Top 10 cars for winter driving
Cars that'll tackle the winter months head on
THERE’S nothing worse than buying a car only to find it can’t cope with icy conditions.
When it comes to driving in winter conditions, you want a car that can grip the road. Simple, right? Four-wheel-drives are more economical than ever and they’re now more competitively priced. Good family cars are more comfortable and better equipped than in years gone by too.
Top 10... These cars will have no problems in the winter months
Then there’s crossover SUVs, which are rapidly changing the car market with their raised suspension and surprisingly good fuel economy.
Whatever you’re after, we’ve selected ten cars that will cope well with slippery roads, keeping you and your family safe when you’re out and about this winter. Oh, and they won’t break the bank either.
Top 10 cars for winter driving…
1. NISSAN QASHQAI - BUY USED FROM £1,000. READ THE FULL ROAD TEST
All weather... The popular Nissan Qashqai copes well in all conditions
This game-changing SUV is a quality car in all conditions, and while 4x4 mode might not make it the ultimate off-roader, it certainly improves the already impressive drive quality on slippery surfaces.
2. BMW 3 SERIES - BUY USED FROM £1,195. READ THE FULL ROAD TEST
Added extra... The xDrive option makes a huge difference to the 3 Series in icy conditions
If your 3 Series is one with the xDrive four-wheel drive option, you won’t struggle this winter. The car will be more expensive to run (and buy) with this extra, but you can’t put a price on your safety – and that’s exactly what it will give you during the coldest months of the year.
3. DACIA DUSTER - BUY USED FROM £7,000. READ THE FULL ROAD TEST
Budget brand... The Dacia may not cost a lot but it'll do just the job this winter
You’ll struggle to find a better car on a budget that copes with a slippery surface. Renault’s budget brand has earned a good reputation for producing reliable cars, despite the low-cost. They’ll grip the road well, either with a diesel or petrol engine. And although they come with few trimmings, there is heating – so you won’t be cold on your winter journeys.
4. RANGE ROVER SPORT - BUY USED FROM £12,995. READ THE FULL ROAD TEST
Top notch... For the price, we'd expect this 4x4 to be able to cope with freezing temperatures - and it does
There’s a reason these are so popular, they’re terrific. Sure, they’re not the cheapest 4x4s on the market but there’s a reason for that, they can handle even the worst snowy/icy weather. If conditions require it, the low-gear transmission will help you plough through. If you can afford spending a bit extra on winter tyres, you’ll be as safe as can be.
5. SKODA OCTAVIA (SCOUT) - BUY USED FROM £990. READ THE FULL ROAD TEST
Solid... Four-wheel-drive on the Scout means it's ideal for tricky road surfaces
The Octavia is an all-round solid performer but the Scout is even better for winter driving thanks to its four-wheel drive. So not only do you get a good, comfortable drive with plenty of room inside, it’ll also handle the roads well. The Stout is more expensive, but at this time of year it’s worth paying a that little bit more.
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6. SUZUKI SX4 S-CROSS - BUY USED FROM £12,799. READ THE FULL ROAD TEST
Great drive... The S-Cross is very comfortable, and won't break the bank
It’s cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai and is more than capable of tackling freezing conditions thanks to its ALLGRIP four-wheel-drive technology, the latest development of the all-wheel-drive expertise gained from the Jimny and Grand Vitara 4x4s. Plus, it’s a fun and comfortable drive so you won’t mind sitting inside as you take it slow on the icy roads.
7. VOLVO XC90 D5 - BUY USED FROM £6,450.
Beast... You'll have no problem getting to where you need to be with the XC90 D5
High levels of safety equipment and smart four wheel drive system mean the XC90 D5 will grip slippery surfaces no problem. It’s so clever; it’ll push power to the back wheels if the front ones aren’t gripping enough. As you might expect with a large vehicle, there’s plenty of room inside and it scored a five-star rating for the adult occupants in its Euro NCAP safety test.
8. MINI COUNTRYMAN COOPER D ALL4 - BUY USED FROM £9,995. READ THE FULL ROAD TEST
All4... Throw in four-wheel-drive and you're on to a winner with this MINI
We handed the Countryman a perfect 5/5 rating earlier this year thanks to its great fuel economy and go kart-like drive. Not to mention that it’s great on all surfaces. The grip is unbelievable and with traction control off, the mild under steer is easily controlled and enjoyable even in the wet, plus the slick six-speed manual offers short, fast gear changes.
9. SKODA SUPERB - BUY USED FROM £2,743.
Winter driver... It's a good drive anyway but the winter tyres means it copes well with snow
When fitted with the correct tyres, you’ll get as much grip with this as almost any other car on the road. They’re not the cheapest cars but you certainly do get value for money, especially in trickier conditions. Inside, there’s plenty of room for both the driver and passengers and it comes with all the mod-cons you’d expect. Consider this if you’re buying a car in the coming months.
10. FIAT PANDA CROSSOVER - READ THE FULL ROAD TEST
Great value... The best-ever looking Panda tackles slippery surfaces no problem.
“The best looking Panda to date and will get you to Tesco in the snow too,” was what we said about it when we tested it earlier in the year (it scored 4/5). It’s where it’s off-road that it really thrives, which means a little bit of snow on the road is no trouble. Plus, you can pick up a new one for under £16k so you’ll be getting your money’s worth when the temperature really begins to drop in a few months’ time.