I've recently moved to the wilds of Northumberland. The house is about a mile from the nearest village, which is then about 5 miles to the nearest town. Whichever way I go there is at least one hill of at least 1:6 to traverse, and most routes involve at least some open moorland, which apparently gets badly snowed under frequently.

I'm currently driving a Fabia estate, but contemplating something a little more suitable for the terrain and the weather to come (4wd, higher ground clearance).

My budget means I've got a couple of options:

- Buy an all out 4x4 for the winter. Budget 3-5k. Seems like it just about puts me in Freelander 2 territory, or Disco 2. No idea what else is worth looking at. I will need to make some longer journeys (300 mile motorway trips), so some comfort would be useful

- Swap the fabia for a more conventional 4wd car that will do me for all year round driving. Budget here would be 10k-ish, which looks like Tiguan/Octavia Scout money.

Doors anyone have any thoughts/recommendations? It seems like both options are a compromise (4x4 for being thirsty and uncomfortable for 'regular' driving, and 4wd estates for being less capable in the slippy stuff), but I don't know which is the lesser evil. Also if anyone has some other recommendations for specific cars that might fit the bill then that would be very much appreciated also.

Many thanks!