THE EVOLVING 4X4 MARKET

By chance, the features that 4x4s evolved to help them climb rocky hillsides and plough up mud-clogged tracks out in the wilds have endeared them to family buyers in our towns and cities. Manufacturers have capitalised on this basic appeal, building in better on-road driving dynamics along with higher specifications and more versatile interiors, so that there's now a 4x4 to suit just about everyone - even those who really do plan on getting their tyres muddy.

Much of the criticism levelled at 4x4 vehicles is based around size, whether it's in terms of the extensive exterior dimensions or the gas-guzzling V8 engines that are imagined to be throbbing away under the bonnet. If you want a leviathan off-roader with single figure urban fuel economy, it is possible to get one but most people don't, and that's why the majority of 4x4s sold are from the compact 4x4 sector.

These 'soft-roaders' typically take-up no more space on the road than the average family saloon and are packing modest petrol or diesel powerplants. Manufacturers have forsaken some of the off-road ability in order to build in a more comfortable on-road ride and more accurate handling, although most will still cope well with light forays off the beaten track. The major players in this sector include the likes of Nissan's X-Trail, Honda's CR-V and Land Rover's Freelander with Subaru's Forester being a popular choice for those that like to tow caravans. Many 4x4 enthusiasts of a more practical nature have started to consider popular 4x4 pickup models like the Mitsubishi L200 and the Isuzu Rodeo.

Family 4x4s are bigger and more expensive than their compact counterparts. Many feature an additional row of seating in the rear, boosting capacity to as many as seven persons. Increasingly, they also incorporate MPV-style seating systems where the individual chairs slide, fold or lift out altogether to give greater flexibility to the cabin space. Legroom in the middle row tends to be quite adequate but the rearmost seating in most models is best reserved for smaller children.