10 Best 4 x 4s

Instead of opting for the sole purpose station wagon or MPV to transport you and the kids, most families tend to go for a vehicle that feels equally at home parked in front of a school gate in Pretoria, as it does scaling a sand dune in the Namib Desert. Here is a list of our favourite SUVs in different price ranges, but in no specific order.

1. Renault Duster 1.5 dCi Dynamique 4WD
Firstly, it’s a French car, and secondly, it has a small capacity engine. But the noble and down-to-earth Duster surprised us all with its off-road ability. After taking it to a nature reserve and seeing how it kept up with the big dogs like the Jeep Cherokee, we know can see why it’s so popular. At R 269 900 it’s hard to beat, and it boasts great fuel economy too. It was also a COTY finalist. Check it out at www.renault.co.za

2. Land Rover New Discovery Sport
The newly launched Discovery Sport is the car to have if your image is as important to you as your weekends away to remote places. With a beautiful new face, perfectly matched by its off-road prowess, the Discovery Sport (From R545 901) is the ideal combo of brains and brawn. Feeling even more adventurous? Land Rover Defenders come in all shapes and sizes. From R 516 500 for 2015 models. Visit www.landrover.co.za

3. Toyota FJ Cruiser
Even though the FJ Cruiser (R 516 500) is a bit of a gas-guzzler, we love its boxy, rugged, retro design and the fact that it leaves no hill unclimbed. The V6 exhaust note makes it extra special, plus there’s that reliable badge on its nose. Go to www.toyota.co.za

4. Lexus NX 200 t
With a brand new, 2.0-litre turbocharged engine (a first for Lexus), the brand hopes to rake in some buyers who would normally go for Audi Q5’s and BMW X3’s. With handling that is as dynamic and sharp as a smaller hot hatch, the NX is a joy to drive, whether it’s to the supermarket or the great outdoors. As a crossover, it’s not suited to hardcore off-roading, but its wheels can be locked into 4 x 4 mode for rainy conditions. From R 539 900 for the NX 200 t E variant. Read our review here, and visit the Lexus website at www.lexus.co.za .


5. Jeep Renegade
It’s Jeep’s first foray into the B-segment crossover market, and it competes with the Nissan Juke and the Kia Soul. But the flagship 2.4 litre 4 x 4 Trailhawk variant of the Renegade (R435 990) is built for real bundu-bashing. Cool design features and good build quality make it interesting as well as capable. But if you’re not the type of person to venture further off-road than a high sidewalk, the entry-level Renegade 1.6 Longitude retails for R 340 990. Go to www.jeep.co.za for more info.

6. Suzuki Jimny
Plenty of low-end grunt, solid axle suspension, a light body and short little wheelbase are winning ingredients for fantastic four-wheel-drive fun and urban manoeuvrability. Even though the Jimny is not meant for infinite highway cruising and carting kids to school, it is truly talented when it comes to tackling tiresome terrain. We prefer the Jimny 1.3 MT at R 228 400.

7. Ford Ranger
Ford’s Bestselling bakkie proves that there’s a Ranger for every palate and purpose, with the least expensive four-wheel-drive variant, the Ranger 2.2 88kW XL 4 x 4 5MT Single Cab Diesel, coming in at R 321 900. If you want a more family-orientated Ranger, consider the top-of-the-range 3.2 WildTrak 4 x 4 6AT Double Cab Diesel, at R 558 900. Watch our WildTrak video here. Pictured is the new Ranger, which launches in SA in the fourth quarter of this year. (For more info, go to www.ford.co.za)


8. Volkswagen Amarok
Volkswagen’s well-balanced Amarok boasts the most car-like handling of all the bakkies out there. We like its clean design and perky, yet frugal two-litre turbo-diesel engine, as well as its smooth, 8-sp auto gearbox. From R 328 700 for the manual Amarok 2.0 TDI 4Motion. It’s also due for an upgrade – watch this space! www.volkswagen.co.za

9. Chevrolet Trailblazer
The Chevy Trailblazer has already proved itself to be a trusty steed in the off-the-beaten-track department, and now that it features dark leather seats and Chevrolet’s super user-friendly MyLink Touchscreen Infotainment system, it’s sure to appeal to a whole host of buyers. The Chevrolet Trailblazer LTZ 2.8 4 x 4 MT (144 kW) variant is priced at R 551 100. www.chevrolet.co.za

10. Nissan Patrol
For the serious 4 x 4 enthusiast who’s more concerned with what  a car can do than what it looks like, the Nissan Patrol is tough as nails. Whether you’re traversing the trickiest mountainous terrain or wading through 700 mm water, the Patrol won’t let you down.  R 700 600 for the 3.0TD GL 4 x 4 M/T variant. View the complete specs at www.nissan.co.za

 

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