A Subaru Forester is a good buy for that purpose.

If you can find one, a Skoda Octavia in 4x4 trim is also good. I had one when I was living in CZ and that would go round the mountain ski areas in the depths of winter there with no problems when fitted with winter boots.

No problem seating four and the hatch (4x4 only available on the Mk1) has a big enough boot for most purposes - it's cavernous. Newer ones only get all four wheels driven on the estate variant.

Forester is an ideal vehicle probably the best choice for your needs, and you are right to spend not too much, as you really want pre 06 plate other wise you will likely be in £460 VED bracket if you have a petrol, but don't dismiss its Legacy sisters, every bit as capable especially in Outback form with raised height.

You'll still need decent tyres for the sort of motoring you intend it for, but i'd simply replace the set on it with quality snowflake marked all seasons (preferably purchased in summer when prices fair) as and when they need replacing.

At your height a Defender would be excrutiating so good job that idea is shelved, if you could get in you will be folded up with your arms bashing the doors when trying to steer and you legs jammed up under the wheel, a truly dreadful cab design, better in station wagon form as a in inch or two more seat movement.

Remember backdating the VED on 01 to 06 cars was only postponed not completely cancelled to the best of my knowledge, don't put it past a desperate bankrupt govt (term used loosely) to reinstate the original plans to bring those years into line, though unlikely we hope.