Five of the best off-road crossovers

WHAT IS IT?

The EX is Infiniti's (the premium brand of Nissan) first car - a kind of compact 4x4 coupe with neat styling. It offers four-wheel-drive capability with premium build quality and potent performance with a 320bhp V6.  

Price (new) - £35,975

Insurance Group - 19

CO2 emissions - 265g/km

Road tax/BIK band - M/35%

Fuel economy - 25mpg (petrol)/33mpg (diesel)

Power - 315bhp

WHAT IS IT?

The 3008 is Peugeot's attempt at combining a hatchback, a people carrier and an off-roader. It might not be as stylish as something like the Qashqai but it has a practical interior, a large boot, a split tailgate and excellent road manners.

Price (new) - £16,695

Insurance Group - 5

CO2 emissions - 159g/km

Road tax/BIK band - G/19%

Fuel economy - 40mpg (petrol)/ 57mpg (diesel)

Power - 120bhp

WHAT IS IT?

The Juke is Nissan's attempt at finding another gap in the car market, and filling it. The Juke is a 'sporty 4x4/supermini' which gives the high driving position and styling of an off-roader, with small proportions, an economical engine and front-wheel drive. It's funky, cheap and good on fuel.

WHAT IS IT?

The Scout is a pumped-up Octavia saloon, with four-wheel drive. It's designed to give you the practicality of an estate with the off-road, or poor-weather ability of a proper 4x4. Performance is good with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, and it's pretty capable on the rough stuff.

WHAT IS IT?

The Countryman increases Mini's model line-up to four, and with a 4x4 it's a now a bona fide brand. The Countryman is half off-roader, half family hatch and comes with four-wheel drive as an option. There's plenty of space with a large boot, and the car comes with plenty of equipment like a DAB radio, Bluetooth, six airbags and air conditioning.