Which 4WD to replace my Toyota RAV4?

My Toyota RAV4 has been a good and reliable servant for the last ten years but, at 110,000 miles, it’s beginning to creak a bit, so I'm thinking about a replacement. We need space for passengers and for luggage. I like the RAV4's 4WD, and it actually came in handy during the winter of 2009/10, but is that a bit of a luxury? I'm thinking about the new Volvo V40, the Audi A3 4WD or a smaller utility car with hybrid technology. Do you have any suggestions?

Asked on 17 November 2012 by DB, Cardiff

Answered by Honest John
Maybe a Skoda Yeti 1.8TSI AWD (power and fuel economy have been improved since this test): www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/skoda/skoda-yeti-1.../

A Volvo V40 is just a compact hatchback, like a Focus or a Golf. If you don't really need 4WD, why not a KIA cee'd Sportswagon with a seven year warranty? www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/kia/kia-ceed-sw-20.../
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