Smallest, lightest AWD/4x4s
Discussion
Going to head down to the alps for some snowy driving soon and was thinking, four wheel drive is all well and good, but it's not much help if your car weighs a ton (or two). Have seen some amusing scenes where drivers of big 4x4s obviously believed every second of the advert, and thought their car could do anything. Car of choice for locals is something tiny, FWD, and French.
Only daydreaming, but I was thinking I'd love a (old model) Panda 4x4 to skid around in, but they go for absolutely huge money in France. What are some other very lightweight 4x4s?
I can think of:
New shape Panda
Suzuki Jimny
Suzuki SX4
Daihatsu Terios
Daihatsu Fourtrak
Only daydreaming, but I was thinking I'd love a (old model) Panda 4x4 to skid around in, but they go for absolutely huge money in France. What are some other very lightweight 4x4s?
I can think of:
New shape Panda
Suzuki Jimny
Suzuki SX4
Daihatsu Terios
Daihatsu Fourtrak
.
Crossflow Kid said:
....and has sporty tyres on it.
It's all about the tyres.
Exactly. Heavy 4x4's like Landcruisers, Patrols, Disco's and Defenders are exceptionally capable with the right tyres for the conditions. In snow ditch the big tread mud tyres for winters and they will be just fine. Just remember the weight for stopping is all and don't disrespect that. It's all about the tyres.
If you can find one and don't want to spend big money, definately a Subaru Justy.It's a Suzuki swift with the 4x4 drivetrain.Mine was superb in the snow.
I'm also 'snottering' around in a Honda HR-V at the moment.Not a proper 4x4 as such, but still feels light and easy to chuck about and has the rear wheels kick in when needed.It certainly has more of a small car feel than the CR-V I had a while back.
I'm also 'snottering' around in a Honda HR-V at the moment.Not a proper 4x4 as such, but still feels light and easy to chuck about and has the rear wheels kick in when needed.It certainly has more of a small car feel than the CR-V I had a while back.
Edited by Digby on Saturday 23 November 07:46
Digby said:
If you can find one and don't want to spend big money, definately a Subaru Justy.It's a Suzuki swift with the 4x4 drivetrain.Mine was superb in the snow.
I'm also 'snottering' around in a Honda HR-V at the moment.Not a proper 4x4 as such, but still feels light and easy to chuck about and has the rear wheels kick in when needed.It certainly has more of a small car feel than the CR-V I had a while back.
Another HRV here, had it a few months now as it replaced an 07 Grand Vitara. We did 40k ish in the GV before my missus wanted something sportier. Great cars but as Digby said, the Honda drives more like a Civic thats been lifted than a 4x4. A bit marmite in the looks department, mine is a 5door, later facelift version "Hyper" spec. Prices range from sub £1k up to £4.5 for a late low mileage. Personally I think the Honda real time awd system is perfect for the road as it doesnt drag or screech tyres when turning tight circles, fuel economy seems ok, about 35 mpg combined.I'm also 'snottering' around in a Honda HR-V at the moment.Not a proper 4x4 as such, but still feels light and easy to chuck about and has the rear wheels kick in when needed.It certainly has more of a small car feel than the CR-V I had a while back.
Edited by Digby on Saturday 23 November 07:46
Mine was £2.5k with 77k and history, 10 month rent and ticket and a private plate. Put some winters on it and fingers crossed it will do the same job as the GV did!
With these feet said:
Another HRV here, had it a few months now as it replaced an 07 Grand Vitara. We did 40k ish in the GV before my missus wanted something sportier. Great cars but as Digby said, the Honda drives more like a Civic thats been lifted than a 4x4. A bit marmite in the looks department, mine is a 5door, later facelift version "Hyper" spec. Prices range from sub £1k up to £4.5 for a late low mileage. Personally I think the Honda real time awd system is perfect for the road as it doesnt drag or screech tyres when turning tight circles, fuel economy seems ok, about 35 mpg combined.
Mine was £2.5k with 77k and history, 10 month rent and ticket and a private plate. Put some winters on it and fingers crossed it will do the same job as the GV did!
I picked my old shape 3 door up for £440 and it's turned out to be a great car really! As you say, it feels like a jacked up civic.The newer shaped ones look really nice and I think I may go that route in the future.The HR-V was good in the snow, too, but certainly felt more like you were in something shogun-ish.I'm putting the Vredestein Snowtrac's on it today as it happens. Mine was £2.5k with 77k and history, 10 month rent and ticket and a private plate. Put some winters on it and fingers crossed it will do the same job as the GV did!
Weight is largely irrelevant as some of the smallest and lightest have SUV's have virtually zero capability.
If you want a vehicle for the snow, start with the correct tyres, than move on to ground clearance (the more the better) and finally I recommend a manual gearbox with a true locking mechanical transfer box and ideally solid front and rear axles with manually locking differentials.
This is about as good as you can get in the mud/snow
The smallest truck I can think of which would meet most of these requirements would be a suzuki jimny, lada niva or UAZ 469
If you want a vehicle for the snow, start with the correct tyres, than move on to ground clearance (the more the better) and finally I recommend a manual gearbox with a true locking mechanical transfer box and ideally solid front and rear axles with manually locking differentials.
This is about as good as you can get in the mud/snow
The smallest truck I can think of which would meet most of these requirements would be a suzuki jimny, lada niva or UAZ 469
Edited by skyrover on Saturday 23 November 09:12
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