Peak performance

I am a GP, mountain rescue doctor and am about to do blue light training to respond as a volunteer for the local ambulance service. I need something that covers all three bases, i.e. very fast, suitable for adaptation to blues & twos, enough ground clearance and grip for rural/off road jobs and looks respectable enough for driving around as a GP during the day. I am a girl and therefore struggle with parking (so I'm a bit reluctant about wielding an estate), although I need a lot of boot space for kit. I will mostly be responding solo so back seats are not a big priority (I'm not doing school runs, etc). I'm currently driving a Honda CRV 2.2 diesel, but I need something faster. Price range would be up to £30k. Any ideas would be gratefully received.

Asked on 20 February 2010 by V.G., Macclesfield

Answered by Honest John

Discreet, with excellent handling (far better than any SUV), a BMW X1. See: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road_tests/index.htm?id=413

Tags: buying small 4x4s new cars specialists suvs

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