ALL-WHEEL DRIVE and four-wheel drive can make a big difference to the driving experience. They can help vehicles accelerate faster and more smoothly, help with traction in slippery conditions and aid more extreme off-roading.
But whatever your reasons for wanting a car with AWD or 4WD (there is a difference, read about it here) we’ve found the ones that do the least amount of damage to your bank balance.
Suzuki Ignis, €17,995
Powered by a 90hp 1.2-litre petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox in SZ5 AllGrip trim. Read our Suzuki Ignis review.
Suzuki’s AllGrip system on the Ignis will quickly apply the brake to any wheel that it detects slipping or losing traction. Whilst doing this it focuses drive power on the opposite wheel which improves escape performance by using traction control to limit the loss of engine torque.
Mitsubishi Lancer, €20,495
Powered by a 115hp 1.6-litre petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox in Intense trim.
The Mitsubishi Lancer may be better known for its high-performance versions but the standard model has just as much engineering prowess.
Suzuki Swift, €20,495
Powered by a 1.2-litre petrol with Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS) electric augmentation mated to a five-speed manual gearbox in SZ5 AllGrip trim.
The Suzuki Swift is nippy and grippy and great for city dwellers. If you are looking for an all-wheel drive supermini the Swift is a great option.
Dacia Duster, €20,690
Powered by a 11hp 1.4-litre diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox in Signature trim. Read our Dacia Duster review.
The Dacia Duster is one of the best value cars you can by in terms of space and capabilities. It is a roomy SUV with a Nissan-derived four-wheel drive system with a centre differential lock – allowing selectable 2WD, Auto and Lock modes for proper off-roading adventures.
Fiat Panda Cross, €20,945
The Fiat Panda Cross is a fun to drive car with great off-road capabilities. It is a tough little car and uses a clever torque-on-demand transmission system to enable its Electronic Locking Differential (ELD) and Electronically Stability Control (ESC) to manage torque delivery in low-grip circumstances. This Panda will really get you into the wild.
Powered by 95hp 1.3-litre diesel engine with five-speed manual gearbox.
Suzuki SX4 S-Cross, €20,995
The four-wheel-drive system of the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross is switchable, so you can manually lock the car in four-wheel-drive mode for maximum grip and security or you can set it so that the system decides when extra traction is needed.
It is powered by a 110hp 1.0-litre petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox in SZ4 trim. Read our Suzuki SX4 S-Cross review.
Subaru Impreza, €26,995
Subaru has a solid record when it comes to all-wheel drive systems and if you need a family hatchback with excellent all-weather abilities the Impreza is one to put on your shopping list.
It is powered by a 114hp 1.6-litre petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual or automatic gearbox.
Suzuki Vitara S, €27,995
The Suzuki Vitara S is an all-seasons small and light crossover that is fitted with the rather sophisticated AllGrip four-wheel drive system that automatically distributes torque to the rear wheels when it detects the front wheel losing grip. Controlling the vehicle to prevent grip being lost in the first place, rather than reacting after grip is lost, results in greater stability.
It is powered by a 140hp 1.4-litre petrol engine mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Skoda Yeti, €28,150
The Skoda Yeti can climb any mountain and ford any stream thanks to its well proven Haldex all-wheel drive system. The Yeti is one very accomplished motor and a very cool one too.
At this price point it is powered by a 110hp 2.0-litre diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, in Active trim.
Suzuki Vitara, €29,245
Yet another Suzuki model, this features the ‘feed forward’ AllGrip system. The driver can choose between four AllGrip modes: Auto mode means the Vitara sends its power to the front wheels unless otherwise required, Snow mode uses full-time four-wheel drive, Lock mode sends equal power to the front and rear regardless of wheel-spinning and Sport mode sharpens up the throttle response, adjusts the power steering assistance and changes the priorities of the four-wheel drive system.
Powered by a 120hp 1.6-litre diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox in SZ5 AllGrip trim.
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