News that the new Range Rover Evoque will come with a two-wheel drive option may shock the brand purists, but fake 4x4s are nothing new. Then there's Nissan's funky looking Juke - only one version of the line-up has all-wheel-drive, even though it's touted as a 4x4/sport crossover. Range Rover and Nissan are not alone - the drip-drip of high-riding SUVs has turned into a torrent and now there's plenty of rugged '4x4s' that only have two driven wheels.
Here's our top five...
1. Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi PureDrive Visia
At a whisker under £16,700, the Qashqai is very good value. Spec levels are decent, it feels well built and while the 1.5-litre diesel is no ball of fire, it returns adequate performance. The trade-off is a very affordable Band D road tax charge of £90 a year.
Price £16,695 CO2 emissions 129g/km. VED Band D. Fuel economy 57.6mpg
2. Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi 140 2WD Zetec
Looks great and looks much better value thanks to Ford's recent price cuts, which have taken up to £1,300 off. The Kuga has always been one of the best of the breed when it comes to on-road ride and handling - front-wheel-drive means you needn't feel obliged to get it muddy.
Price £20,495 CO2 emissions 156g/km. VED Band G. Fuel economy 47.9mpg
3. Volvo XC60 D3 DRIVe ES
Good looking and with a stylish and well-made interior, the XC60 builds on the success Volvo has enjoyed with the larger XC90 SUV. DRIVe badging means it's the lowest-emitting model in the range, while the badge ensures strong residual values.
Price £26,795 CO2 emissions 154g/km. VED Band G. Fuel economy 47.9mpg
4. Toyota RAV4 2.2 D-4D 150 XT-R 2WD
A perennial favourite among SUV buyers, the RAV4 also offers strong residuals and average fuel economy of 49.5mpg - creditable for vehicle of this size. Now comes with a five-year warranty as Toyota moves to assure buyers that the recent mass recall was merely a blip.
Price £22,410 CO2 emissions 150g/km. VED Band F. Fuel economy 49.5mpg
5. BMW X1 sDrive 18d SE
An unusual model in this company as the X1 sDrive is rear-wheel drive while the others all channel power through the front wheels. The EfficientDynamics diesel engine delivers an astonishing 54mpg while ensuring the X1 drives in a manner befitting the brand.
Price £23,315 CO2 emissions 136g/km. VED Band E. Fuel economy 54.3mpg
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