Winters have been extremely unpredictable over the last few years, with severe snow hitting the country with little or no notice and leaving many drivers stranded.
As a result, more and more buyers are turning to SUVs for their off-road, all-weather ability to ensure they can stay mobile during the winter months.
And there's been a boom in SUV models in recent years, which is great news for buyers keen for their next car to be as capable on snow as it is on summer roads – because there has never been more choice.
There's something for all budgets and tastes. Models like the Dacia Duster offer full off-road ability for the price of a supermini, while the likes of the Range Rover Evoque are every bit as capable but come with the kind of style and desirability you’d expect from a luxury German car.
Here are our top 10 winter cars:
1. Dacia Duster compact SUV Key points 5.0 /5
Price: £8,995 - £15,295
The Dacia Duster offers SUV looks and commendable off-road ability for the price of a modest supermini – and won Best 4x4 and Car of the Year in the 2013 CarBuyer Awards. Available in both two and four-wheel-drive, the Duster should be on your list if you want a good value, winter-friendly car. The economical 1.5-litre diesel engine should keep running-costs down, too.
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2. Mazda CX-5 SUV Key points 4.7 /5
Price: £21,595 - £29,395
The Mazda CX-5 is one of the new breed of sleek and sporty-looking SUVs and is one of the most distinctive cars on the road. It's available in two and four-wheel drive, has an excellent range of economical and powerful engines, and is surprisingly fun to drive for such a big car. It's also spacious and comfortable – so its winter-driving capability comes without any compromises whatsoever.
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3. Kia Sportage SUV
Price: £17,495 - £28,695 Key points 4.6 /5
The Kia Sportage was crowned our 4x4 of the year in 2012 due to its mix of driver enjoyment, comfort and quality. The comprehensive seven-year warranty, extensive list of safety equipment and practical interior make it a versatile SUV. The Sportage offers a well-rounded package and is a top-notch winter car.
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4. Skoda Yeti SUV Price: £16,600 - £27,050 Key points 4.5 /5
The Skoda Yeti has been a runaway success since its launch in 2009 – and for good reason. It’s great to drive and cheap to run, while the practical interior makes carrying large items a doddle. Specify four-wheel-drive and you’ve got yourself a great winter companion.
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5. Audi TT Coupe
Price: £24,630 - £50,720 Key points 4.4 /5
A surprise addition to our top 10 winter cars, the Audi TT quattro is available as a coupe or convertible and can be specified with Audi’s famous all-wheel-drive quattro system. This makes it a superb all-weather sports car. Top-notch build quality and strong residuals make it a great new or used buy.
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6. Land Rover Discovery 4 SUV
Price: £39,990 - £59,450 Key points 4.3 /5
This list wouldn’t be complete without a Land Rover. The Discovery is expensive, but nothing this side of a Defender comes close to matching it for sure-footed, all-weather ability. If the likelihood of getting snowed-in this winter worries you, you can’t go far wrong with the Discovery.
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7. Range Rover Evoque SUV
Price: £29,200 - £46,650 Key points 4.0 /5
The Range Rover Evoque has to be one of the most beautiful cars on the road. But, fortunately, it has the substance to back up the style – it's just as good off-road as it is on it. It's also comfortable and luxurious – in fact it won CarBuyer's Best Luxury 4x4 at our 2012 awards.
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8. Hyundai Santa Fe SUV
Price: £25,850 - £34,875 Key points 3.6 /5
Although Hyundai is asking a £3,000 premium for the new Santa Fe over the old one, the revised SUV still represents good value. Standard kit is impressive, while the all-wheel-drive models offer a decent degree of all-weather grip. Attractive styling and the option of seven seats complete the package.
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