Looking for a car that’s small but also utilises four-wheel drive and can manage some off-road driving?
In this guide, we pick out five small cars that are capable of handling low-grip surfaces but are also far easier to manoeuvre and cheaper to run than traditional 4x4s and SUVs.
Fiat Panda 4x4
The current Fiat Panda has a reputation for being a competent and endearing city car, but it can also be incredibly versatile tackling areas away from the cities. That is evidenced by the 4x4 version which exists in the Panda range.
Sporting extra, tougher body panels and swapping front-wheel drive for four-wheel drive, the Fiat Panda 4x4 is very adept at tackling a variety of off-road terrains, even with its modestly-sized engines.
On the road, there’s not quite as much poise as you get from a standard Panda, but there’s actually not much body roll and it’s still fun thanks largely to its direct steering.
Alongside the Panda 4x4, you can also consider the Panda Cross which has even tougher bodywork, but sacrifices on-road dynamics more to improve the car’s off-road capabilities. Pricing starts at about £14,500 for the 4x4, or from just over £16,000 for the Cross.
Find prices for the Fiat Panda hatchback
Mazda CX-3 Sport Nav AWD
Of all the compact crossovers currently on sale, the Mazda CX-3 is not just one of the sharpest-looking but is also well equipped and comes with some real frugal engines that benefit from SKYACTIV technology.
Go for the range-topping Sport Nav trim and you can swap the standard front-wheel drive with all-wheel drive, in combination with the 104bhp 1.5-litre diesel or 148bhp 2.0-litre petrol. Pricing for the CX-3 AWD starts at about £22,500.
With an all-wheel drive specification selected, you get more driveability on low grip terrain or when you’re on the road in adverse weather conditions. This is great, as any CX-3 is already very easy to drive in town and the steering is really smooth and quick to react to input.
Read our full review of the Mazda CX-3
Find prices for the Mazda CX-3 compact SUV
Suzuki Swift 4x4
The standard Suzuki Swift is a great entry into the supermini segment. It’s competitively priced, the handling is sharp, the ride is decent and it’s well equipped too.
There’s good variety with the current Swift as well. For instance, there is the Swift 4x4 model, available with the top two trims, SZ3 and SZ4, and starting from just over £12,000. Using an 89bhp or 93bhp 1.2-litre petrol, the Swift 4x4 gains distinctive underbody protection and of course swaps front-wheel drive for a four-wheel drive set-up.
Though it hasn’t been transformed into a full-on off-roader, the Swift 4x4 can tackle some basic off-road courses without trouble. Like the standard Swift models, the 4x4 version is also still nimble and fun to drive on the road but it also provides extra reassurance when the weather turns miserable.
Read our full review of the Suzuki Swift 4x4
Find prices for the Suzuki Swift hatchback
Dacia Duster 4x4
Is your main goal to simply find a small and really affordable off-roader? If that’s the case, then consider a 4x4 model from the Dacia Duster range.
Available with front or four-wheel drive, the latter starts from only about £11,500. For that sort of money you can have a new compact 4x4 which may look and feel rather utilitarian but is also competent at tackling off-road surfaces and spacious inside.
Four-wheel driven Dacia Dusters can use either a 113bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine or a 108bhp 1.5-litre diesel when choosing a trim above the standard one. If you’re planning to do a lot of off-road driving in a straightforward 4x4 which can seat four other passengers and a decent amount of luggage, the Duster is fit for purpose.