COMMERCIAL 4X4’S There has been an explosion in the 4X4 marketplace in recent years and the range is now very extensive

YOU would be surprised how many people buy 4X4s, but would never consider taking a proper course to learn how to drive one.

The end result is that when bad weather strikes or you want to do a bit of off-roading, you are not able to exploit the abilities and potential your 4x4 has, so the best advice is that when you buy one, ask your dealer what one-day courses are available.

You also need to consider, how you are going to use the vehicle. Some 4X4s never leave the tarmac, in which case a two-wheel drive vehicle would probably be the best option, without going to the added expense of four-wheel drive.

You also need to think about fuel consumption (diesel or petrol). This is where the two-wheel-drive models, with ‘shift on the fly’, come into their own because they help cut fuel bills.

Some 4x4s tend to pitch and wallow through bends so test any vehicle thoroughly on the road before buying it and given the standard of our roads you won’t have to drive far to encounter a few potholes, which naturally are best avoided.

One clear advantage of driving a 4X4, even a 2WD version, is that you are higher up so you can see further. Try looking ahead on country roads; you can better see over crests and across corners and that makes driving safer.

There has been an explosion in the 4X4 marketplace in recent years and the range is now very extensive, with oldstyle 4x4s, SUVs (sports untility vehicles), Crossovers (those that bridge the difference between a car and an SUV, and 4X4 estates among them. In simple terms, all 4x4s are SUVs – but not all SUVs are 4x4s. Many crossovers are two-wheel-drive, and this combined with their slightly lower ride height often makes them more fuel-efficient than traditional 4x4s and SUVs.

‘ Traditional’ 4x4s may be not so smooth to drive on the road compared with more modern-feeling SUVs, so they only really make sense if you spend large amounts of your time off-road, or regularly need to tackle steep, slippery slopes.

However, they are also useful if you regularly tow heavy loads. Due to their rugged body-on-frame construction, they’re stronger, which means they often come with higher maximum towing weights than their SUV counterparts.

If you don’t spend much time off-road, however, and don’t regularly tow heavy loads, you’ll probably be happier with a modern, monocoque 4x4 or SUV.

There are far more models of this type of car available; indeed, the vast majority of 4x4s you see on the road are of this sort.

While many of these are larger and more cumbersome than the equivalent estate or hatchback, they’re easier and more car-like to drive than the traditional, heavy-duty 4x4s. So if what you want is a high driving position, four-wheel drive to cope better with slippery surfaces, and plenty of space for the kids, this is probably the best choice.

Most of the main stream marques offer a range of 4X4s and SUVs, that will precisely match you needs.

Naturally Landrover readily comes to mind when you think 4X4, but Opel, Citroen, Mitsubishi and Nissan all have some tasty offerings. including some fantastic and versatile commercial vehicles to suit all your business needs.

So do you homework before you head to the showrooms and happy off-roading.