Be prepared to get muddy on an off-road adventure.
Be prepared to get muddy on an off-road adventure.
For the most part, driving is a practical activity. Cars take us where we want to go, when we want to get there. They’re a comfortable place to spend time, with high tech entertainment systems to help keep passengers entertained and the latest navigation gadgets mean we don’t spend any more time on the road than we have to. It’s all become a little bland. Cars are capable of so much more. Rather than sticking to the same old routes like everyone else, you can choose to take the path less travelled and set your 4x4 free. If you’re looking for adventure, you might already have the perfect car in your driveway.
Whoever looked at a Panda and thought, ‘I like it but I wish it could go off road’ was clearly a genius. First came the Panda 4x4 and then this SUV-inspired evolution. It works perfectly as a dainty city car but you can tell from the side-mouldings, raised ride height and 15-inch alloy wheels that this small car means business. Using the ‘Terrain Control Selector’, you can choose from three driving modes to suit the conditions: auto, off-road and hill descent control. The Panda Cross is one of the more unusual 4x4s on the road but that just adds to the fun.
The latest incarnation of the Tiguan may have moved into the premium sector with its elegant looks and luxurious interior but that doesn’t mean there isn’t an animal under the bonnet waiting to get released from this refined repression. The electronically controlled 4Motion system utilises a range of technologies, including gear pre-selection, ESP hydraulics and adjusted electronic differential lock, to ensure you master every surface. To help you avoid any dangerous hazards, the front facing camera provides a better view of the terrain head. If you’re planning on taking the car off road regularly, then it’s well worth getting the outdoor kit, which offers added underbody protection.
Now in its 9th generation, the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser remains one of the most capable and reliable 4x4s on the market. With its roots as a military vehicle, it’s certainly become far more luxurious over the years with cabin refinement among the best in the sector. Although most owners probably never properly challenge their Land Cruisers, this vehicle really comes to life when you take it off-road and the 2.8-litre engine shows its versatility. The low-ratio gearbox and differential lock mean that you’ll have no trouble negotiating even the most rugged terrain.
Jeep knows a thing or two about creating all-terrain vehicles and this compact 4x4 delivers where it matters. While this car might be designed to compete in the crossover segment, Jeep’s heritage shines through and it feels more at home in the mud than it does on smooth city roads. The all-wheel drive system allows you to select mode depending on conditions. You can choose from snow, sand or mud and the set-up will adjust to suit the surface although you can always just leave it on auto and let this intelligent system do all the hard work. If you’re planning on a really challenging journey, the 2.0-litre diesel engine packs plenty of extra punch and with the option of a nine-speed automatic transmission, you should be able to take on anything.
The Dacia Duster may have a reputation as a cheap and cheerful option and you might think that means its 4x4 credentials are little more than a gimmick. Well think again. With its strong looks, it has everything you’d expect from an off-roader with expanded wheel arches, large wheels and excellent ground clearance but its off-road credentials go far beyond the cosmetic. Like everything it does, the Duster will take on the challenges of off-roading without much fuss. Just switch it into four-wheel drive mode and you might be surprised by how much torque and control you get in the low gears, perfect to take on the trickiest of inclines.
The G-Class is at the upper end of the 4x4 market, but from its imposing utilitarian looks you can tell that this behemoth is ready to take on anything. While it may have plenty of added luxuries like leather upholstery, heated seats, parking sensors and infotainment system, underneath it all this is a vehicle purely designed for off-roading. You’ll get better approach and departure angles than almost any other road car available and it has the capability to forge 600mm of water without compromise, meaning the G Class really can really can take you places other cars can’t.
