WINTER DRIVING SPECIAL

Stay safe on the roadoad this winter with our guide to the cars, kit and tyres to buy

IT’S the time of year every motorist in the UK dreads. The dark nights set in, temperatures plummet and the UK’S road network grinds to a halt thanks to unpredictable weather and unprepared drivers.

To ensure you’re fully equipped for the coming months, Auto Express has put together a comprehensive winter driving special to give you all the top tips and tools you’ll need.

Our special issue kicks off with a rundown of the 102 best SUVS on sale in the UK today. From Alfa Romeo to Volvo, every SUV is ranked in our countdown. But to make it as comprehensive as possible, we’ve taken into account more than just how accomplished an SUV is off road or on poor surfaces.

In such a crowded area of the market, value for money, practicality and running costs are equally important; SUVS need to tick a whole host of boxes to be worthy of consideration today.

In addition, our handy guide to the best all-season tyres will ensure you don’t get wrong-footed by the unpredictable weather, and we’ve rounded up some essential kit and picked out some key driving courses to ensure you’re fully prepared.

THE Shogun is another unashamedly old-style 4x4, so regardless of whether you opt for the short-wheelbase three-door version or the much larger five-door, this is a vehicle that can perform in the toughest of conditions.

In one way or another, this rugged SUV has been around since 1983, and a newgeneration model is just around the corner featuring the latest plug-in hybrid power.

Problem is, while Mitsubishi has ensured the Shogun can go anywhere, it has failed to keep up with rivals for ability on the road, where it is noisy and slow. Throw in some really steep running costs and it’s difficult to make a case for this SUV. Price range: £31,389-£43,305 Our pick: LWB SG2 (£35,045) Engine: 3.2-litre 4cyl diesel, 187bhp Transmission: 5-spd auto, permanent 4WD Top speed: 112mph Economy: 31.4mpg CO2: 238g/km