I have been considering the Suzuki SX4 1.6 petrol SZ5 and new Panda petrol twinair 4x4. I'm looking for a small-ish vehicle with some off-road capacity and good ground clearance in order to cope with rutted tracks and steep hills but one that is reasonably nippy in town and on motorways.

These two look as though they would do the job. Although I liked it I think the petrol 4WD Skoda Yeti is expensive to run and a bit big, as is the forthcoming Dacia Duster. I'd be grateful for your opinion or any other suggestions that you may have. My budget would be up to £15,000 or so. Thank you.