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Recommend a four-wheel drive family hatchback or estate car?

Could you give me a list of family sized hatchbacks and estates which have 4WD? My Subaru Impreza Sport is due for replacement but my wife loves the security of 4WD in winter. She's not so keen on 'big' off roaders but we do have a dog and birds of prey, so space is important. I know the Legacy is one option and there is also the Skoda. Audi have 4WD versions of the A3 and A4 but they tend to be sports derived and therefore expensive on insurance. Whatever we choose, I would probably buy a set of spare wheels with winter tyres fitted. Your advice will be appreciated.

Asked on 28 May 2010 by mcredtail

Answered by David Ross
Here's a list of four-wheel drive cars to consider. They're mainly family-sized hatchbacks (similar to your existing Impreza) so they're not too big. Skoda Yeti (available with two or four-wheel drive), Skoda Octavia 4x4 (and the Octavia Scout which also has four-wheel drive and extra ground clearance), Nissan Qashqai (available with two- and four-wheel drive), Jeep Patriot (unusual choice but can be decent value secondhand, and the 2.0-litre diesel is a Volkswagen engine), Subaru Impreza (the latest version still has 4WD on all models), Subaru Legacy and Subaru Outback.

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