Top Five 4x4 Cars in 2015

14 November 2016

4x4s have always been a staple of British motoring life, but have recently seen something of a renaissance as the range of models and manufacturers has increased.

Despite a long-standing emphasis on utilitarian comfort in favour of off-road capability, the most popular modern 4x4s are equipped to an incredibly high standard whilst still being fantastic in rugged rural settings. With the huge popularity of modern 4x4s, ALA GAP Insurance has put together a list of the top five 4x4 cars available today.

Audi Q Range

The Audi Q range is one of the best-selling groups of vehicles in the United Kingdom. The Q range, a practical choice of body type that suits a variety active lifestyles, provides the usual dose of high-quality Audi performance mixed with fantastic off-road capability. There’s even a hybrid version! The vehicle features include an impressive safety record, high ground clearance and a huge number of options – designed to maximise everything from space to comfort to off-road ability. The four different models in the range each have a distinctive size and level of trim available, all boasting a stylish coupe appearance and generous luggage space – up to 540 litres – making them ideal for both city and rural living.

BMW X Range

Originally debuting in 1999, the BMW X range is one of the greatest rivals to the dominance of the Audi Q series. Designing comfortable, fast vehicles that emphasise the brand’s focus on powerful fun hidden behind a restrained exterior, these 4x4s are extremely popular, and surprisingly capable off-road for a vehicle with such a high top speed. The X5 and X3 are both particularly popular crossover vehicles originally benefiting from Land Rover technology and components, and providing various levels of safety and off-roading capability.

Range Rover Range

The Range Rover outsells every other range of vehicles, except the Audi Q range – and if we include it under the Land Rover parent brand, then it is the best-selling 4x4 in the country. Growing more and more popular after lots of attention from footballers and celebrities looking for a large but luxurious vehicle, the Range Rover is boosted by the enormous range of options and availability. Styling of the Range Rover has changed drastically over the years, from older, boxier models to smooth-bodied designs, and the appeal to a more affluent market has upped both prices across the range and the level of luxury in the interior. Despite the reputation as a footballer’s car, or “Chelsea tractor”, the Range Rover remains a very capable 4x4 vehicle, and has a high safety rating.

Land Rover Range

Land Rover is, without a doubt, responsible for the genesis of off-road vehicles in the UK market, having produced one of the first 4x4s ever made in the UK. Ever since, Land Rover has represented the more traditional 4x4 vehicle concept – particularly with the current models available: the Discovery and the Defender. The Defender is perhaps one of the most recognisable, rugged 4x4s in the world, able to cope with almost any terrain or need. There are 9 different set-ups available, with everything from the traditional station wagon to a specialist-load chassis cab arrangement. The Discovery is nearly as iconic as the Defender, a staple of British driving life. A large family vehicle with fantastic off-road capability, the mixture of rough and ready 4x4 ability, and luxurious comfort has led to one fantastically popular 4x4 package – and the forerunner of the even more popular Range Rover.

Volvo XC Range

The Volvo XC vehicles are, like all Volvos, renowned for their safety above all else – and the XC range of 4x4s certainly tick all the boxes in that regard. Thanks in part to these safety features, the XC range also comprises incredibly reliable off-road vehicles. The front end is designed to absorb frontal impacts and also deflect any pedestrians up onto the hood of the vehicle rather than underneath the vehicle. Volvo has patented the unique frontal structure that features crumple zones, and predetermined positions for the engine and other ancillaries during a frontal impact. The roof is reinforced with ultra-high-strength steel to help prevent a collapse in the passenger cavity in the event of a roll-over. This system is closely associated with the Roll Stability Control, electronic stability control, and Volvo’s SIPS systems to prevent and ultimately minimise accident forces – just as useful on tough off-road courses as it is on the motorway. Even the rear portions of the car are cleverly designed to maximise passenger safety. The Volvo XC range is incredibly popular, with good reason, particularly with families.

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