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.