0 litre diesel engine that’s connected to a six-speed transmission. Developing 146 bhp (110 kW / 149 PS), it delivers a top speed of 116 mph (186 km/h) and 45.6 mpg (6.2 l/100km) on the combined cycle. Carbon dioxide emissions are 157 g/km.
The Korando SX features a decent level of kit, with 16” alloy wheels, six airbags, an electronic stability programme, cruise control, rear parking sensors and a six-speaker audio system all fitted as standard.
8. Škoda Yeti - from £18,825
| Yeti S 2.0 litre TDI CR diesel 110PS 4x4 | £18,825 |
| Yeti SE 1.8 litre TSI petrol 160PS 4x4 | £20,900 |
| Yeti SE 2.0 litre TDI CR diesel 110PS 4x4 | £20,385 |
| Yeti SE 2.0 litre TDI CR diesel 140PS 4x4 | £21,210 |
| Yeti SE 2.0 litre TDI CR diesel 140PS 4x4 DSG | £22,465 |
| Yeti SE Plus 1.8 litre TSI petrol 152PS 4x4 | £20,855 |
| Yeti SE Plus 2.0 litre TDI CR diesel 110PS 4x4 | £21,085 |
| Yeti SE Plus 2.0 litre TDI CR diesel 140PS 4x4 | £21,910 |
| Yeti SE Plus 2.0 litre TDI CR diesel 140PS 4x4 DSG | £23,165 |
| Yeti SE Plus 2.0 litre TDI CR diesel 170PS 4x4 | £22,745 |
| Yeti Elegance 1.8 litre TSI petrol 160PS 4x4 | £22,835 |
| Yeti Elegance 2.0 litre TDI CR diesel 110PS 4x4 | £22,320 |
| Yeti Elegance 2.0 litre TDI CR diesel 140PS 4x4 | £23,145 |
| Yeti Elegance 2.0 litre TDI CR diesel 140PS 4x4 DSG | £24,400 |
| Yeti Elegance 2.0 litre TDI CR diesel 170PS 4x4 | £23,980 |
The Yeti continues to be one of the most desirable members of Škoda’s current line-up. While less expensive front-wheel drive models are available, the £18,825 ‘S’ is the starting point for the 4x4 selection.
+Front+Side.jpg "Skoda Yeti Sochi (2013) Front Side")
Its 2.0 litre diesel engine delivers 108 bhp (81 kW / 110 PS), which is enough for a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 12.2 seconds and a top speed of 108 mph (174 km/h). Modest performance then, but the trade-off is a decent 46.3 mpg (6.1 l/100km) average fuel consumption figure and CO2 emissions of 159 g/km.
Standard equipment isn’t overly abundant, although the Yeti S comes with 16” alloy wheels, front and rear electric windows, air conditioning, a trip computer and roof rails.
9. SsangYong Rexton - from £19,995
| Rexton 270 S | £19,995 |
| Rexton 270 S Auto | £21,495 |
| Rexton 270 EX Auto | £23,995 |
Unlike anything else in this top ten, the Rexton boasts a seven-seat interior. It’s quite a bit larger too, measuring 4,720 mm (15’ 6”) long with a kerb weight of over two tons.
+Front+Side.jpg "SsangYong Rexton (2012) Front Side")
That’s a lot of bulk to drag around, so the Rexton uses a five-cylinder, 2.7 litre common-rail diesel engine that produces 162 bhp (121 kW / 165 PS) and 340 Nm (250 lb/ft) of torque. On the combined cycle it achieves a respectable 32.8 mpg (8.6 l/100km), although CO2 emissions of 229 g/km are predictably high.
The ‘S’ trim grade misses out on side airbags, but an electronic stability programme with rollover protection, hill descent control, cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity are all included in the price.
10. Nissan Juke - from £20,495
| Juke Tekna 1.6 litre DIG-T petrol 190PS 4WD M-CVT | £20,495 |
| Juke Nismo 1.6 litre DIG-T petrol 200PS 4WD M-CVT | £22,195 |
Apart from the high performance Nismo version, just one Juke model is available with all-wheel drive. And, unluckily for cost-conscious buyers, it’s based on the Tekna trim grade which pushes the cost up to £20,495.
+Front+Side.jpg "Nissan Juke Nismo (2013) Front Side")
Arguably, it’s still good value for money though, as the standard specification includes Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, climate control, rear privacy glass, a colour reversing camera, heated front seats, leather upholstery and 17” alloy wheels.
The Tekna’s reasonably rapid too, thanks to the 187 bhp (140 kW / 190 PS) 1.6 litre petrol engine which can take it from standstill to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 8.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 124 mph (200 km/h). However, the downside is mediocre average fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of 38.2 mpg (7.4 l/100km) and 169 g/km respectively.
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