What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

What's the best small automatic SUV/crossover for driving in snow?

Me and my wife are a young couple (28 years old) and we're after a new car. We would prefer a fun but very reliable SUV/crossover with sufficient power to go off-road. We live in the Balkans and had very harsh winter with temperatures below -20c with snow so we need a petrol 4WD, probably automatic as I broke my knee when I was young so the clutch in rush hour is a problem for me. What is your opinion on the Mazda CX-3? Do you have some other suggestions we should consider?

Asked on 14 January 2017 by Bosnia_Fan

Answered by Honest John
The cheapest answer if you can bring yourself to change gear is the Dacia Duster 1.2 TCe 125 4WD, which is actually a very good, very honest car and comes with five full sized mud and snow tyres: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/dacia/dacia-duster.../ But, of course, a Mazda CX-3 is altogether more stylish and is available with the Skyactiv G 2.- 150PS engine, 4WD and Mazda's excellent 6-speed torque converter auto. Two other possibilities are the KIA Sportage 1.6 T GDI 4WD manual or DCT and the Hyundai Tucson with the same drivetrain: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/kia/kia-sportage-2.../
Similar questions
I've owned a Honda CR-V 2.2 EX for 4 years now and it's been great. I'd like to replace it with something the same size, certainly no smaller, but with a better quality, more upmarket interior. I like...
I am looking to change my Volkswagen Golf 1.4 DSG petrol for a Nissan Qashqai auto 1.2 because I need a higher car due to back problems. However, I'm concerned it will be underpowered on motorway trips....
I'm looking at a new Renault Kadjar 1.5 diesel automatic. During a test drive, I accelerated hard and the revs were quite high in relation to the speed. The salesman assured me this was normal for auto...
Related models
Exceptional value for money – an SUV for the price of a small hatch, low running costs, hugely practical, large boot and spacious cabin.
Enjoyable and good to drive. Good quality interior finish. 2.0-litre petrol is smooth and economical.
Cabin is spacious and comfortable. Lots of family appeal with affordable running costs and huge boot.
One of the best crossovers on the market, well-equipped, seven-year warranty, practical and spacious.